The Benin's National Agency for Identification of Persons (ANIP) announced on September 28 that over 32,000 children have received free birth certificates. This initiative, launched on September 16 in Parakou, aims to provide identification documents to children under 14 who had not previously obtained a birth certificate. The 15-day operation, supported by UNICEF, seeks to ensure that no child remains "invisible" to the state. According to ANIP's Director General, Aristide Guy Adjinacou Gnahoui, this effort is crucial for the children's recognition and access to basic services.
The free birth certificate service will conclude on September 30 at 11:59 PM. After this deadline, obtaining a birth certificate will no longer be free. ANIP encourages parents who have not yet received a birth certificate for their child to take advantage of this service before it ends. The agency has provided multiple channels for obtaining the certificates, including downloading them through the ANIP BJ application or the ANIP services portal. Parents can also visit the nearest ANIP office.
To facilitate the process, parents are advised to first dial *151# to retrieve their child's National Identification Number (NPI). They should then present the SMS received to the ANIP office. For those who have declared their child's birth or enrolled them in the RAVIP program without obtaining a birth certificate, they need to have the declaration form or RAVIP receipt number ready. This information allows them to access the service easily.
The ANIP initiative targets children under 14 who have not been issued a birth certificate. This population was identified as being at risk of social and administrative exclusion due to the lack of official identification. By providing free birth certificates, the government aims to enhance these children's access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. The support from UNICEF underscores the international community's recognition of the importance of this initiative.
Parents are encouraged to spread the word about the approaching deadline for free birth certificate issuance. The ANIP has made significant efforts to publicize the service through various channels, including social media and local outreach. By doing so, they hope to reach as many eligible children as possible before the service becomes fee-based.
The issuance of birth certificates is a critical step in ensuring children's rights and access to public services. In Benin, as in many countries, birth certificates serve as a foundational document for obtaining other essential documents and accessing basic services. The ANIP's initiative reflects a broader strategy to enhance civil registration and improve the lives of Benin's most vulnerable populations.
As the deadline approaches, ANIP continues to urge parents to take advantage of this free service. With over 32,000 certificates already issued, the agency remains committed to its goal of ensuring that all children in Benin have access to official identification. This effort is part of a larger endeavor to strengthen the country's civil registration systems and promote social inclusion.
Key points
- The free birth certificate service in Benin will end on September 30, 2026.
- Over 32,000 children have already received free birth certificates.
- The initiative aims to provide identification documents to children under 14 who had not previously obtained a birth certificate.
