In some states, the facts, time, and place of birth have to be confirmed by a document of a health care institution.65 If a person other than a parent reports the birth to the registry office, they should submit an identity document to confirm their identity. 61. In several states, parents who are or have been residing in the state, do not need to provide documentation as the registration will be based on information from a civil status register.66 62. As regards proof and documentation requirements, in some states a copy of an identity document suffices, but not a verbal witness statement.67 This is different in one state68 where information for birth registration is obtained by a personal interview led by the registrar of a qualified informant which is usually one or both parents of the child. This informant is not required by law to provide any identity documentation. Where parents are not married or in a civil partnership and are not both attending the registration, a signed declaration to confirm their parentage is required. 63. If the mother cannot provide documentation, the birth will, in the great majority of states, still be registered, but the mother’s information will be marked as uncertain in the civil status registry or/and – if it exists- in a central person register. 64. Some interesting practices should be highlighted: ► In Austria, if no documents are presented, the registration is based on the principle of free consideration of evidence. ► In Croatia, if the parents do not have any identity documents and their identity has not been previously established, the child will be entered into the birth register with only the data from the hospital admission or based on medical documents on the child’s birth. In such cases, the data entered into the birth register on the basis of the parents’ statement (for example, proper name and nationality) are not filled out. However, before registering the child, the registrar will check ex officio the data on the parents against the records they keep or medical documentation which the authorities have on the birth of a child born outside a health facility about the birth and proof of motherhood. However, the registrar cannot enter a newly born child in the birth register without these documents. 65. 66. 67. 68. E.g. Azerbaijan and Estonia. E.g. Azerbaijan and Denmark. E.g. Denmark. United Kingdom. Page 22 ►Stateless children’s access to nationality