More than 1,000 indigenous people from the Batwa community of Muhanga Commune of Kayanza Province in the north of Burundi have been issued with National Identity Cards and birth certificates thanks to the funding of US Embassy in Burundi.
Batwa from Ndava village in festive mood
Hope Association for Young Batwa (Assojeba) in partnership with the US Embassy in Burundi distributed those official documents to Batwa people on July 7. The ceremonies of distributing them took place in the Batwa village in Ndava area.
Evariste Ndikumana, chairman of Assojeba has said the national identity cards, birth, marriage certificates, etc., are fundamental documents for any citizen.” He says many Batwa are often victims of the fact that they don’t have these documents: “There are some who are imprisoned due to the lack of national identity card because they are suspected of being criminals,” says Ndikumana adding the loss of privileges given by the government such as the free health care for pregnant women and children under five years. “
Ndikumana calls on all Batwa to register in the civil registry offices. He recalls that “it is only after registration that their children under 5 can receive free health care” adding that possessing these documents gives them the right to elect and be elected. Ndikumana asks the government to do whatever it takes to ensure every Mutwa has his/her identity documents.
For Ashley White a cultural officer at the US embassy in Burundi, having access to these documents is of paramount importance. “They will facilitate social relationships. In addition, beneficiaries will now be able to participate in national events,” she said.
She adds that the issuance of national identity cards symbolizes citizen’s equality. “Citizen’s equality constitutes a fundamental value in my country,” she said.
All the interviewed beneficiaries say they are satisfied with the project and some of them ask the Assojeba association to issue those officials documents to many Batwa.
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