Govt urged to empower traditional leaders to issue IDs

The Zimbabwean government has been called upon to expedite efforts in training traditional leaders to issue essential primary documents, such as birth and death certificates.

This initiative is expected to lower transport costs, eliminate the need for witnesses, and improve access to documentation for rural populations.

The recommendations were highlighted in a report on the statelessness of migrants in Zimbabwe, compiled by the Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services, and War Veterans Affairs.

To tackle barriers in accessing primary documents, the government has trained village heads to issue birth and death confirmation records for individuals born or deceased outside healthcare facilities.

This pilot programme is currently underway in Manicaland and Matabeleland North, with plans to expand nationwide.

The Committee noted that traditional and religious beliefs often delay the naming and registration of children, contributing to low birth registration rates. "This has excluded children and their families from accessing education, health services, and food aid," the report stated.

The lack of primary documents has far-reaching consequences, including restricted access to education, employment, and basic services.

"The inability to obtain documents prevents citizens from actively participating in the economy. They cannot be employed, open bank accounts, or even purchase mobile phone lines," the report said.

The Committee highlighted the educational impact, noting that many students are forced to drop out before writing their primary school exams due to a lack of birth certificates. "This prematurely ends their educational careers."

Talented athletes were also noted to suffer, as the absence of primary documents prevents them from competing internationally or representing the country.

The report warned of heightened security risks stemming from an increase in undocumented individuals. "This could lead to spiralling criminal activities and human trafficking. Perpetrators would be difficult to trace as they remain unregistered," the report added.

In addition, undocumented populations contribute to inaccurate census data, hinder resource planning, and compromise poverty alleviation strategies. Stateless individuals are also deprived of voting rights, customary law benefits, and other social protections.

The Committee observed reluctance among some Registrar General's Office (RG) officials to assist individuals with unique cases.

"Clients are often turned away on unclear grounds. Officers fail to specify the requirements needed to obtain documents, creating unnecessary barriers," it noted.

The need for witnesses further increases the financial burden on applicants, discouraging many from seeking documentation.

As part of their recommendations, the Committee said there is need for government to set aside resources in order to conduct quantitative research to determine the number of people who are at risk of being statelessness in the country by 31 December 2025.

They also called for the Registrar General`s office to conduct public awareness programmes to encourage the public to obtain primary documents, outlining their importance including procedures for obtaining them particularly in mining areas where there are large numbers if undocumented people by 31 December, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee said there is a need for the Civil Registry Department to undertake ongoing refresher courses and training in customer care for officers so that quality service may be provided by the Department at all centers by 31 July 2025.

"The Civil Registry Department should specify at least minimum requirements needed for one to obtain either a birth certificate, National ID or Passport through advertisement of public outreach programs by 31st July 2025 in order to reduce unnecessary turn aways. This Will help to reduce the number of people who are undocumented," they said.

Meanwhile, the Committee also recommended that the Ministry should give a special dispensation for those who fall victim to natural disasters such as floods, lightning and infernos.

"These should be given amnesty to acquire their Primary documents without any cumbersome procedures by 31st July, 2025."

"Treasury should allocate more funds to Civil Registry Department to enable them to Conduct verification exercise to capture and record all the undocumented people so that they can be given a form of documentation in order for them to be identified and to participate in all aspects of life," said the Portfolio Committee on defense, home affairs.