Submission Identity Rights Working Group (IDRWG) for the OHCHR
study on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment
of human rights by young people, pursuant to Human Rights
Council resolution 57/30.
19 February 2026
INTRODUCTION
1. The IDRWG1 welcomes the opportunity to provide inputs for the OHCHR
study on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of
human rights by young people, pursuant to Human Rights Council
resolution 57/30.
2. The organizations within the IDRWG represent a wide range of civil
society groups and UN agencies working on issues linked to
preservation of identity including birth registration, nationality and/or
family relations as established in Arts. 7-8 CRC. This submission
examines the intersection between lack of these identity elements and
impact on mental health.
Impact of belonging on mental health
3. Having an identity allows a child to belong. A child’s development needs
are closely linked to their identity including their cultural and community
network, physical or emotional needs, physical and mental health
considerations and educational needs. 2
4. Not having a birth certificate means that the child is legally invisible. Not
having a nationality leaves a child stateless and excluded from society.
1
Art. 7 CRC
1. The child shall be registered immediately after
birth and shall have the right from birth to a name,
the right to acquire a nationality and. as far as
possible, the right to know and be cared for by his
or her parents. 2. States Parties shall ensure the
implementation of these rights in accordance with
their national law and their obligations under the
relevant international instruments in this field, in
particular where the child would otherwise be
stateless.
Art. 8 CRC
1. States Parties undertake to respect the right of
the child to preserve his or her identity, including
nationality, name and family relations as
recognized by law without unlawful interference.
2. Where a child is illegally deprived of some or all
of the elements of his or her identity, States Parties
shall provide appropriate assistance and
protection, with a view to re-establishing speedily
his or her identity.
The Identity Rights Working Group (IDRWG) brings together more than 25 civil society organizations and international agencies working
across the child protection and child rights landscape, united by a shared commitment to advance children’s identity rights. Our members
work in diverse contexts and are connected through the intersecting issues of the right to legal identity and nationality.
2
UNHCR (2021) UNHCR Best Interests Procedure Guidelines https://www.refworld.org/policy/opguidance/unhcr/2021/en/122648
1