CEDAW Concluding Observations: Central African Republic, 2014
Published: 24/Jul/2014
Source: UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
CEDAW/C/CAF/CO/1-5
Nationality
33. The Committee is concerned about the lack of birth registration throughout the State party owing to the conflict. It is also concerned at the situation of refugee women and their children in neighbouring countries. It is further concerned that, according to the Nationality Code of 1961, a Central African woman cannot transmit her nationality to her foreign husband through marriage on an equal basis with a Central African man married to a foreign wife.
34. The Committee recalls its general recommendation No. 21 on equality in marriage and family relations and its general recommendation No. 30 and recommends that the State party:
(a) Ensure that all children, including girls, born on the territory of the State party are registered at birth, paying particular attention to the registration of internally displaced girls and boys;
(b) Ensure, through its consulates and in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, that Central African refugee children born in foreign countries are registered at birth and that women and their children will be provided with valid travel documents;
(c) Amend the Nationality Code to ensure that Central African women can transfer their nationality to their foreign husband on an equal basis with Central African men married to a foreign wife, in line with article 9 of the Convention.
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