WHEREAS, establishing a system of registration of vital events plays a key role in planning political, social and economic developments, in providing different social and economic services to citizens and in making the justice administration expedient and effective;

WHEREAS, it has become necessary to create accessible, comprehensive and compulsory registration system on the basis of which citizens can effect proper and timely registration of vital events;

WHEREAS, the issuance of national identity cards to citizens has become important for the protection of national security, and for providing efficient services to citizens by the public and private sectors;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55 sub-article (1) and (6) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows: