Memdeklaro is a philosophical initiative that allows individuals to declare their own identity without relying on third parties such as birth parents, cultures, or countries. It aims to offer a humanitarian approach to identity, advocating for personal freedoms, specifically the freedom to choose one's name, beliefs, and associations. Memdeklaro envisions a society where people are evaluated based on their character and actions rather than their birth circumstances. It promotes the idea that self-declaration can empower people to take control of their lives, enabling them to escape corrupt governments, abusive cultures, or situations, and join communities of their choice. 

There are millions of individuals worldwide who lack access to government identification documents. This includes stateless people, refugees, and those who were not registered at birth or have fled from abusive situations. These individuals often face severe restrictions in their daily lives as government IDs are essential for jobs, housing, healthcare, education, and travel. As a result, they are marginalized and can be criminalized simply for existing without proper documentation. Job opportunities in the informal economy become crucial, yet increased state enforcement can threaten their survival. 

Ideally, every individual would receive a legal identity at 18 without needing approval from their birth parents or country. Alternatives could include earning a legal identity as an adult or using biometric data for identification. However, obstacles remain, as the UN has ceased issuing Nansen Passports, and nation-states are generally reluctant to provide stateless passports. Access to asylum and other protective services is frequently denied, which can lead to dangerous situations, including forced returns to abusive environments. 

The concept of citizenship can also be problematic. Individuals who do not relate to their birth culture should not be forced to adhere to its norms for life. Furthermore, systems like conscription can unjustly compel people into violence based solely on where they were born. Thus, the current system can entrap individuals, denying them the agency to define their identities separate from their circumstances of birth. 

Memdeklaro aims to shift power from state control over identity to individuals themselves. It offers a self-declaration document that is not controlled by any authority and emphasizes personal autonomy. The declaration is made in Esperanto, symbolizing peace and freedom of expression. It includes self-chosen names, birthdates, photos, and personal notes, while omitting details like place of birth and parents' names to allow individuals to dissociate from harmful situations. 

To create a self-declaration, individuals can use a dedicated generator or download a template to add their details and print it. Alternatives to government IDs include the World Passport, which can be obtained using fingerprints, and the Digitalcourage ID, which also allows individuals to choose their names without needing prior documentation. The document emphasizes that current ID systems can be detrimental and encourages relying on alternative methods of trust and authentication.