Haiti National Identification Card Program

Quarterly Report
2nd Quarter, Fiscal Year 2024; January 1 - March 31, 202

October 2023 1
Program Name: Haiti National Identification Card Program

Activity Start Date and June 2, 2023 – June 1, 2026

End Date:
Name of Prime National Identification Office (ONI) in Haiti
Implementing Partner:
[Contract/Agreement] 72052123IO00001
Number:
Name of Pan American Development Foundation (PDAF)
Subcontractors/Subawar
dees:
Geographic Coverage Haiti
(cities and or countries)
Reporting Period: January 1 – March 31, 2024

ACTIVITY INFORMATION

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AOR Agreement Officer’s Representative
CIN Carte d’Identification Nationale / National Identification Card
CEPP Center for Electoral Planning and Promotion
CRE Civil Registration Expert
CRO Civil Registry Office
DO Development Objective
FY Fiscal Year
HAS Hospital Albert Schweitzer
IFES International Foundation for Electoral Systems
IHSI L'Institut Haïtien de Statistique et d'Informatique / Haitian Institute of Statistics
and Informatics
IOM International Organization for Migration
IR Intermediate Result
IRI International Republican Institute
LGBTI Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex
MU Mobile Unit
MUDP Mobile Unit Deployment Plan
MUO Mobile Unit Operator
MUOM Mobile Unit Operators’ Manual
NDI National Democratic Institute
OAS Organization of American States
ONI Office National d’Identification / National Identification Office
PADF Pan American Development Foundation
PAP Port-au-Prince
SF Strategic Framework
SOPs Standard Operating Procedures
SP Strategic Plan
ToRs Terms of Reference
TPC Transitional Presidential Council
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USAID The United States Agency for International Development
USIP United States Institute for Peace

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Activity Information

Acronyms and Abbreviations1. Project Overview.........................4

1.1 Project Description..........................................................................4

1.2 Activity Objectives..........................................................................5

2. Activity Implementation Progress...............................................6

2.1 Progress Narrative...........................................................................6

2.2 Implementation Status....................................................................7

3. Cross-Cutting Activities..............................................................12

3.1 Gender..........................................................................................12

3.2 Collaboration.................................................................................12

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3.3 Contribution from the Government of Japan.................................13

3.4 Communication...........................................................................14

3.5 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning ............................................15

4. Challenges and Lessons Learned..........................................15

5. Activities for Next Quarter.....................................................18

6. Financial Reporting.................................................................18

7. Appendices and Annexes........................................................19

1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.1 Project Description
The first national identification system was implemented in Haiti between
2006 and 2008 with support from the Organization of American States (OAS).
Over the period spanning from 2008 to 2019, more than 5.7 million National
Identity Cards / Carte d’Identification Nationale (CINs) were issued to Haitian
citizens aged 18 and above. Subsequent to the 2016-2017 electoral cycle,
the OAS Electoral Observation Mission underscored the necessity of
replacing previously distributed identification cards with new ones, towards
ensuring the accuracy of the voter registry.

Following a ten-year period, and in accordance with international standards

and best practices, Haiti introduced new biometric national identification
cards in 2019. The country’s National Identification Office / Office National
d’Identification (ONI) has since set out to update its database’s biometric
information and issue new national ID cards.

At the end of March 2024, the government registered nearly 5.85 million
Haitian adults for the new CIN, but only around 5.3 million persons received
the new card, according to ONI server data. Based on the information
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provided by the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics / L'Institut
Haïtien de Statistique et d'Informatique (IHSI), the current loose estimate of
the total Haitian adult population stands at 7.8 million. This figure considers
that each year, over 200,000 additional Haitians become eligible to obtain
the CIN upon turning 18 years old, adding to the total number of Haitians in
need of the new ID card.

The ‘Haiti National Identification Card Program’ aims to strengthen the

technical capabilities of Haiti's National Identification Office, particularly
towards expediting the registration, issuance, and distribution of the updated
biometric national identification cards introduced in 2019, aligning the
process with international benchmarks, and consequently expanding Haiti’s
voter registration list in preparation for the next election(s). This will be done
through various capacity building initiatives for ONI and the enhancement of
the existing CIN registration and distribution systems using Mobile Units in
the field.

The National ID Card project will raise awareness among the Haitian
population about the importance of civil identity and obtaining the new
identification card, as well as informing the population about the relevant
registration and distribution processes. The OAS will assist the ONI to carry
out a nationwide, gender-sensitive public awareness campaign, utilizing the
most appropriate mediums in close coordination with ONI and various civil
society organizations. The campaign will aim to raise awareness among
diverse communities, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility and ensuring
that vulnerable populations, including women and members of the LGBTI
community, are not left behind.

Ultimately, the goal of these collective efforts is to ensure that Haitian adults
can exercise their right to identity and, consequently, their right to vote.

1.2. Activity Objectives

Objective 1: Strengthen the capacity of Haiti’s National
Identification Office (ONI)

The aim of Objective 1 is to increase the competencies of Haiti's National

Identification Office (ONI) so that they can execute their mandate more
proficiently. The OAS will assist ONI to develop a new comprehensive Mobile
Unit Operators’ Manual for standardized application of procedures in the CIN
registration and distribution campaigns, helping to ensure uniformity and
efficiency of operations nationwide. The OAS will hire a Civil Registration
Expert (CRE) to develop a multiyear ONI Strategic Plan (2024-2029), that will
strengthen ONI’s capacities. Once the Plan is drafted and endorsed, the
Expert will continue to provide vital guidance and mentorship via a series of
workshops and technical assistance during the first several months of the
Plan’s implementation phase. This hands-on approach is designed to
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cultivate a sense of ownership and foster sustainability. Through
comprehensive engagement between program staff and the ONI, the project
aims to empower ONI to not only develop a robust strategy, but also to
execute this strategy for long-term positive impacts.

Objective 2: Enhance the Nationwide National Identity Card (CIN)

Registration and Distribution Systems

To strengthen nationwide CIN registration and distribution systems, the OAS

in partnership with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), will
collaborate with ONI to equip, assemble and deploy Mobile Units for CIN
registration and distribution purposes across the country, while ensuring
strict adherence to ONI's established procedures. As part of this initiative,
Mobile Unit Operators will be selected and trained using guidelines outlined
in the Mobile Unit Operators’ Manual for CIN registration and distribution
purposes.

The OAS will collaborate closely with ONI's technical and logistical experts to
develop a comprehensive Mobile Unit Deployment Plan (MUDP). The Plan will
guide the strategic deployment of the Mobile Units, prioritizing areas with
relatively lower registration rates and locations where printed ID cards have
not yet been distributed. Overall, it will help maximize outreach and
coverage in a timely manner with the resources at hand.

Once operational, and in accordance with the Plan, the Mobile Units will be
deployed to register Haitian adults across the country.

Objective 3: Design and Conduct a Nationwide CIN Public Awareness

Campaign

Drawing on past experiences in Haiti, the OAS will collaboratively develop

and execute a gender-sensitive public awareness campaign in coordination
with ONI. This campaign will be conducted in Haitian Creole to explain the
importance and advantages of the new CIN and inform citizens on how to
register for and receive a CIN. Diverse communication channels, such as
radio, social media, billboards, and print materials, will be utilized. The OAS
will actively consult with civil society organizations, including women’s,
LGBTI, and youth organizations, among others.

2. ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS

2.1 Progress Narrative
During the second quarter (Q2) of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, Haiti
experienced escalating security and political challenges which
further delayed the deployment of the Mobile Units. With the
complete closure of Port-au-Prince's international airport in early March, the
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delivery of supplies including DERMALOG ID card registration kits and blank
ID cards could not be realized during the reporting period.

In response to these challenges, the OAS-ONI Coordination Cell has

already begun exploring alternative logistical strategies to ensure
the safe delivery of outstanding materials and potential deployment
of Mobile Units in the Grand Nord region, where the security situation is
relatively stable. These strategies are set to be implemented in the
upcoming quarter, should there be no improvement in the current security
landscape.

Against this challenging backdrop, the OAS-ONI Coordination Cell, in

partnership with Hospital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) Haiti, managed to
conduct a successful three-day ID card registration event in
February, targeting remote and disadvantaged populations in Artibonite
department. This initiative drew over 500 individuals out of whom 444
registered for their ID card. The event underscored the substantial
demand for ID card services in the area. Subject to security conditions,
additional temporary registration events in the area are planned for the
upcoming quarter.

During the reporting period, the newly arrived Civil Registration Expert
initiated a comprehensive needs assessment towards the
development of ONI's Strategic Plan for 2024-2029. This preliminary
work led to the design of a survey to understand ONI’s organizational
structure, current operations, and priority areas within civil identification and
registration. The survey, targeting ONI’s senior leadership and technical
staff, will be conducted at the start of the following quarter.

To support the nationwide CIN Public Awareness Campaign, the Cell

started developing a comprehensive Partnership Strategy. This
strategy involves campaign collaborations with a variety of stakeholders,
including intergovernmental (IGOs) and nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs), as well as local government offices, to enhance its reach and
effectiveness. These partnerships are critical for mobilizing community
resources and ensuring inclusive access to ID services.

Despite ongoing challenges, the OAS-ONI Coordination Cell is

actively adapting its strategies to evolving circumstances. Near the
end of March 2024, the international project team was temporarily
evacuated outside of Haiti and is working remotely in coordination with the
OAS Special Representative in Haiti and local staff at the National Office. The
team remains committed to deploying Mobile Units as soon as possible and
ensuring that logistical and security challenges do not derail the vital task of
national ID card registration and distribution.

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2.2 Implementation Status
2.2.1 Objective 1: Strengthen the capacity of Haiti’s National
Identification Office

During the second quarter, the OAS-ONI Coordination Cell, established at the
project's outset, continued its weekly planning and implementation
meetings. These sessions were pivotal for strategizing on activities,
managing risks, and adapting to evolving challenges and requirements
throughout the reporting period.

As part of Objective I, the Cell focused on refining the Mobile Unit Operator's
Manual, a crucial document completed in the previous quarter with inputs
from ONI's technical staff and field operators. This manual serves as an
essential guide for Mobile Unit Operators in carrying out CIN registration and
distribution, streamlining procedures, and ensuring consistent operations
across different regions. It addresses topics such as CIN registration,
issuance procedures, and the proper management and preservation of
Mobile Unit tools and equipment.

The Cell updated the manual in February to incorporate enhanced protective

measures for Mobile Unit assets. This came in response to the worsening
security situation marked by increased gang violence in February 2024,
particularly impacting the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and Ouest
department. The updates encompass measures for alternative and secure
storage options beyond ONI’s premises, designed to mitigate risks of theft,
damage, and environmental hazards. The revision is particularly critical as
ONI had reported persistent rumors of potential attacks on its central office
amid heightened gang activity in February and March.

Additionally, the Cell continued to engage with international organizations

and civil society, including IOM and the LGBTI-focused NGO 'Kouraj.' Relevant
discussions further refined the manual’s registration guidelines for at-risk
groups, such as the LGBTI community, persons with disabilities, internally
displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. The advanced guidelines focus on
respecting beneficiaries' privacy and needs, ensuring accessibility, raising
awareness, and preventing discrimination, aligning with global best practices
for a fair and comprehensive ID card registration process. The manual will
undergo continuous revisions to remain relevant and responsive to changing
operational conditions.

In mid-February, the Civil Registration Expert commenced his work, focusing

on developing ONI's Strategic Plan for 2024-2029. In early March, the Expert
launched a comprehensive needs assessment through a series of meetings
with ONI's leadership and technical teams, as well as the OAS project team.
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These discussions led to the development of a survey that will thoroughly
examine ONI's organizational structure, current operations, workflows,
functionalities, and interoperability with other government agencies dealing
with vital statistics and civil registration. This survey will target ONI's senior
leadership and technical staff.

By collecting detailed insights, the assessment aims to provide a clear

understanding of ONI's existing capacities, deficiencies, and areas for
improvement. The information gathered will be crucial for pinpointing
essential domains where strategic changes are necessary to enhance ONI's
functions and ensure alignment with both national and international best
practices.

Once the survey is administered, the Civil Registration Expert will analyze
the findings in close collaboration with the OAS-ONI Coordination Cell. This
joint review will ensure that the strategic planning accurately reflects the
needs and conditions of ONI while integrating expert recommendations
tailored to its specific challenges.

These recommendations, which

will form the foundation of the
Strategic Plan, will aim to boost
the efficiency, accessibility, and
reliability of the ID registration
and issuance processes. They
will also focus on integrating
technology, enhancing data
management systems,
improving interoperability with
other government agencies, and
strengthening security measures
to safeguard sensitive
information and assets.

The survey is due to be administered at the start of the next quarter, around
mid-April 2024, marking a critical step in the strategic planning process.
The Civil Registration Expert giving a presentation to the OAS project
2.2.2 Objective 2: Enhance managers on civil identification strategic planning - March 2024

the Nationwide National Identity Card (CIN) Registration and

Distribution Systems

Under Objective 2, the OAS, in partnership with the Pan American

Development Foundation (PADF), is nearing completion of the collective
procurement process under the project. Previous procurement efforts
experienced slight delays due to the need for USAID and OAS purchasing
waivers, as well as production delays from DERMALOG owing to resource
constraints. The current reporting period faced additional delays due to a
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significant deterioration in Haiti’s security landscape, particularly in the
Ouest department. Since mid-February 2024, a significant escalation in gang
violence led to a government-declared state of emergency in early March,
which persisted throughout the reporting period. The violence caused the
unprecedented shutdown of Port-au-Prince's international airport and major
disruptions at the capital’s port, operating at limited capacity and causing
shortages in supply of essential goods, including medicine, fuel and food.
Amid this turmoil, acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry was prevented from
returning to Haiti and announced his impending resignation in mid-March,
once the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) is established. Despite efforts
to restore stability and governance, ongoing violence and political upheaval
continued through to the end of the quarter, without the formation of the
TPC.

Of the 21 Mobile Units procured, including 11 pick-up trucks and 10

motorcycles, all vehicles except one pick-up truck have been delivered to
ONI’s central office in Port-au-Prince. The remaining unit is awaiting delivery
from the dealership’s storage in Tabarre, pending an improvement in the
security situation.

In response to persistent rumors of potential attacks on ONI’s central office

amidst heightened gang activity in February and March, the OAS-ONI
Coordination Cell secured a safe alternative location for vehicle storage at
the Hotel Oasis and the OAS office building in Port-au-Prince. The vehicles
will remain there until conditions allow for their safe return to ONI's
premises.

The delivery of DERMALOG ID card registration kits and blank ID cards

purchased in the first quarter is still pending. The kits, shipped from
Germany in March, have reached the United States and await transfer to
Haiti, contingent on the reopening of Port-au-Prince’s international airport.
While DERMALOG finalized the production of the 500,000 blank ID cards in
February, it has not yet shipped them due to the airport’s closure.

Should the airport remain out of service, the OAS project team in
coordination with the AOR, will consider other ways of transporting the
outstanding items in the following quarter, likely in partnership with
diplomatic entities with access to alternative transportation means.

All other Mobile Unit equipment, including solar panels, power units, tents,
chairs, and Starlink antennas, was procured and safely stored at ONI and
OAS premises in the previous reporting period.

Given the unpredictable political and security situation in Haiti, setting a

precise date for the Mobile Unit deployment, delayed since January 2024,
remains challenging. The Coordination Cell will continue to assess the
situation regularly and develop feasible and safe deployment strategies.

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The Mobile Unit Deployment Plan has since its inception prioritized the Grand
Nord region for the initial three-month deployment phase, due to its high
demand for ID card registration, card delivery and relatively stable security
situation. Subsequent deployments are planned for the Centre, Ouest, and
Grand Sud regions, with adjustments based on the evolving security
situation.

If movement to and from the Ouest department remains largely blocked in

early Q3, the Coordination Cell will consider alternative, maritime transport
options for the Mobile Unit equipment to the Grand Nord region, to ensure
the deployment can commence according to the Deployment Plan. The
delayed hiring and training of the 40 Mobile Unit Operators is also expected
to occur during this period. Additionally, the Cell will explore collaborations
with other agencies for transporting printed ID cards from ONI Headquarters
in Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien via helicopter. The cards could then be
distributed further by the Mobile Units throughout the Grand Nord region.
More details concerning this matter are provided in the ‘Challenges and
Lessons Learned’ section of this report.

In Q2, the OAS-ONI

Coordination Cell continued
to focus on engaging local
stakeholders, including
hospitals and civil society
organizations to enhance ID
card registration and
distribution.

From February 20-22, 2024,

the Cell, in partnership with
the Hospital Albert
Schweitzer (HAS) Haiti
network, conducted a three-
day ID card registration event
at their main hospital in Deschapelles, Artibonite department. This event
targeted the enhancement ONI Operators registering individuals for their national ID card at the HAS Haiti
of national ID card hospital in Deschapelles - 21 February 2024

registration for those residing in remote areas, especially individuals

vulnerable and marginalized due to illness and limited access to
transportation.

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 Prior to the registration
campaign, the HAS Haiti team
widely disseminated
communication materials,
including posters and
brochures, to effectively engage
nearby communities. This
initiative ensured extensive
outreach and informed
participants about the
necessary documents required
for ID card registration, along
with the date, time, and place of
the event.

Three local ONI operators managed temporary registration booths, drawing

over 500 individuals from surrounding areas. A total of 444 individuals
registered for the new ID card. However, many participants could not
People lining up to register for their new national ID card at HAS Haiti
hospital in Deschapelles - 20 February 2024
complete registration due to the
absence of required birth
certificates issued by the Civil Registry Office (CRO).

The event revealed a significant demand for registration services in the area
and among remote communities, marking it as highly successful. Plans are
underway to organize another full-week ID card registration event in the next
quarter, contingent on improved security conditions. Expansion of this
initiative to other service points of HAS Haiti is also under consideration.

It is important to note that security-related challenges affected the event’s

timing, causing a one-day delay as the original start date shifted from
February 19th to the 20th. The security conditions also necessitated that the
ONI Regional Coordinator overseeing the operators remain on-site
throughout the event. These obstacles highlight the complexities of
operating within Haiti’s challenging environment and underscore a
commitment to adapt and continue serving community needs.

2.2.3 Objective 3: Design and Conduct a Nationwide CIN Public

Awareness Campaign

In close collaboration with ONI, the OAS is dedicated to developing and

executing a nationwide public awareness campaign. The primary goals of
this initiative are to elevate citizen awareness about the significance of civil
identity, the practical uses, and benefits of the new national ID card, and to
disseminate information about the Mobile Unit national ID card registration
and distribution efforts across the country. This includes details about
registration and issuance procedures.

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During the second quarter, regular meetings between the OAS and ONI's
Public Information Office (PIO) took place and concentrated on enhancing
ONI's social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,
according to the already finalized Public Awareness Campaign Strategy.
These platforms are crucial for disseminating vital information quickly and
efficiently to a broad audience and were found to be important channels of
communication according to the nationwide baseline population survey on
civil identity, conducted in the previous quarter. In anticipation of the Mobile
Unit deployment, the campaign has already started using these channels to
inform the public about the processes involved in obtaining the new ID card
and the broader implications of civil identity for exercising fundamental
human rights, as well as societal and civic participation.

In further support of the awareness campaign, the ONI Public Information

Office, in collaboration with the OAS, has begun developing and
implementing a Partnership Strategy. This strategy encompasses a diverse
array of stakeholders, including IGOs, NGOs, government entities such as
communal offices, and educational and health institutions. Partners are
selected based on their previous collaborations with ONI, as well as their
reach and influence, which can be leveraged to enhance the effectiveness of
the public awareness campaign. Additionally, consultations with
representatives from the Ministry of Education are planned to explore the
feasibility of developing specialized activities for high school seniors, such as
talent contests or workshops on civil identity. The strategy also includes
organizing regular information sessions in public high schools and
universities.

The full-scale campaign, as outlined in the Public Awareness Campaign

Strategy, is expected to launch in parallel with the deployment of the Mobile
Units. In the meantime, the outlined efforts aim to ensure heightened public
awareness of civil identity and the importance of the new ID card, along with
a thorough understanding of the registration procedures by the time the
Mobile Units become operational. This preparation will facilitate smoother
operations and greater public engagement, contributing significantly to the
success of the national ID card registration initiative.

3. CROSS-CUTTING ACTIVITIES
3.1 Gender
The project endeavors to address existing gender disparities in Haiti by
increasing the accessibility of national ID cards to women and marginalized
populations, including members of the LGBTI community.

The Public Awareness Campaign Strategy was drafted with consideration for
gender-related disparities, including with regard to access to registration
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points and familiarity with registration procedures and ID card benefits.
Notably, a segment of the campaign's messaging will cater to the distinct
requirements and concerns of women, men, and individuals with diverse
gender identities, ensuring inclusivity and effectiveness.

Tentatively in the following quarter, a gender-sensitive approach will be

applied in the selection and training of 40 ONI Mobile Unit Operators. Job
descriptions will be gender-neutral, selection panels will be gender diverse
whenever possible and standardized screening and unbiased interviews will
focus on qualifications and performance.

All training programs for ONI staff will be developed to acknowledge and
respect the diverse backgrounds and needs of persons with different gender
identities.

Data collected and reported under the project will be sex disaggregated
whenever feasible. Please refer to AMELP for a full overview.

3.2 Collaboration
During the reporting period, the project team maintained active engagement
with various stakeholders to enhance CIN registration and distribution,
helping ensure that all individuals, including those vulnerable and
marginalized, could access these services.

To address the registration needs of remote and disadvantaged communities

in Haiti, the team formed a strategic partnership with Hospital Albert
Schweitzer (HAS) Haiti. This collaboration was aimed at improving national ID
card registration and distribution for those residing in remote areas with
limited mobility and access to transportation, including those with illness. In
February 2024, this partnership culminated in a highly successful three-day
ID card registration event at the main hospital in Deschapelles, Artibonite
department. The event drew over 500 participants, successfully registering
444 individuals for the new ID card. The initiative exemplified the project’s
dedication to enhancing both accessibility and inclusivity in the ID
registration process through partnerships, furthering efforts to uphold human
rights and encourage civic participation throughout Haiti.

Early in the quarter, a new series of discussions with IOM representatives

assessed the feasibility of establishing temporary registration stations in IDP
gathering sites and near the Haiti–Dominican Republic border. However,
these plans were temporarily halted due to the rapidly deteriorating security
situation in February. Discussions also revolved around the possibility of
rendering support to Haitian returnees from the United States in obtaining
their national ID cards. The feasibility of this assistance will be further

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 explored in coordination with the Civil Registry Office in Q3, to ensure that
returnees possess the necessary documents for ID card registration.

On 21 February, the Vice President of the Latin American Program at the

United States Institute for Peace (USIP), visited the OAS Haiti National Office
and was briefed on the Haiti National Identification Card Program. His visit to
ONI’s central office in Port-au-Prince included meetings with the Director
General of ONI, its technical coordinators, and the OAS project team based in
Haiti. The visit aimed to enhance the project's visibility outside of the country
and emphasize its critical role in fostering peace and stability in Haiti,
underscoring its support for the democratic process and the safeguarding of
human rights.

In mid-March, the OAS project managers met with the Center for Electoral
Planning and Promotion (CEPP), which included representatives from the
National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Foundation for Electoral
Systems (IFES), and the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Haiti. The
participants updated each other on the status of their respective initiatives
and explored potential synergies, particularly in anticipation of the next
election(s) in the country. The meeting underscored the commitment to
ongoing collaboration, agreeing that future coordination sessions would
continue to occur as needed. This approach aims to ensure effective
partnership between the project and CEPP to enhance Haiti's electoral
processes.

In addition, throughout the month of March, the project team at the OAS
Headquarters collaborated with the Permanent Mission of the United States
to the OAS, in order to include in the draft resolution of its Permanent
Council on supporting the democratic transition in Haiti, a call for the
international community to continue supporting Haiti in its democratic
transition. The proposed language, to be negotiated further during the
following quarter, includes a mention of the need to strengthen the ONI
within the framework of the current efforts of the OAS.

3.3 Contribution from the Government of Japan

In February, the Government of Japan, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and its Embassy in Haiti, decided to partner with the OAS towards further
strengthening the Haitian civil identification system. Japan’s contribution
represents 54.7 percent of the civil identification project currently being
implemented by the OAS in Haiti, which now totals USD15,056,000. USAID’s
existing contribution represents the remaining percentage.

During the discussions held before the exchange of letters with the donor,
the OAS emphasized on the need to align and complement the existing
efforts. In this regard, Japan’s funding is channeled through the objectives

15
 previously set in the project financed by USAID, namely: 1) “Strengthen the
capacity of Haiti’s National Identification Office”; 2) “Enhance the nationwide
National Identity Card (CIN) Registration and distribution systems”; and 3)
“Conduct a Nationwide CIN Public Awareness Campaign.” The rationale
behind maintaining said priorities is to scale up existing efforts, focusing on
challenges identified throughout the initial months of the implementation of
the original project.

For the first objective, interventions will focus on enhancing ONI’s data
management capacities ensuring the sustainability of its operations and
promoting strategic and sustainable alliances. In particular, a mirror server
will be purchased, and data management personnel will be hired. Also,
equipment to secure energy and connectivity reliability will be procured. In
addition, personnel will be hired to facilitate strategic collaborations.

Towards the second objective, additional identification cards and mobile

units will be purchased. The civil registration component will be included,
with some officers participating in joint activities with ONI. ONI’s emergency
preparedness will be strengthened, with some mobile units being devoted to
registering and distributing identification cards in emergency contexts in
collaboration with other institutions.

In relation to the third objective on the awareness campaign, Japan’s

contribution will be used to expand the reach to other means of
communications for larger periods of time. Complementary proximity
communication initiatives will be carried out, focusing on including civil
society organizations at the local level.

The OAS will hire personnel to implement the activities that originate from
the Japanese funds. More specifically, administrative personnel both in
headquarters and in Haiti, together with logistics and liaison support, and a
new project manager will be added to the team. These funds are to be
executed during 12 months after disbursement, which took place in February
2024. Nevertheless, given the security challenges, it is likely that an
extension will be required.

3.4 Communication
In November 2023, USAID granted approval for the project's Branding
Strategy and Marketing Plan, which includes a relevant waiver addressing
presumptive exceptions. It focuses on balancing the recognition of USAID's
support for the program with the imperative of maintaining Haiti's ownership
of its institutions and processes. The goal is to prevent the labeling of certain
activities and materials with a foreign government's insignia, which can be
politically sensitive in the context of providing technical assistance,
resources, and capacity building training to the National Identification Office,

16
 responsible for issuing the national ID card - the sole document used for
voting purposes in the country. The same applies to the planned public
awareness campaign on the importance of civil identity and the national ID
card. This political sensitivity is further compounded by the ongoing
challenges related to leadership transitions and overdue elections in the
aftermath of President Jovenel Moise's assassination, coupled with the
heightened criminal violence in Haiti.

Given these complexities, the Branding Strategy seeks a cautious approach

to marking activities, materials, and products with the USAID identity.
Exemptions to marking requirements were approved under the following
presumptive exceptions: (i) when marking would compromise the
independence or neutrality of program materials; (ii) when it could diminish
the credibility of audits, reports, or policy recommendations requiring
independence; and (iii) when it might undercut the host-country
government's ownership of various communications and publications.

Because of the noted political sensitivity surrounding the project, an

agreement was also reached with USAID to restrict the use of the developed
communication materials, including the project presentation and briefing.
They will primarily serve the purpose of informing about and promoting the
initiative outside of Haiti, notably by the headquarters of both organizations
based in Washington D.C. During the reporting period, a fact sheet about the
project was published on the USAID website.

3.5 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

No modifications were made to the Annual Monitoring, Evaluation, and
Learning Plan (AMELP) during the reporting period. The performance
indicators and targets outlined in the AMELP will remain subject to ongoing
review and potential adjustments throughout the project's duration. This
flexibility is necessary to accommodate the acquisition of new knowledge,
changing USAID requirements, and shifts in the operational context.

It is important to note that several indicators lack relevant baseline data and
targets which will become available prior to the launch of the Mobile Units.
For example, acquiring the baseline CIN registration figures at the onset of
the project, instead of prior to the launch of the Mobile Units, would make
the monitoring efforts flawed as they would not reflect the specific impact of
the Units. Setting targets without relevant baselines would also be
problematic, leading to unrealistic expectations. As a result, some targets
will also need to be determined at a later stage to ensure that monitoring
efforts are based on appropriate data. The goal is to use the most relevant
figures to enable sound monitoring and evaluation of the project’s impact.

Routine Project Monitoring

17
In alignment with the AMELP, and to support the project’s effective
implementation, the project team monitored the project’s progress and
performance against the defined performance indicators. As the project
remained largely in its preparatory phase due to the worsening security
landscape in the country and related procurement delays, the Indicator
Performance Tracking Table (IPTT), located at the end of the document as
Appendix A, does not indicate many achievements against the set indicators.
More results are expected in the next quarter.

4. CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED

As of mid-February 2024, Haiti has experienced a severe escalation in gang
violence, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in early
March, which remained in effect through the end of the reporting period. This
violence has led to significant disruptions, including major roadblocks,
particularly in the Ouest department, and the unprecedented shutdown of
Port-au-Prince's international airport in the first week of March. These
disruptions have also severely impacted operations at the capital’s port,
leading to shortages in essential items like medicine, fuel and food. Amid this
turmoil, acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry was effectively blocked from
returning to the country, leading to his pledge to resign once the Transitional
Presidential Council (TPC) is appointed. Without the formation of the TPC by
the end of the reporting period, this political upheaval has continued to
undermine Haiti's stability and governance, exacerbating the already critical
humanitarian and security situation.

Mobile Unit Deployment Delay

Due to these deteriorating political and security conditions, the shipment of

essential goods into and out of the country has been severely curtailed.
Outstanding Mobile Unit equipment, including blank ID cards and ID card
registration kits, could not be delivered to Haiti. DERMALOG, the sole-source
supplier based in Germany, shipped the ID card registration kits in February,
but they did not reach Haiti by the end of the reporting period due to closure
of the Port-au-Prince international airport. They are currently pending
delivery at an intermediary transit point in the United States. Additionally,
while DERMALOG completed the production of 500,000 blank ID cards in
February following a series of delays due to resource shortages, it has not
yet shipped the cards due to the airport's closure. Additionally, the security
situation in the Ouest department and nationwide roadblocks have created
conditions that are not conducive to the Mobile Unit deployment, now
delayed since January 2024.

18
In the coming quarter, the OAS-ONI Coordination Cell will continue to monitor
the evolving security situation. Should the airport remain closed, and
security conditions not improve, the OAS-ONI Coordination Cell will explore
alternative logistics solutions to ensure all equipment is onboard. This would
entail seeking alternative shipping services for the outstanding items, likely
in partnership with diplomatic entities. Any such options will be considered in
close consultation with the AOR.

According to the current Mobile Unit Deployment Plan, deployment for the
first three months is envisioned in the Grand Nord region, considering ID
card registration and distribution needs and the relatively stable security
situation. Although the security standoff in the Ouest poses a challenge for
transporting the Mobile Units from Port-au-Prince to the northern region,
once they are moved safely, they can begin operating. If roadblocks continue
to obstruct movement from the Ouest department in Q3, consideration will
be given to transporting assembled Mobile Units by boat to navigate the
security impasse and allow for deployment. Furthermore, delivery of the ID
cards, which are printed at ONI Headquarters in Port-au-Prince, could
potentially be facilitated through IGO partners via helicopter to Cap-Haitien,
followed by onward delivery by the Mobile Units throughout the Grand Nord
region.

Evacuation of the OAS Project Team

On March 20, due to the deteriorating security situation that significantly

impacted the operational environment in Haiti, the OAS project team based
in Port-au-Prince was evacuated to the Dominican Republic via helicopter.
Nevertheless, the team continued to advance project activities remotely,
focusing on tasks unaffected by the security situation. These included
developing a needs assessment for the ONI Strategic Plan for 2024-2029, as
well as improving the public awareness campaign on civil identity. These
efforts involved establishing strategic partnerships for communication and
enhancing ONI's social media platforms to support the campaign. The team
plans to return to the country as soon as the security situation and
operational conditions improve.

Haiti’s Changing Political Landscape

As Haiti navigates through the current political transition, the OAS project
team is carefully assessing the potential impacts of changes in ONI
leadership on the program’s continuity. Despite the turbulent environment,
the established civil identification protocols and institutional frameworks
provide a strong basis for continuity and stability. Moreover, the project's

19
strategic alignment with national priorities and broad stakeholder support
particularly in anticipation of the next election(s), help mitigate risks
associated with potential leadership changes. While closely monitoring the
situation, the team is confident that the project's goals and progress will be
sustained through Haiti’s ongoing political transition.

Limited ONI Data Management Capacity

ONI regularly encounters challenges in data management due to a shortage

of staff, expertise, and tools. This results in frequent data discrepancies and
hampers the efficiency of data analysis, impeding the timely sharing of
crucial information necessary for project planning and monitoring.

Following resource mobilization efforts during the previous quarter, the OAS
will utilize the additional resources awarded by Japan to further strengthen
ONI's operational and technical capabilities, with a specific focus on
enhancing data management capabilities. Recognizing the critical role of
systematic data processing, a portion of the funds will be directed towards
hiring data management experts and capacity-building programs for existing
ONI staff. Plans also include upgrading the existing database to align with
international standards and providing essential infrastructure, such as mirror
and backup drives. These additional and complementary efforts will support
the current project’s implementation and monitoring.

Meanwhile, the OAS is actively collaborating with ONI technical staff to

identify critical bottlenecks and implement interim solutions ahead of the
data management expert team’s arrival, anticipated in Q3.

ONI Server Issues

Recall that ONI has been grappling with significant server issues since early
December 2023, stemming from structural damage due to frequent power
supply failures. These challenges are compounded by an irregular public
power supply, an inconsistent internal power network, and aging UPS units.
The expiration of the post-sale warranty in September 2023 further
complicated matters, as it prevented regular maintenance. As a result,
several server modules crucial for biometric data processing suffered
damage. DERMALOG, the service provider, identified boot and memory
failures in these modules, rendering them non-functional and posing a
significant risk of data loss. Consequently, ONI halted all new entries into the
server to prevent further data compromise.

Throughout January, the server was operational for card production

purposes, albeit in a limited manner. While it could store information, the
unstable verification of biometric data prevented registrations from
advancing to production. In early February, ONI independently sourced some

20
 components to temporarily stabilize the server hardware, which allowed for a
partial resumption of operations. DERMALOG assisted in this process by
rebooting the system and completing verifications.

From the second half of February through March, ONI was forced to limit
server functionality due to insufficient fuel supplies for their generators. This
situation necessitated a reduction in server operating hours, enabling only
the modules for card tracking. This ultimately led to a complete shutdown of
the system in the final days of March. As a result, ONI's ability to process
new registrations was significantly impaired during the noted period.
Consequently, any registration data collected during that time may be
compromised.

In response to the recurring energy issues, there are plans to power the
server using solar energy under the complementary initiative funded by the
Government of Japan for 2024. This sustainable solution is expected to
provide a more stable and reliable power source in the coming months,
mitigating similar issues in the future.

5. ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER (Q3)

Haiti National Identification Program Workplan

Quarter 2 - FY 2024
Activities per Objective April May June
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Objective 1 - Strengthen the capacities of Haiti’s National Identification Office (ONI)
Activity 1.1 Create an OAS-ONI Coordination cell for logistical support Complete
Activity 1.2 Develop the Mobile Unit Operators' Manual Complete
Activity 1.3 Develop and implement the Strategic Plan for ONI (2024-2029)
Objective 2 - Enhance the Nationwide National Identity Card (CIN) Registration & Distribution Systems
Activity 2.1 Develop the Mobile Unit Deployment Plan Complete
Activity 2.2 Procure Mobile Unit Equipment
Activity 2.3 Assemble Mobile Units
Activity 2.4 Test/pilot Mobile Units
Activity 2.5 Select Mobile Unit Operators
Activity 2.6 Train Mobile Units Operators
Activity 2.7 Deploy Mobile Units for CIN registration and distribution
Objective 3: Design and Conduct a Nationwide CIN Public Awareness Campaign
Activity 3.1 Develop the CIN awareness campaign strategy Complete
Activity 3.2 Design and produce awareness campaign materials
Activity 3.3 Implement the nationwide CIN public awareness campaign

21
6. FINANCIAL REPORTING
Please refer to SF-425 Financial Report attached as Appendix B on page 24.

7. APPENDICES AND ANNEXES

Appendix A - Progress Summary (IPTT)
Appendix B - SF-425 Financial Report

Annex A - Success Story

Annex B - Quarterly Accruals Report

22
No. Annual
Q2
Reportin Baseli Performance
FY24 Statu
Level of Unit of Disaggreg Source / Collection g ne (# Achieved to the
Indicator Targ s
indicator Measure ation Methods Frequenc and End of the
et FY202
y Date) Reporting Period
4
(%)
Project Goal: Haitian adults can exercise their fundamental human right to identity and their right to vote
Project Wide Indicators
TBD
*Note
the
baseline
Number of & target N/A N/A
Haitian adults will be
registered in ONI Database and determi N/A
PW1 Output Number Sex Quarterly ned
the National registration reports prior to
ID card the
system deploym
ent of
the
Mobile
Units.
Number of
new National TBD
ONI Database and
PW2 ID cards Output Number Sex Quarterly (as N/A N/A N/A
distribution reports above)
distributed to
Haitian adults
Percentage of
women with Percentag ONI Database and TBD
PW3 Outcome N/A Quarterly (as N/A N/A N/A
new National e registration reports above)
ID cards
OBJECTIVE 1 - Strengthen the capacity of Haiti’s National Identification Office (ONI)
Project IR 1: Haiti’s National Identification Office is better able to implement its mandate
A Mobile Unit
Operators'
Manual
(MUOM) for
standardized
Document review, expert
application of Quarterly
validation, and an
procedures in as
1-1 Output Number N/A approval process within 0 1 1 100%
the applicabl
the ONI-OAS coordination
registration e
cell
and
distribution
campaign
developed
and endorsed

23
 A Strategic
Plan for the
Haiti National
Identification Document review, expert
Quarterly
Office (2024- validation, and an
as
1-2 2029) Output Number N/A approval process within 0 1 0 0
applicabl
developed the ONI-OAS coordination
e
and endorsed cell

Annual
Q2
Reportin Baseli Performance
FY24 Statu
Level of Unit of Disaggreg Source / Collection g ne (# Achieved to the
No. Indicator Targ s
indicator Measure ation Methods Frequenc and End of the
et FY202
y Date) Reporting Period
4
(%)
Number of
Strategic Plan Sex,
Quarterly
workshops operation
as
1-3 carried out for Output Number al OAS/ONI workshop records
applicabl
0 4 0 0
ONI technical departme
e
staff following nt
endorsement
OBJECTIVE 2: Enhance the Nationwide CIN Distribution and Registration Systems
Project IR 2: More efficient and effective CIN registration and distribution systems in place
Number of
ONI staff
trained on
Operators'
Quarterly
Manual and
as
2-1 logistical Output Number Sex OAS/ONI training records
applicabl
0 40 0 0
processes,
e
using a
gender
sensitive
approach
Percentage of
Mobile Unit
Operator’s
whose Pre and post training test
Percentag Baseline/
2-2 competencies Outcome
e
Sex with set minimum passing
endline
TBD 100 0 0
are at the grade %
required level
following
training

24
 A Mobile Unit
Deployment
Plan for CIN Document review, expert
Quarterly
registration validation, and an
as
2-3 and Output Number N/A approval process within
applicabl
0 1 1 100%
distribution the ONI-OAS coordination
e
developed cell.
and endorsed

Number of
Mobile Units
successfully
deployed
according to
the Mobile Quarterly
Unit as
2-4 Output Number Type ONI deployment reports
applicabl
0 21 0 0
Deployment
Plan e

Annual
Q2
Reportin Baseli Performance
FY24 Statu
Indicator Level of Unit of Disaggreg Source / Collection g ne (# Achieved to the
No. Targ s
indicator Measure ation Methods Frequenc and End of the
et FY202
y Date) Reporting Period
4
(%)
TBD
*Note
Number of the
baseline
CINs and
delivered, target
namely those will be
determi
which were Quarterly ned
printed but Sex (of ONI database/distribution as prior to
2-5 Output Number
recipients) reports applicabl
TBD 0 0
not yet the
deploym
distributed at e ent of
the start of the
the Mobile Mobile
Units for
Unit registrat
deployment ion
purpose
s

25
 Percentage
change in CIN
registration in Pre and post Mobile Unit
areas Quarterly
deployment registration
targeted by Percentag Sex, as TBD
2-6 Outcome
e region
frequency data in targeted
applicabl
TBD 0 0
the Mobile (as
areas based on set above)
Unit e
comparative period
registration
campaign

OBJECTIVE 3: Desing and Conduct a Nationwide CIN Awareness Campaign

Project IR 3: Haitian citizens are aware of the importance of civil identity and know how to obtain the new
CIN
Number of
CIN
Awareness
Campaign
initiatives Quarterly
ONI PIO records;
carried out in Type, as
3-1 accordance
Output Number
region
Communications agency
applicabl
0 TBD 0 0
records
with the CIN e
Public
Awareness
Campaign
Strategy
Percentage of
CIN
Awareness
Campaign
initiatives
targeting
Quarterly
women and ONI PIO records;
Percentag as
3-2 LGBTI Output
e
Region communication agency
applicabl
0 20% 0 0
community records
e
members

Annual
Q2
Reportin Baseli Performance
FY24 Statu
Level of Unit of Disaggreg Source / Collection g ne (# Achieved to the
No. Indicator Targ s
indicator Measure ation Methods Frequenc and End of the
et FY202
y Date) Reporting Period
4
(%)

26
 Percentage 21%
increase in (out of
public 2, 043 N/A
respond (FY202
understandin Baseline/endline ents21%
Percentag Sex, Baseline/ 5/
3-3 g of the Outcome
e location
randomized population
endline
had a endlin 0 0
importance/ut telephone survey compre e
hensive target
ility of the level of =
new CIN underst +15%)
anding)

CROSS CUTTING: Establishment of a Collaborative Network and Partnerships

Number of
actors
engaged
towards the
realization of
Type,
CC-1 project Output Number
region
OAS management records
Quarterly
0 5 5 100%
objectives
and
implementati
on principles

27
Appendix B

28