NGOZI, January 5th (ABP) – The leader of the Buhiga zone in Ngozi commune, Butanyerera province, Mrs. Daphrose Ndacayisaba, urges citizens not to delay registering newborn children. She reminds them that all births must be declared within 15 days. She made this statement during an interview with the Burundi News Agency (ABP).
Mrs. Ndacayisaba also indicated that a census campaign is underway to identify couples living together illegally, as well as children not registered in the civil registry. The goal is to guarantee the recognition and protection of their rights.
That zonal authority emphasizes the importance of civil registration, stating that birth registration guarantees children access to their fundamental rights, including education, healthcare, inheritance, and legal identity, to name but a few. She reiterates that all these aspects are linked to the Burundian Constitution and international commitments to the promotion of children’s rights. Following this census, a grace period will be given to raise awareness among unmarried couples, with the aim of regularizing their situation through collective marriages.
Furthermore, the leader of the Buhiga zone indicated that strict measures have been taken to prevent unwanted pregnancies. She calls upon village and neighbourhood authorities to enforce these measures, including evictions in cases of non-compliance. She added that awareness sessions are underway, particularly on family planning, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and the fight against unwanted pregnancies, with the support of community health workers and role models.
According to her, it has been observed in recent years that certain practices or beliefs can hinder child registration or the legalization of marriages. She therefore emphasized that community dialogue is essential to changing mindsets. She took this opportunity to invite faith leaders, community health workers, peace advocates (Abakanguriramahoro), local associations, and young people to get involved in raising awareness about legal marriages, reproductive health, and the fight against gender-based violence.