Diagnosis of Civil Registry and National Identification Systems in Haiti
Summary — This report presents a diagnosis of the civil registry and national identification systems in Haiti. It highlights the structural and sociological elements that prevent civil registry offices from functioning effectively as a public service, and it examines the articulation of these systems with the National Identification Office (ONI). The study also explores the challenges faced by Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic regarding civil registration and identification.
Key Findings
- Civil registry offices often function as private entities due to lack of state funding.
- Customary practices often override legal procedures in civil registry offices.
- Vulnerable populations face significant barriers in accessing civil registration and identification.
- The absence of legal identity hinders access to civil and political rights.
- The project of documentation of Haitians in Dominican Republic remains the most adapted solution for migrants and their children.
Full Description
This report provides a comprehensive diagnosis of the civil registry and national identification systems in Haiti, examining the structural and sociological factors that impede their effective functioning. It delves into the administrative and financial management of civil registry offices, highlighting the lack of a national budget for their operation and the resulting reliance on fees charged to citizens. The study also investigates the challenges related to birth registration, judicial procedures, and specific difficulties faced by vulnerable populations such as children in care, prisoners, and Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, it analyzes the articulation between the civil registry system and the National Identification Office (ONI), exploring the ongoing efforts to modernize these systems and ensure access to legal identity for all Haitians.