In Za’atari refugee camp, Syrian mothers wait to register their register their newborns with UNHCR. Za’atari Refugee Camp, Jordan,
31 August 2015. © UNHCR/Christopher Herwig
be tendered, for instance, if parents no longer possess the originals. This is a significant change because under
Jordan’s Personal Status Law only original identity documents or notarized copies were recognized when
registering a birth.
Vigorous community engagement has been another important feature of the response. Up to 200,000
brochures explaining the procedures for birth and marriage registration were distributed to Syrians residing in
camps and urban, peri-urban and rural communities across the country. The community continues to play a
key role in sharing information and providing guidance to refugees. A dedicated UNHCR information hotline
and help desks have been established in numerous governorates; through them and other means, UNHCR field
offices and legal partners maintain two-way communication with communities. As a result of these combined
efforts, approximately 39,607 families received legal counselling and help to obtain civil status documents in
2016. The fact that more than twice as many cases have been assisted compared to the previous year reflects
the community’s growing confidence in the services and advice that are offered.
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CAMPAIGN TO END STATELESSNESS WITHIN 10 YE ARS