In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a birth certificate is a vital document that confirms a child's identity and their belonging to their parents. According to Roland Kimwanga, a civil registry officer, many parents in Kinshasa are neglecting to register their children's births, despite the process being free of charge. This is particularly concerning in the Kintambo commune, where a low rate of birth registration has been recorded.
Kimwanga explained that the law requires parents to register their child's birth within 90 days of birth, as stated in the January 10, 2009 law on child protection. However, many parents are not taking this responsibility seriously, often leaving the registration process until much later. As a result, many birth certificates are being abandoned in the registry office, despite being an essential document for a child's identity.
The civil registry officer also noted that some parents are bypassing the local registry office in favor of the communal office, despite the documents having the same value. Kimwanga expressed concern about this trend, which can lead to delays and difficulties in obtaining birth certificates. He emphasized that birth certificates are crucial for a child's future, as they provide proof of identity and citizenship.
In the Lubudi-nganda area, Kimwanga reported that many birth certificates are being left uncollected, despite the importance of this document. He urged parents to take responsibility for registering their children's births, stressing that it is a crucial step in ensuring their child's identity and access to basic rights.
The issue of low birth registration rates is not unique to Kinshasa, with many areas in the DR Congo facing similar challenges. The Congolese government has taken steps to improve birth registration, including making the process free of charge. However, more needs to be done to raise awareness about the importance of birth certificates and to encourage parents to register their children's births.
Kimwanga's comments highlight the need for greater awareness and education about the importance of birth certificates in the DR Congo. By working together, civil registry offices, local authorities, and community leaders can help to improve birth registration rates and ensure that all children have access to this vital document.
The ACP was informed that efforts are being made to improve birth registration in the DR Congo, including through public awareness campaigns and outreach programs. These initiatives aim to educate parents about the importance of birth certificates and to encourage them to register their children's births, in line with the country's laws and regulations.
Key points
- DR Congo's civil registry office emphasizes importance of birth certificates
- Low birth registration rates recorded in Kinshasa's Kintambo commune
- Parents urged to register children's births within 90 days of birth
