In many countries across Asia and the Pacific, millions of people remain invisible because their births and deaths are never officially recorded. Without a legal identity, individuals can’t access essential services or exercise their basic rights. More than a decade after governments launched a regional effort to address invisible lives, the problem persists. Now, regional leaders have renewed their commitment to ensure that every life is counted by 2030.
At the Third Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, also known as CRVS, governments adopted a declaration to strengthen national registration systems. The initiative aims to fulfill Sustainable Development Goal target 16.9, which calls for legal identity for all. Although progress has been made since 2014, millions are still left behind. These renewed commitments reflect an urgent need to close the gap and protect the rights of every person.
WHY LEGAL IDENTITY MATTERS
Civil registration and vital statistics systems are the foundations of an inclusive society. When a child receives a birth certificate, they gain access to healthcare, education, and legal protection. Without registration, families face exclusion, poverty, and discrimination. A death certificate enables surviving relatives to claim inheritance, pensions, and other legal entitlements. Thus, registration of life events is not merely bureaucratic; it is essential for protecting human rights.
Many people, especially women and marginalized communities, remain outside these systems. They often face barriers like distance, lack of information, and cultural attitudes that discourage registration. These challenges not only harm individuals but also undermine public policy and national planning.
INVISIBLE LIVES; UNEVEN PROGRESS SINCE 2012
The region has seen notable improvements since 2012. These improvements are noted according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The number of unregistered children under five has dropped by more than 60 percent, from 135 million to 51 million. Currently, 29 countries register over 90 percent of births within one year. Additionally, 30 countries record the same proportion of deaths, which represents significant progress.
Despite these gains, enormous gaps remain. An estimated 14 million children each year still reach their first birthday without being registered. At the same time, 6.9 million deaths go unrecorded annually, especially in remote or rural communities. Without reliable registration, governments cannot deliver effective services or respond to public health crises.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how missing data complicates disease surveillance and emergency response. Many countries lacked reliable statistics about mortality and the causes of death, limiting their ability to act quickly.
INVISIBLE LIVES; RENEWED COMMITMENTS FOR 2030
The new ministerial declaration outlines a vision for universal and responsive CRVS systems by 2030. Governments pledged to create inclusive systems that are resilient, digitally enabled, and accessible to every community. They also emphasized the importance of protecting personal data and ensuring the continuity of registration services during emergencies.
One of the key priorities is improving cause-of-death reporting. In many areas, deaths outside health facilities remain undocumented or improperly classified. To address this, countries are expanding the use of verbal autopsies and modern certification tools. These improvements will help create accurate mortality statistics that guide public health decisions.
DIGITAL INNOVATIONS TO REACH REMOTE AREAS
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in closing the registration gap. Mobile registration units, biometric systems, and electronic databases make it easier to record births and deaths in hard-to-reach locations. For example, Bangladesh has introduced an electronic birth registration system that has significantly improved coverage in rural districts. Similarly, Papua New Guinea is using mobile registration teams equipped with tablets and solar-powered devices.
These digital tools not only increase efficiency but also help build trust with communities that have historically been excluded. When registration is fast, reliable, and transparent, people are more likely to participate.
PROMOTING GENDER EQUITY IN REGISTRATION
Gender equity remains a critical issue in civil registration. Women often face additional obstacles such as legal restrictions or social norms that discourage them from registering life events. Without legal documents, women are more vulnerable to poverty, violence, and exploitation.
Governments are now focusing on gender-sensitive policies to ensure women can register births and deaths without barriers. Community education and outreach programs are essential to inform families about their rights and the benefits of registration.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Civil registration systems will only succeed if communities understand their importance and feel confident using them. Therefore, governments are investing in outreach campaigns that explain why registration matters. These campaigns often use local languages and culturally relevant materials to overcome resistance and misinformation.
Training local health workers and community leaders also helps build trust. When people can access services in their own villages, they are more likely to register births and deaths in a timely manner.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND SUPPORT
Achieving universal civil registration will require continued collaboration between countries, development partners, and international organizations. Agencies such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and ESCAP provide technical assistance, funding, and policy guidance. These partnerships help governments build capacity and learn from successful models in neighboring countries.
International cooperation also plays a role in standardizing data collection and reporting practices. Consistent methods make it easier to compare progress and identify areas that need additional resources.
THE ROLE OF ACCURATE DATA IN DEVELOPMENT
Reliable civil registration data has far-reaching implications beyond individual rights. Accurate statistics allow governments to track progress toward development goals, allocate resources, and plan for the future. Without complete data, policies are often based on estimates that fail to capture the real needs of the population.
During health emergencies such as pandemics or natural disasters, timely data can save lives. Authorities can respond faster and more effectively when they know who is affected and where resources are needed.
INVISIBLE LIVES; LOOKING AHEAD TO 2030
The next five years will be critical for closing the remaining gaps in civil registration. Governments must invest in technology, training, and infrastructure to create systems that are truly universal. They also need to address legal and social barriers that keep vulnerable communities excluded.
As countries prepare national action plans, they should prioritize outreach to marginalized groups, especially women, children, and people in remote areas. Inclusive policies and strong political commitment will be essential to achieving the vision of legal identity for all.
A CALL TO ACTION
Every unregistered birth or death represents not just a data gap but a person deprived of recognition and protection. Legal identity is the foundation of a fair and just society. Now is the time for governments, communities, and international partners to work together and fulfill their promises.
When every life is counted, societies are stronger, healthier, and more resilient. Ensuring universal civil registration by 2030 is not only possible but necessary. The commitments made at the Third Ministerial Conference reflect a shared determination to make invisible lives visible and uphold the rights of every person.
For more information about civil registration efforts in Asia and the Pacific, visit the United Nations ESCAP website at https://www.unescap.org.
Civil registration is far more than an administrative task. It is a profound affirmation that every individual matters and deserves recognition. As the region moves into the next phase of the CRVS Decade, the goal is clear: no one should remain invisible.
By embracing innovation, promoting equity, and strengthening collaboration, Asia and the Pacific can finally achieve legal identity for all. Together, we can ensure that every life truly counts.