In Portugal, parents who lack identification documents can confirm their
identity through the testimony of two witnesses.
In Slovenia, if the parents have absolutely no possibility of providing the required
documents (such as refugees, asylum seekers), the parents’ data are registered
on the basis of any available documents.
3. A procedure for registering the birth of a child in the absence
of proof of the exact place, time or date of birth
34. A few different types of case, where the exact place, time or date of birth
may be uncertain, have to be distinguished.
• Birth in a means of transport
35. Special rules exist in several states for births that took place on board
of a means of transport.27
Identified promising practice
In Lithuania, the law stipulates that if a child was born on a ship, a document
stamped by the ship’s captain which indicates the time and gender of the child’s
birth, mother’s first name, surname, social security number or date of birth must
be submitted. If possible, data on the child’s mother’s spouse should be indicated.
• Birth abroad
36. In several states,28 the birth of children born abroad can be registered
if the child is a national at the time of the application or is recognised as a
foreign refugee or stateless person at that time. In cases where civil status
information is missing, investigative procedures should be carried out. Any
witness statements or other information should also be taken into account.
Identified promising practice
In Ukraine, the adoption of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
No. 66 of January 24, 2023 “On Ensuring the Exercise of Powers by Foreign
Diplomatic Missions of Ukraine in the Field of State Registration of Civil Status
Acts under Martial Law” ensured the possibility for citizens of Ukraine who are
abroad of accessing services in the field of registration of civil status acts using
the State Register of Civil Status Acts in foreign diplomatic institutions designated
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regardless of their place of residence.
27. For example, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark and Lithuania.
28. For example, Czechia, Germany and Netherlands.
Birth registration ► Page 19
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