31. Birth registration is a prerequisite for the issuance of a birth certificate to a child. The Committee is aware that there are still many countries in Africa that require production of a birth certificate to enroll children for school or for enrolled children to sit for (national) exams. In those countries, the right to education becomes that of children whose birth has been registered - to the exclusion of the non-registered. A child who is not registered and does not go to school not only loses potential for his/her future but also becomes more vulnerable to other abuses of his/her rights. He/she becomes an easy target for child traffickers, child labour, early marriage, illegal adoption, sexual exploitation and other harmful practices. In this regard, when a child has not been registered at birth and has attained the school age, State parties shall take appropriate measures to register him/her, issue him/her a birth certificate and enroll him/her for school. Birth registration should be facilitated at the point where non –registration becomes apparent, rather than acting as an impediment to the child‟s access to other rights. 32. As regards the right to health and right to social welfare, the Committee notes that medical care and social welfare services, social security (where available), and health services are less easily available for non - registered children. Provision of essential services such as vaccinations, medicines and cash transfers to alleviate extreme poverty may be imperiled by the absence of suitable identification documentation. 4.6.4 Right to parental care and protection 33. The Committee recalls the commitment of States parties to ensure that a child grows up in a family environment in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding for the full and harmonious development of his/her personality. 10 The Committee also recalls the right of every child to the enjoyment of parental care and protection and whenever possible, the right to reside with his/her parents.11 10 11 Preamble, African Children’s Charter. Article 19 (1), African Children’s Charter. 13