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Exploring the Interface Between Birth Registration and Citizenship Determination: A Scoping Study in Seven Countries in Southern Africa Exploring the Interface Between Birth Registration and Citizenship Determination: A Scoping Study in Seven Countries in Southern Africa April 2026 1

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Exploring the Interface Between Birth Registration and Citizenship Determination: A Scoping Study in Seven Countries in Southern Africa

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Author: UNHCR

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Description: This report examines the relationship between birth registration and citizenship determination in seven countries in Southern Africa (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, the Republic of Congo, and South Africa). The report describes an emerging practice where citizenship is determined during birth registration as civil registration and identity systems become more closely linked, and analyses examples, rationales, and potential consequences, including risks where authorities may lack a clear legal mandate or safeguards. It explains how these developments increase the risk of statelessness as children may be wrongly denied their right to citizenship without a pathway for appeal.

Type of resource

Report

Source

UN : UNHCR

Region

Africa

Country

Botswana
Eswatini
Lesotho
Malawi
Namibia
Republic of the Congo
South Africa

Theme

General / Other
Identification / Determination of Statelessness

Date published: Apr 1, 2026

Source URL: Direct link

Primary Documents

unhcr_vital_strategies_birth_registration_and_citizenship_determination-webversion.pdf
English
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Exploring the Interface Between Birth Registration and Citizenship Determination: A Scoping Study in Seven Countries in Southern Africa

Primary Documents

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