{"id":8341,"date":"2011-03-17T07:42:00","date_gmt":"2011-03-17T14:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/humanium.org\/en\/"},"modified":"2025-12-06T16:12:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T16:12:02","slug":"identity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/identity\/","title":{"rendered":"Right to identity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every child has the right to an <\/strong>identity<\/strong><\/a> from birth. This fundamental <\/strong>human right<\/strong><\/a> is particularly significant for children, as it affirms their existence in society and acknowledges their uniqueness. A child\u2019s identity encompasses several key elements, including a given name, surname, date of birth, gender, and nationality, all of which contribute to a child\u2019s sense of self and place within their community. Recognizing and protecting this right is essential to ensuring the <\/strong>well-being<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>development<\/strong><\/a> of children worldwide.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Understanding the different components of identity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A child\u2019s identity is composed of the following principal elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Name and surname<\/strong>: From birth, every child is entitled to a name and surname (Child Rights International Network, n.d.; United Nations, 1989). Parents<\/a> are responsible for reporting their newborn\u2019s name, surname, and date of birth to the appropriate authorities (van der Straaten et al., 2013). Registration officially recognizes the existence of the child and formalizes their status in the eyes of the law (van der Straaten et al., 2013). Additionally, by being named and registered in official birth and death records, the child can establish filiation, indicating the biological connections linking them to their father and mother.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Names often carry deep cultural, familial, or religious significance, connecting children to their heritage and community (van der Straaten et al., 2013). In many cultures, the process of naming a child involves a significant ritual or ceremony, underscoring the importance of this aspect of identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Nationality<\/strong>: From birth, a child has the right to a nationality, typically from their own or their parents\u2019 country of birth (Child Rights International Network, n.d.; United Nations, 1989). Nationality can be obtained through two primary means:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n