BIRTH REGISTRATION
GENDER RESEARCH & ADVOCACY PROJECT
Registering the birth of your child is very important.A birth certificate proves your child’s identity, date of birth, place of birth, and the name of one or both parents. There are many important reasons to register the birth of a child:
-
The Namibian Constitution says that children have a right to a name and a nationality. A birth certificate is usually the first step to secure this right.
-
The law says that every parent has a duty to register the birth of his or her child, as soon as possible following the birth.
-
If your child was born in Namibia or to Namibian parents, the birth certificate will help prove that your child is a Namibian citizen.
-
Without a birth certificate for your child, you will find it more difficult to register your child in school, obtain health services or qualify for state grants. Your child may also need a birth certificate as proof of age for school sports teams.
-
Your child will need a birth certificate to get an ID card when he or she reaches age 16. You need a birth certificate and ID card to get a passport, to vote, to get a driver’s licence or to get married. Your child may need a birth certificate to do things such as open a bank account or to work in some jobs.
-
Birth registration also helps the Government know how many children are living in different regions of Namibia. This helps the Government decide what type of services and funding each region needs.
You should try to register the birth of your child as soon as possible (within 14 days of the birth is best). The older the child, the more difficult it will be to collect the documents you need to register the birth.
For more information about birth registration, read out pamphlet, factsheet and comic
The pamphlet is available in English, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo and Rukwangali
The factsheet is available in English, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo and Rukwangali
HOME | CONTACT | PRIVACY POLICY | SITEMAP