A Study of Statelessness in South Sudan - 2017 There are nonetheless circumstances for denial of age assessment certificates, notably in cases where there is a lack of proof for the applicant’s age, if no relatives are able to provide confirmation. In addition, the cost of the age assessment can be unaffordable for economically vulnerable individuals, effectively preventing them from acquiring national identification due to lack of supporting documentation. 102 Reportedly, the current cost of age assessment certificates is 135 SSP.103 While this is equivalent to only 1.1 USD (as of June 2017), most research participants are thought to be living on less than one dollar a day, and spending is thus primarily reserved for basic needs. 2.3 Contextual Factors Alongside legislative, administrative, and procedural risk factors of statelessness, South Sudan’s complex political and security context poses further challenges to accessing nationality, with widespread displacement, economic barriers, and limited awareness of the importance of nationality documentation. 2.3.1 Displacement Continued insecurity in South Sudan has led to widespread forced displacement of persons, which increases their vulnerability to statelessness.104 A key challenge in terms of access to nationality documentation for internally displaced persons (IDPs) relates to the requirement of witnesses. A DNPI staff member in Juba explains, “Doubtful applicants are required to produce recommendation documents from their local authorities, and if this is not possible then they can bring their representatives, pastors or chiefs who have knowledge about the applicants’ parents”.105 However, this is likely to be difficult if the applicant has been displaced, and is isolated from former community members. While DNPI staff are aware of such challenges, if investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department of the DNPI are inconclusive, “IDPs should return to their chief wherever they are and make sure they bring a stamped letter direct from the chief”.106 As a result, IDPs sometimes find themselves unable to meet the necessary requirements for nationality. For example, someone from the Greater Equatoria Region applied for a nationality certificate in Wau, but found their application denied due to a lack of available witnesses.107 Displaced persons are, as such, inherently disadvantaged in terms of access to nationality documentation. Due to their higher levels of financial vulnerability, many may also be unable to pay the required fees. 2.3.2 Economic Barriers The study has already revealed that the cost of travel to Juba represents a significant barrier for individuals whose nationality claims cannot be processed at the state level. Even without travel, certain unavoidable costs include the application form, assessment of age, unlawful blood group examination, and nationality application fee.108 Focus group participants estimate the current total cost to be between 3,000 and 4,500 SSP (25 to 37 USD as of June 2017), a substantial increase from previous years due to the economic crisis.109 As a result of the high costs, “People’s economic status plays a significant role in obtaining the nationality [certificate] because, currently, some people cannot afford to pay for nationality costs”.110 The economic crisis and resulting increase in costs associated with the certification of nationality has reportedly led to a sharp decline in the number of applications.111 Despite the interest in acquiring nationality documentation, other concerns take priority, KII with the Director of the State Medical Commission in Juba. Conversation with a Director of the DNPI, Juba. 104 KII with UNHCR Staff in Juba. 105 KII with DNPI Staff in Juba. 106 KII with the State Director of DNPI in Renk. 107 KII with DNPI Staff in Aweil. 108 KII with the State Director of DNPI in Renk. 109 FGD with FGD with female Dinka and Falata in Renk; FGD with male Dinka in Renk; FGD with male Madi and Acholi in Nimule. 110 KII with DNPI Staff in Juba. 102 103 27