Author
The birth certificate is the primary document that establishes a person’s identity, as it includes the name, date of birth, parentage, and place of birth. It is essential for accessing education, healthcare, and nationality.
According to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 24) and the 1951 Refugee Convention (Article 25), states are obligated to issue identity documents to refugees when they are unable to obtain them from their national authorities.
Civil registration of child-birth
Refugees follow the same birth registration procedures as Egyptian citizens. Article 19 of the Civil Status Law requires that births be registered within 15 days of delivery. The father, or a paternal family member, can carry out the registration at a health office. If this legal period is missed, the individual must go to the Civil Registry and submit the necessary documents.
According to various sources, challenges refugees face in obtaining birth certificates:
Requirement to present valid official documents: Such as travel documents, refugee cards, or residence permits. Some refugees may not have these due to fleeing their countries or because their original authorities refuse to renew them.
Marriage documentation: A birth certificate can only be issued if the marriage is officially registered. This is often difficult for some refugees, and can result in the child’s parentage not being legally recognised.
Expiry or non-renewal of the refugee card: This can affect a refugee’s ability to deal with official authorities and obtain civil documents.
Administrative complexity and difficulty in communication: Interacting with Egyptian government offices can be exhausting and complicated, especially in the absence of effective support systems to help refugees complete the process.
Civil registration of death
Refugees follow the same procedures as Egyptian nationals. Article 35 of the Civil Status Law stipulates that deaths must be reported within 24 hours through one of the following:
- Health offices
- Medical authorities accredited by the Ministry of Health
- The village mayor or the local sheikh in rural areas
Challenges refugees face in obtaining death certificates include:
- The deceased may not have identity documents, making it difficult to register the death officially.
- Movement and administrative procedures are often complicated, particularly in areas where refugees have limited access to legal assistance.
The process requires official documentation that some refugees may be unable to provide.