THE SILENT CRISIS OF UNDOCUMENTED CHILDREN AND WHAT WE ARE DOING ABOUT IT

Globally, 164 million children under five remain unregistered, with 91 million of them living in Africa. In Cameroon alone, a staggering 3.3 million children lack birth certificates, including over 2 million of school-going age. The Anglophone crisis has left many internally displaced, further deepening this issue.

A birth certificate is more than just a document—it is a child’s legal identity, proof of citizenship, and a gateway to fundamental rights, including education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation. Without it, children become invisible to the government, excluded from national planning for education and healthcare, and vulnerable to child labour, trafficking, early marriages, and radicalization.

Studies have also shown that undocumented children are at a higher risk of drug abuse and illegal activities in their struggle to survive.
These deplorable effects are preventable, and solutions must be prioritized to restore children’s childhood, dignity, and potential.

Annette Ewusi, Foundation Manager of the NSO-Inspired Foundation and a Future Africa Leaders Foundation Ambassador, has taken bold action to address the birth registration crisis. Over the past two years, her organization has personally financed and facilitated the distribution of 100 birth certificates to displaced children, ensuring their right to education, legal identity, and fundamental human rights.

JOIN US to give identity to these children.