The National Identification Agency (Anip) of Benin has announced a special operation to provide free birth certificates to children under 14 years old. This initiative, which runs from September 16 to 30, 2026, aims to register children whose births were recorded but no birth certificate was issued. The program is part of the 2026 Identity Day celebrations and is supported by Unicef.
According to Anip's Director General, Aristide Adjinacou Gnahoui, the initiative seeks to address the issue of unregistered births in Benin. Many children in the country do not have birth certificates, which can hinder their access to basic services such as education and healthcare. The free birth certificate program is expected to benefit thousands of children across the country.
The operation is specifically targeting children whose births were recorded but no birth certificate was issued. Anip is working with local authorities and Unicef to ensure that all eligible children receive their birth certificates. Parents or guardians can visit designated centers to register their children and obtain a free birth certificate.
The program is part of a broader effort to improve identity documentation in Benin. The government has been working to strengthen the national identification system, with support from international partners such as Unicef. The free birth certificate initiative is expected to contribute to this effort by increasing the number of registered births in the country.
Benin's Identity Day celebrations, which take place on September 16, aim to promote the importance of identity documentation. The day was established to raise awareness about the need for all citizens to have a valid form of identification. The free birth certificate initiative is a key component of these celebrations.
The National Identification Agency has urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the free birth certificate program. Anip has set up designated centers where parents can register their children and obtain a free birth certificate. The agency has also provided a hotline for parents to obtain more information about the program.
The free birth certificate initiative is expected to have a positive impact on children's lives in Benin. By providing them with a vital document, the program will help to ensure that they have access to basic services and can exercise their rights as citizens. The program is also expected to contribute to the development of a more comprehensive and accurate national identification system.
Key points
- The initiative aims to provide free birth certificates to children under 14 whose births were recorded but no certificate was issued.
- The program runs from September 16 to 30, 2026, and is supported by Unicef.
- The initiative seeks to address the issue of unregistered births in Benin and promote identity documentation.
