Distinctive IDs for infants draw flak

Manama : The Information & eGovernment Authority’s (iGA) move to allot distinctive personal numbers to newborns if the parents pay a certain amount of fee has come under sharp criticism of the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS).

According to the BHRWS, it undermines the Bahraini citizen’s right to equality. The numbers come in three categories and are available to be purchased for newborns. The first category is ‘Gold’ which costs BD100, apparently a guaranteed way to buy the most appealing numbers that are issued in the country, second category costing BD75 is ‘Silver’, and the third category is ‘Bronze’ for BD50. 

The move goes against the Constitution of the Kingdom and the universal principle of human rights and the principles of equality, BHRWS said in a statement. 

“This service is optional for people who like distinctive numbers,” the IGA stated. However, purchasing the number comes with certain conditions. 

“It is not acceptable to book a distinctive ID prior to infant birth or saving an ID for another infant. One or both parents of the newborn should hold a personal number. The Distinctive ID should be selected within one month maximum from the date of birth. The fees paid for Distinctive ID is not refundable,” the iGA stated explaining the conditions.

“The announcement from the iGA to offer distinctive numbers in gold, silver and bronze with prices ranging from 50 to 100 dinar goes against the constitution of the Kingdom and the universal principle of human rights and the principles of equality. Citizens are equal before the law in rights and duties and should not be discriminated against,” the BHRWS stated.  It asked the authority to remove the service.  “The concept of equality among citizens means equality among themselves before laws and regulations, as well as equality in public facilities and services provided to them by the government. The BHRWS calls on the e-government to remove this service to promote parity and equality,” it stated.