The bureaucratic procedures make the regaining of Moldovan nationality by young people who were abandoned at birth and placed in national residential institutions difficult. The problem resides in the lack of the personal identification code that is allocated at birth.
In a news conference at IPN, executive director of the Public Association “Demos” Liliana Samcov said the procedure for regaining nationality lasts for about a year.
“It is very difficult when help must be sought from many community services that are not always receptive. We worked with embassies and ministries so as to restore the primary documents of some of the young people. It is very hard when the young people don’t have even birth certificate and everything must be done from zero. The procedure can last for up to 12 months. The first step is to find a person who would recognize the young people in court,” stated Liliana Samcov.
As they do not have personal identification codes, the young people cannot obtain an identity card when they turn 16.
Liliana Samcov said the restoring of the birth certificate is the task of child rights protection specialists, but they not always want to do this. The identity cards are thus legalized by the association, which also covers the costs. The state does not provide financial support for restoring birth certificates and for obtaining identity cards.
During six years, “Demos” helped 15 young people to recover birth certificates and the Moldovan nationality.
