Assessment Report I NRC Importance of identity and documentation in displacement civil The experience of the majority of respondents is that they need civil documentation in order to survive: to enjoy freedom of movement, to access safety, basic services, humanitarian assistance, and to ensure that their children can access education. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents stated that written identity documentation is necessary for a child to attend school. According to the Registration Instruction for the General Certificate Examination, No.534, ID cards are required in order for students to register for, and take, national Grade 9 and Grade 12 exams. In addition, about one third of respondents (29 per cent) reported that civil documents are required to move freely in their area of displacement. All but seven respondents reported that civil documentation is required in order to receive humanitarian aid. In contrast, most humanitarian organisations report that they do not make official identification documents a prerequisite for humanitarian assistance. Preliminary enquiries suggest that some humanitarian agencies operating cross-border from Jordan advise their partners/staff/volunteers to accept alternative documentation from beneficiaries that do not have standard identity documents. For example, they could accept multiple witness statements or letters of affirmation from mukhtars or other local leaders. Further research is recommended to clarify current practices in Dar’a and Quneitra and to promote best practices. NRC Assessment Report I 17