The international legal framework and standards for birth registration and prevention of childhood statelessness Birth registration records should include appropriate details. The following details should be included in birth registry records and on birth certificates, which should be issued for all children: Full name of child Date of birth Place of birth Parents’ full names (if known). If either or both parents’ names are unknown, this should not unduly delay or prevent the child’s birth being registered. It is not necessary to list the sex of the child and doing so can be problematic for some people (particularly those who are intersex or where sex is unclear/unknown at birth). If sex is listed, there should be flexibility to record sex as intersex or unclear/unknown and to amend where appropriate.38 It is generally not desirable that birth certificates include information about the child’s nationality, because civil registration authorities are not the competent authorities to determine the child’s nationality at birth.39 The parents’ nationalities may be included where this is clear, but if this information is not clearly evident (i.e., where no proof is available), this field should be left blank and this should not delay birth registration nor the issuance of a birth certificate. In addition, international standards require that birth registration systems contain the following features to effectively prevent childhood statelessness: Clear laws that establish minimal criteria for birth registration, which are applied flexibly in favour of children to prevent statelessness. Accessibility for all children born on the territory and to children of nationals born outside the territory. Procedural safeguards that ensure universal birth registration, including access to free interpreters/translators and free legal advice if needed; and no inhibitive fees. Adequate training on the prevention of statelessness for all relevant officials. Awareness-raising campaigns for all relevant actors to ensure they understand the importance of birth registration and nationality acquisition and the correct procedures to follow. 38 39 16 See Guidelines on the Legislative Frameworks for Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Identity Management Systems, UN DESA, New York, 2023. Child Protection Issue Brief: Birth Registration, UNHCR, August 2013.