Orphan Sponsorship for Children of Unknown Parentage in Algeria: A Mechanism for Achieving Their Identity and Citizenship

In the context of Algerian legislation, the legal framework for children of unknown parentage presents a complex intersection of humanitarian care, Islamic jurisprudence, and state policy.This study explores the institutional mechanism of kafala (sponsorship) as a legally sanctioned alternative to adoption, focusing on its role in safeguarding the identity and citizenship rights of orphaned children in Algeria.Drawing upon statutory texts, Islamic legal principles, and international human rights standards, the paper evaluates how sponsorship functions within Algerian law to provide care, family integration, and civil registration for abandoned children.The study also addresses administrative challenges, social stigmas, and the legal gaps that hinder full citizenship acquisition for these children.The findings suggest that while kafala aligns with religious norms and provides a protective structure, further legislative and procedural reforms are necessary to guarantee the child's right to a legal identity and equitable social inclusion.This research contributes to the broader discourse on child protection, identity formation, and legal belonging in North African legal systems.