Birth registration, a fundamental right for every child, has seen steady progress over the past five years. Over 500 million children under five have received legal recognition. According to UNICEF’s latest report, The Right Start in Life: Global levels and trends in birth registration, 2024 update, birth registration globally now stands at 77%. This marks an increase from 75% in 2019.
While this marks an improvement, 150 million children remain unregistered. This makes them invisible to government systems and vulnerable to rights violations. Moreover, over 50 million registered children lack birth certificates. This document is essential for securing nationality, preventing statelessness, and accessing basic services.
WHY BIRTH REGISTRATION MATTERS
“Birth registration ensures children are recognized under the law. It protects them from harm and exploitation. It also grants access to vital services like healthcare, education, and vaccines,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
Without birth registration and certificates, children may be excluded from critical government programs. This exclusion leaves them vulnerable to statelessness and exploitation.
REGIONAL PROGRESS AND DISPARITIES
Global progress has been driven by prompt registration initiatives, expanded services, digitalization, and the elimination of fees. Regions like Latin America and the Caribbean have achieved 95% progress. Eastern and South-Eastern Asia have reached 94%. Central and Southern Asia have achieved 78% progress.
Yet, sub-Saharan Africa lags significantly behind at 51%, housing over 90 million unregistered children. Within the region, progress varies widely:
- Southern Africa leads with 88% registration.
- Western Africa has made notable gains, reaching 63%.
- Eastern and Middle Africa stay low, both at 41%.
Projections suggest that if current rates persist, sub-Saharan Africa could have over 100 million unregistered children by 2030. This is due to rapid population growth.
BARRIERS TO REGISTRATION
Despite the gains, many families face obstacles to registering their children:
- Long distances to registration facilities.
- Multiple visits required for processing.
- Lack of awareness about the process.
- High costs linked to registration and travel.
- Discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or religion.
SUCCESS STORIES AND SOLUTIONS
Countries like Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire have achieved near-universal birth registration. Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania have also made significant strides in recent years. These nations show that targeted strategies can yield remarkable results.
UNICEF’s report emphasizes five key actions to ensure every child’s right to legal recognition:
- Universal Registration: Register every child at birth as a foundation for lifelong legal identity.
- Streamlined Processes: Simplify registration systems to enhance service delivery and incorporate digital technologies.
- Integrated Programs: Leverage health, education, and social protection initiatives to increase registration rates.
- Legal Reforms: Implement inclusive and equitable civil registration systems.
- Community Empowerment: Raise awareness among communities to demand civil registration as a fundamental right.
THE ROAD AHEAD
As UNICEF celebrates 78 years of championing children’s rights, the progress in birth registration reflects a crucial step toward ensuring every child is recognized, protected, and included in society. Nevertheless, achieving universal registration requires collective effort, innovative solutions, and a firm commitment from governments and communities worldwide.
For millions of unregistered children, the journey toward recognition and protection continues. Yet, with sustained efforts, a world where every child’s rights are upheld is within reach.