CRC\/C\/COG\/CO\/1<\/p>\n
Birth registration and identity<\/p>\n
33.\u00a0 While welcoming the law in which birth registration has become compulsory, the Committee expresses concern at the fact that a large number of children have still not been registered.\u00a0 The Committee is also concerned at registration fees and penalties attached to late birth registration, which may hinder the process. The Committee is also concerned at the lack of civil registry offices in remote areas and the insufficient awareness of the importance of registration.<\/p>\n
34. In the light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party establish an efficient and accessible birth registration system, including for non-citizens, which covers its entire territory, including through inter alia:<\/p>\n
(a)\u00a0\u00a0 Promoting awareness and appreciation of the importance of birth registration through mass campaigns by providing information on the procedure of birth registration, including the rights and entitlements derived from the registration, through television, radio and printed materials or other means;
\n(b)\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring that birth registration is free of charge;
\n(c)\u00a0\u00a0 Introducing mobile birth registration units in order to reach remote areas;
\n(d)\u00a0\u00a0 Taking appropriate measures to register those who have not been registered at birth, including indigenous children and refugee children; and
\n(e)\u00a0\u00a0 Enhancing its cooperation with relevant United Nations programmes, funds and specialized agencies such as UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).<\/p>\n