CRC: Initial State Report of Chad, 1997
Published: 24/Jul/1997
Source: UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
CRC/C/3/Add.50
A. Name and nationality (art. 7)
1. Name
70. In Chad all citizens are entitled to a name and forename. In conformity with article 1 of ordinance No. 3 of 2 June 1961 relating to civil status, the parents or persons having attended the birth of a child are required to declare the birth within two months to the civil registry within whose jurisdiction the birth took place. This period is extended to four months for nomads and herdsmen practising transhumance. After this period, declarations will require a supplementary decision before the birth certificate can be drawn up by the registrar (art. 9). Changes of name and corrections may be made only in conformity with the provisions of the Act referred to above.
2. Nationality
71. Nationality legislation is essentially based on the principle of descent. Accordingly, Chadian nationality is normally reserved for persons whose parents are Chadian. Children may also receive Chadian nationality by virtue of jus soli if they were born in Chad and have not acquired any other nationality, or if they were born in Chad to unknown or foreign parents. Furthermore, ordinance No. 33 of 14 August 1992 (Nationality Code) contains provisions bestowing on children the right to Chadian nationality in certain special circumstances (arts. 14 to 25). The purpose of these articles is to ensure that in all cases children have a nationality.
Download full report on UN OHCHR website.