children born out of wedlock as ‘illegitimate’ and women must enjoy equal rights as men to register the births of children. Civil registration law and practice in which only fathers may register births, or which only allow birth registration in the case of a child born in wedlock, have the effect of reducing the number of birth registrations, and therefore create a risk that children will not be able to enjoy their right to a nationality. In the case that only fathers are able to register children, children may be denied their right to birth registration where the father is stateless or unwilling to support the child in acquiring the father’s nationality. Where the child was born from a marriage that is not sanctioned by the State, such as child marriage, or certain interfaith marriages, the ensuing lack of official marriage certificate may result in the non-registration of a child. In addition to the many obligations cited above, it should be noted that restrictions and burdens placed on access to birth registration run counter to the commitment made by all States to “legal identity for all, including birth registration, by 2030 (SDG 16.9). Implementation There are a number of challenges that are likely to arise in the area of birth registration in the context of displacement. The requirement of possession of a marriage certificate before a birth may be registered can be particularly difficult. Important documents may be lost or destroyed during flight. Where refugees flee and are unable to provide an official marriage certificate to the authorities of their country of asylum, they may not be able to register the birth of their children.60 An additional complication may take place where birth registration is dependent on the father, particularly amongst female headed households. Where evidence of the nationality of the father is not available, mothers may face difficulties registering the birth of a child if government authorities demand the presence or proof of the identity of the father.61 Despite the challenges regarding birth registration, there have been numerous positive developments in the region in relation to the forced displacement caused by the conflict in Syria, which have allowed for significant improvements in the number of refugee children able register their births.62 In Jordan, the Civil Status Department has facilitated registration of certain refugee children in cases where their parents lack official marriage 26