The Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration recognize birth registration as a fundamental right of every child, as enshrined in their respective legal and policy frameworks. Immediate and universal birth registration is essential not only for establishing legal identity, but also for enabling children to access basic services, such as education and healthcare, and to assert their citizenship rights. Both governments affirm that birth registration serves as the first step toward safeguarding children's rights and promoting inclusive development.

In Somalia, the National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) underscores the state’s obligation to ensure that all children—regardless of their displacement status—receive official documentation, including birth certificates. This commitment reflects a rights-based approach to protection and inclusivity, aiming to guarantee equal access to civil documentation for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), such as IDPs, refugee-returnees, and children born in displacement or host communities. The policy further emphasizes that documentation must be provided without discrimination, reinforcing the principle that displaced children are entitled to the same legal recognition and protections as all other citizens.

In Somaliland, similar provisions exist to support birth registration for all children, including those from refugee and displaced backgrounds. Through local civil registration offices and in collaboration with international partners, efforts are ongoing to expand access to vital registration services in both urban and remote areas. These initiatives include mobile registration campaigns, community outreach, and capacity-building for local officials, all aimed at ensuring that no child is left unregistered, regardless of circumstances.

The recognition and implementation of birth registration as a legal right is central to broader efforts in Somalia and Somaliland to build inclusive and accountable governance systems, reduce statelessness, and promote the rights and dignity of all children—particularly those affected by conflict, displacement, or marginalization.