CEDAW Concluding Observations: Zambia, 2011
Published: 19/Sep/2011
Source: UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
CEDAW/C/ZMB/CO/5-6
Nationality
27. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the fact that, since its previous report, spouses have equal opportunities regarding the application and acquisition of Zambian citizenship and for ensuring the equality of spouses or guardians in their right to apply and collect passports or birth certificates on behalf of their children without the need for the spouses’ written consent. In this regard, the Committee welcomes the decision by the High Court in the Edith Zewelani Nawakwi case. Despite these positive developments, the Committee notes with concern that women are still not adequately aware of the fact that the consent of the father is no longer required in order for children to be included in their mother’s passport.
28. The Committee recommends that the State party promotes awareness of: (a) The recent legal and policy developments granting women equal rights with men to acquire, change or retain their nationality; (b) The equality of spouses or guardians in their right to apply and collect passports or birth certificates on behalf of their children without the need for the spouses’ written consent.
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