Douala: UNHCR enrolls 3,200 refugees for Biometric Identity Cards.

The operation was led by the General Delegation for National Security, DGSN. This was in collaboration with the Ministry of External Relations. 

It was aimed at bringing essential government services closer to refugees living in the country’s economic capital. 

The exercise UNHCR said is part of efforts to strengthen refugee identification and improve access to protection services through accurate and up-to-date data. 

According to UNHCR, reliable information on refugee populations is critical to understanding their needs and ensuring that protection responses are better informed and targeted. 

UNHCR further added that the exercise was particularly significant in Douala, a highly mobile urban environment where reaching refugee communities can present logistical challenges. 

The enrollment of more than 3,200 people within six days, UNHCR said, reflects the importance of community engagement and close cooperation between government authorities, humanitarian organisations and refugee communities. 

The joint initiative, the agency said, illustrates the role of partnerships in improving refugee protection in the country by making services more accessible, strengthening data collection and ensuring that authorities and humanitarian actors have better information to respond to the needs of displaced populations. 

The exercise it added demonstrates the importance of continued collaboration between government institutions, humanitarian partners and refugee communities in ensuring that refugees can access essential documentation and protection services. 

UNHCR also commended the Douala V Council for providing an accessible and suitable venue for the exercise, while appreciating the security personnel whose support contributed to the smooth and safe completion of the operation. 

 This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3890 of Wednesday August 26, 2026