Article 40 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Congo states that "children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall have the same rights" (ICL 15 Mar. 1992).

According to an official of the Embassy of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) in Washington, DC, Congolese society does not reject children who are born out of wedlock (Congo 15 Jan. 2003). The official stated, however, that a child may be mistreated by his or her step-parent, but that is considered a family, and not a state matter (ibid.). The only time that state authorities may intervene is when the paternity of an illegitimate child is in doubt (ibid.).

This information could not be corroborated by sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

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. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Congo. 15 January 2003. Embassy of the Republic of Congo, Washington, DC. 15 January 2003. Telephone interview with official.

International Constitutional Law (ICL). 15 March 1992. "Congo - Constitution." http://www.oefre.unibe.ch/law/icl/cf00000_html [Accessed 15 Jan. 2003]

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Confidential

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Issues

Daniel G. Anna. December 1993. "Republic of the Congo." Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Albert P. Blaustein and Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2001. 2002. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.

Keesing's Record of World Events

Encyclopedia of the Third World. 1992. 3rd. ed. Vol. 1. Edited by George Thomas Kurian. New York: Facts On File.

New African.

Unsuccessful attempts to reach two oral sources

West Africa

Internet site:

All Africa

UNESCO

UNICEF

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