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imagine being born on a ship in the middle of the ocean, with no land in sight. this may sound like a scene from a movie, but it's a real-life experience for some babies. in this article, we'll explore the story of babies born in international waters and the legal implications of their birth.
the birth of miracle
in may 2018, a baby boy named miracle was born on an italian humanitarian ship in international waters. his mother, a refugee fleeing a war-torn homeland, was rescued from an overcrowded dinghy and gave birth to her son on the ship. this story is not unique, as dozens of babies have been born on humanitarian ships in the first half of 2018 alone.
citizenship in international waters
when a baby is born in international waters, the question of citizenship arises. historically, births at sea were more common when ocean crossings took months and ships were the only mode of transportation. according to an 1851 british census, over 3,000 british babies were born at sea.
today, the rules for citizenship in international waters vary by country. some countries grant citizenship based on the nationality of the parents, while others grant citizenship based on the location of the birth. in the case of miracle, his citizenship would depend on the laws of his parents' home country and the country where the ship was registered.
the legal implications of birth in international waters
the legal implications of birth in international waters can be complex. in some cases, a baby born in international waters may not be eligible for citizenship in any country. this can lead to issues with travel, education, and employment.
to avoid these issues, some parents choose to wait until they reach land to give birth. however, this is not always possible, especially in cases of emergency or when traveling by sea is the only option.
conclusion
the story of babies born in international waters is a fascinating one. while it may seem like a wild story, it's a real-life experience for some babies and their families. the legal implications of birth in international waters can be complex, but it's important to understand the rules and regulations to ensure that these babies have a clear path to citizenship and a better life.
sources
- j.k. rowling: a biography of the harry potter author
- i'm growing great: a read aloud
- the history of venice: why was it built in a lagoon?
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