protection tool against trafficking. It establishes a child’s legal identity, supports access to services, and prevents undocumented childhoods that traffickers can exploit. States should: - - - - Establish and effectively implement full legal safeguards so that any child born on the territory who would otherwise be stateless acquires a nationality as soon as possible Ensure accessible procedures for children found on the territory or of unknown parentage to be recognised as nationals Issue birth certificates to all children regardless of their or their parents’ documentation or residence status, or any other aspect of their identity Facilitate late birth registration procedures without punitive or overly burdensome requirements Register the birth of all children present on the territory, including migrant and refugee children, children born to parents who are trafficking victims, children born in transit, or any children who would otherwise remain unregistered Remove mandatory requirements for public officials to report people with irregular residence status to immigration authorities, and establish strong firewalls preventing the sharing of personal data between civil registrars, health providers and immigration authorities Ensure child‑protection services proactively support mothers who are trafficking victims to register the birth of their children, confirm or determine the child’s nationality, and navigate any necessary procedures to secure the child’s nationality Encourage accurate recording of statelessness and/or nationality across data collection systems, including by avoiding the use of ‘unknown’ nationality for prolonged periods of time.