CRC Concluding Observations: Swaziland, 2006

Published: 16/Oct/2006
Source: UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

CRC/C/SWZ/CO/1

Forty-third session Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties Under Article 44 of the Convention Concluding observations: Swaziland

Right to nationality

32.  While noting that the Constitution addresses the right to identity, the Committee is nevertheless concerned that the child does not derive his or her citizenship through the mother unless the child is born outside of marriage and is not adopted or claimed by the father.

33.  As a matter of non-discrimination and in the best interests of the child, the Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary legislative measures to ensure that a child can derive nationality not only from the father, but also from the mother.

Birth registration

34. The Committee notes with appreciation the various efforts undertaken by the State party to improve birth registration but remains concerned at the considerable number of children not registered at birth (or later).

35. In the light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen and further develop measures to ensure that all children born within the national territory are registered by, inter alia, making birth registration easy and free of charge and introducing mobile units, especially in rural areas.  The Committee further urges the State party to proceed with the registration of those children who have thus far not been registered.

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Themes: Acquisition of nationality, Acquisition by children, International standards, Birth Registration
Regions: Eswatini
Year: 2006