In a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, the Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ottawa, stated that the only documents required by Iranian authorities when issuing a shenasnameh for a child of Iranian parents in Iran are the shenasnameh of the mother and the shenasnameh of the father (27 Feb. 2003). This documentary requirement is the same irrespective of whether the child is born in the home or in the hospital (ibid.). If either of the parents is not Iranian and does not have a shenasnameh, their birth certificate is required instead (ibid.).

A shenasnameh contains the child's full name and the name of the mother and father, as well as each parent's shenasnameh number (ibid.). A new number is issued for the child's shenasnameh and this number is added to the shenasnameh of each parent (ibid.). The shenasnameh also contains the date and place of birth of the child, place of residence and later on, where applicable, marital history (United States 20 Feb. 2003).

An Iranian birth certificate, which is a different document from the shenasnameh, contains the names of both parents and can be used to prove the maternity and paternity of the child (Iran 27 Feb. 2003). Where the child is born in the home, a doctor's note, stating all of the particulars of the child's birth, is required for a birth certificate to be issued (ibid.). However, as stated above, birth certificates are not required when applying for the shenasnameh of one's child (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Iran. 27 February 2003. Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ottawa. Telephone interview with the Second Secretary.

United States. 20 February 2003. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. "Iran: Reciprocity Schedule." http://travel.state.gov/reciprocity/Country%20Folder/I/Iran.htm [Accessed 27 Feb. 2003]