110. Other alleged cases of trafficking have been referred to the country’s courts.
Families of victims as well as individuals have reported cases to the authorities.
111. In addition to the legislative measures aimed at reducing trafficking, the
Mozambique Government has embarked on training and capacitation of the
relevant authorities, namely policemen, judges, and border personnel. The
government has also been working with communities with a view to identifying
recruiters and reporting cases of trafficking. These measures have been introduced
in partnership with a number of NGOs and civil society organizations.
112. It is worth mentioning that a Specialized Brigade to deal with human trafficking
issues has been established. It operates under the National Directorate of the
Criminal Investigation Police and liaises with the Offices and Departments
catering for Women and Children who are Victims of Violence.
113. Thus, it has been demonstrated that the State has renewed efforts with a view to
protecting the right to life, including the introduction of reforms within the justice
sector (an example being the criminalization of human trafficking) and improved
public security thanks to the allocation of human and material resources to the
Republic of Mozambique Police.
114. It is worth mentioning that the government has set as one of its priorities the
registration of births within the context of recognizing an individual´s dignity and
juridical personality.
115. Juridical personality entitles an individual to acquire rights and to be subject to
obligations. In terms of Article 66 of the Civil Code, juridical personality begins at
birth.
116. Birth entails a series of rights, starting at the onset with the right to life, a name
and nationality and hence the right to be registered.
117. The CRM does not specifically provide for the recognition of an individual’s
personality. However, it regulates the right to a nationality, namely the acquisition,
loss and reacquisition of nationality.
118. It is important to mention the registration of a child’s birth as a means of
acquiring identification, hence the registration of the commencement of
personality.
119. Nonetheless, due to cultural and financial problems, a great many parents fail to
register their children at birth. With a view to encouraging the civil registration of
children, the government has extended to 120 days the period of grace for free
civil registration.
120. It is important to add that static units have been established next to maternity
homes for the registration of newborn children. Nonetheless, there have been
shortcomings either because mothers give birth in places other than maternity
homes or parents are absent.
Combined Report from the Republic of Mozambique to the ACHPR, 1999-2010
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