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Disclaimer / Limitations
This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers and/or CRVS legal experts. All efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the legal analysis, however, if you consider there to be any discrepancies or if there have been changes in the law of the country since our staff last updated the legal analysis, we welcome any additional information or insights. Please contact us via this form.
Birth Registration
Zambia
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Zambia
Birth Registration
ID and Related Services
ID and Related Services
Unique Personal Identifier (UPI)
Is a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) assigned at birth registration for every child born in the country?
Yes UPI assigned for every child born in country
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
The UN guidance recommends that a unique personal identifier (UPI) is assigned and entered into the birth record for every child born within the territory of the country, regardless of citizenship, ethnicity, nationality, or residency status. This facilitates the linkage of records in the CR and ID systems.
The assignment of a unique personal identifier at the time of birth registration is not addressed directly in the law, but the National Registration Regulations state that, for a person born in Zambia, the national registration card number will be obtained from that person's birth registration records.
In practice, according to the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship, a registrar uses the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS) to assign a unique system-generated number at the time of birth registration.
Registration Linked to Access to Key Services and Other Incentives
Is proof of birth registration required in order to access any public services?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Birth certificate should be requested to access public services, such as child immunizations and wellness checks, school enrolllment, etc. Absence of a birth certificate should not prevent the child from accessing healthcare, education, or other services. However, if health workers (such as vaccination workers, doctors, nurses) or other public servants see an unregistered child, they can use the opportunity to report the birth or educate the parents about birth registration.
Birth certificates are not required to access services. Other forms of documentary evidence are accepted, particularly in light of Zambia’s low rates of birth registration.
For persons over age 16, the National Registration Card, which can be issued in the absence of a birth certificate, is more significant for access to services.
Is proof of birth registration required by law to issue a national ID card?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
For those born in the country, birth registration should be required in order to register for a national ID. For refugees, migrants or stateless persons born outside the country and lacking proof of birth registration from country of origin, the law should provide alternative means to validate their identity and obtain identity credentials.
A copy of birth certificate is the desired proof of age and place of birth when registering for a National Registration Card, but registration is possible without a birth certificate if the Registrar is satisfied that the failure to register the applicant's birth did not result from fault or negligence on the part of the applicant.
In practice, it appears that medical records of birth and under-five clinic cards are accepted in lieu of birth certificates when applying for a National Registration Card. First-time applicants must also be accompanied by a deponent who is a parent, biological relative or legal guardian.
