CRC Concluding Observations: Mozambique, 2009
Published: 4/Nov/2009
Source: UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
CRC/C/MOZ/CO/2
Twenty-ninth session Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties Under Article 44 of the Convention Concluding observations: Mozambique
Birth registration
37. The Committee welcomes the efforts undertaken by the State party to increase birth registration, in particular the adoption of the Civil Registration Law No. 12/2004, of 8 December 2004, extending the free birth registration period from 30 to 120 days and introducing decentralization of registration services as well as the development of the Plan of Action n Birth Registration in 2004. Nevertheless, the Committee remains concerned that the fees imposed after the 120 days period may constitute an obstacle to the registration of children which till remains low. The Committee is also concerned that registration authorities remain far from he communities and that families still do not fully understand the benefits of birth registration.
38.The Committee urges the State party to accelerate the free birth registration system which should be sustainable and available throughout the State arty, including in the most remote areas. The Committee further urges the State party to provide decentralized registration offices and units with the necessary human, material and financial resources and strengthen its awareness-raising activities in all communities on the importance of birth registration for all boys and girls. The Committee recommends, in the interim, that the State party ensure that unregistered children are not deprived of their rights, notably to health and education.
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