South Africa
Administrative blockage for children of mixed status parents
South Africa requires DNA testing to prove paternity only in cases involving children born out of wedlock to one South African parent and one foreign parent, if the birth has not been registered in the first 30 days. This practice is being challenged in the courts, as it is considered unconstitutional, expensive, and not available in all parts of the country. The Centre for Child Law claims it is discriminatory against children born outside of wedlock, and against children born to migrant parents. In 2023, South Africa received a UPR recommendation to guarantee every child’s right to immediate, free birth registration and certification, regardless of their parents’ status.
