SUMMARY
Before the outbreak of civil war in Syria in 2011, the country had a functioning population registry that covered all citizens. Official identity documents and passports were issued upon request after checking applications against the population registries and support documents presented by the applicant. As a result of the civil war, governmental institutions responsible for issuing identity documents and passports have ceased to function in most of the territories controlled by the opposition. In government controlled territories, these institutions still function, but for some it has become impossible to approach the areas where these institutions are located. Consequently, parts of the population are not anymore able to register births, marriages and deaths, or to have new identity documents issued. The civil war has also led to weaker control measures. «Genuine» documents issued under false names or with altered information have become frequent. There is also an increase in the use of forged documents.