Parents will face prosecution if they fail to register the birth of their children, according to a Government proposal submitted to Parliament. 

This measure is part of the Government’s plan to amend provisions of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act. 

It states that the parent of a newborn should “within thirty days give notice of the birth either verbally or in writing to the registrar or deputy registrar of the district or place in which the birth occurred.

“A person who fails to comply with the section commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to a fine not exceeding D500 or in default to imprisonment without hard labour, for a term not exceeding one month.”

Justice Minister Dawda Jallow said the government is doing its utmost to “amend all acts found to be discriminatory against women and girls.

 “The intention is never to create criminals out of ordinary rural people. The provision is there to instill some form of fear in order to induce compliance.”

Several lawmakers raised concern about the enforcement of the birth registration in rural areas.

Muhammad Mahanera of Sandu said considering the poor health infrastructure of the rural area, it would be insensitive to oblige a parent to give notice of birth within 30 days.

“The 30 days proposal is very short in light of the dilapidated condition of rural health infrastructure. Gambia is not only about Banjul or KM, so rural settlers should be regarded,” he said.

Halifa Sallah, National Assembly member for Serrekunda added that the Government should ensure “facilities are made accessible to the people so that they don’t make criminals out of innocent individuals.”

Birom Sowe of Niamina East said health officials should be “tasked with going round the rural settings to register child births instead of burdening rural parents.”