In Peru, identity gaps impact thousands of individuals who lack official documents. These people face significant challenges in accessing basic services, securing formal employment, and participating in civic and political life.
To address this issue, free campaigns for obtaining the National Identity Document (DNI) are actively underway across the country. On July 20, the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec) announced it would provide over 130,000 electronic DNIs at no cost for children under four years old. This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for parents who have not yet applied for an identity document for their children.
According to Resolution No. 000116-2024/JNAC/RENIEC, published in the official newspaper El Peruano, Reniec authorized the first-time provision of free electronic DNIs. In total, 134,000 electronic DNIs will be issued to Peruvians aged from birth to three years, eleven months, and twenty-nine days.
Carmen Velarde Koechlin, head of the Reniec, encouraged parents who haven’t secured a DNI for their young children to visit Reniec centers. She emphasized that only electronic DNIs will be issued, as these documents offer greater security along with efficient and reliable authentication.
The campaign is set to commence on July 24 and will run until December 31. According to Reniec, the distribution of these 134,000 documents can be conducted at all Reniec service centers nationwide, including those located in hospitals and municipal registration offices that are interconnected with the institution.
Velarde confirmed that the application process for obtaining the electronic DNI for children under four years old will be free from July 24 until December 31.
It’s worth noting that this initiative represents the second campaign this year aimed at providing free electronic DNIs for young children. Between January 2 and June 30, many parents participated in a similar program, successfully registering 55,876 free documents in Lima alone. La Libertad and Piura also showed substantial engagement, with nearly 15,000 and 12,000 applications, respectively.
The key objective of this initiative is to close the identity gap within the country. By ensuring that all citizens have identification documents, the program seeks to confer recognition and rights to these individuals.
Velarde further explained that lacking official identification limits access to basic services and hinders individuals from fully exercising their civil rights. The Reniec initiative aims to ensure that every citizen is properly documented, which is crucial for their full inclusion in society.
An identity gap refers to the disparity between those who possess official identification documents and those who do not. This difference can have profound implications for individuals and socio-economic development within a nation.
People without official identification face numerous barriers. Without ID, access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social assistance becomes difficult. They are often excluded from the formal financial system, preventing them from opening bank accounts or obtaining credit, which limits their ability to improve their quality of life.
The absence of official documents can also stifle social and economic mobility. Without identification, opportunities for formal employment are severely restricted, leaving many trapped in informal or precarious jobs. Furthermore, these individuals may be deprived of their right to vote and fully participate in their country’s civic and political life.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/peru/2024/07/20/gran-campana-de-dni-electronico-gratuito-para-menores-reniec-entregara-mas-de-130-mil-documentos/
