UNHCR commends Cameroon’s new framework for issuing identity documents to refugees, enhancing their access to essential services and opportunities. The biometric ID initiative aims to foster inclusion and self-reliance for the over 1.4 million displaced individuals in Cameroon. However, ongoing international support is necessary to sustain these efforts and secure the future of refugees in the country.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed commendation for the Government of Cameroon for its effort to establish a national framework aimed at providing identity documents, including biometric identity cards, to refugees. This initiative is a response to the pressing situation of over 1.4 million displaced individuals in Cameroon, comprising approximately one million internally displaced persons and 430,000 refugees.
The newly introduced framework not only serves as proof of identity but also grants displaced individuals access to critical services such as healthcare, education, and employment, fostering their integration into society. UNHCR’s collaboration with the government emphasizes the importance of recognizing and including all refugees as part of these ongoing efforts.
Yvette Muhimpundu, the UNHCR Representative in Cameroon, stated, “We are proud of the results of our collaboration with the Government of Cameroon. This decree is a testament to Cameroon’s dedication to upholding the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees and ensuring that refugees have access to essential identification documents.”
The Cameroonian government has implemented various initiatives to boost refugee inclusion, notably a biometric identification program which has already produced legal identification for 25,000 refugees, thereby facilitating their access to essential services and economic opportunities. For individuals like Shelley Teckombi, a refugee from the Central African Republic, the biometric ID card signifies a chance for stability and the ability to freely access crucial services without the fear of legal repercussions.
However, despite these significant strides towards enhancing the status of forcibly displaced populations, ongoing international support remains critical to maintain the momentum of these initiatives. The need for sustained funding is vital to secure the integration and self-reliance of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Cameroon, ensuring that they do not remain deprived of essential services.
Given the current global displacement crisis, UNHCR stresses the importance of a coordinated approach, urging host governments and the international community to enhance support for those most affected by displacement.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between the Government of Cameroon and UNHCR to provide identity documentation to refugees marks a substantial advancement in addressing the needs of forcibly displaced populations. While significant progress has been achieved, continuous international support is essential to ensure that these initiatives are sustainable and yield long-term benefits for refugees and internally displaced persons. A united global response is crucial to foster stability and integration in communities facing this crisis.
Original Source: www.unhcr.org
