Birth Registration Counselling for Children Born in Lebanon of Syrian Parents

Step 1 – Explain why birth registration is important

• Without an official birth certificate a child will not have evidence of their name, relationship with their parents, or date and place of birth.

• In Lebanon, without at least a birth notification document from the hospital or an authorized midwife, a child will have difficulties signing-up for UNHCR and accessing assistance such as food, education and healthcare. A birth notification document is also required to complete the next steps in the birth registration procedure.

• When the time comes for voluntary return to Syria, without an official birth certificate a child may not be able to prove their Syrian nationality, obtain Syrian ID, and may have problems accessing rights such as healthcare and education. In addition, without an official birth certificate a child may have difficulties obtaining Syrian ID and may therefore not be able to cross the border to Syria legally.