Steady Progress in Birth Registration, but Millions Remain UncountedThe global rate of birth registration for children under five has seen a significant boost, with over 500 million births recorded in the last five years. This accounts for approximately 8 in 10 children, according to UNICEF’s latest report, The Right Start in Life: Global Levels and Trends in Birth Registration, 2024 Update. However, 150 million children under five remain unregistered, leaving them effectively invisible to legal and government systems. Key Findings of the UNICEF Report The report highlights that 77% of children globally have their births registered, up from 75% in 2019. However, an alarming 50 million registered children lack birth certificates—essential documents required to confirm nationality, prevent statelessness, and ensure access to fundamental rights and services like healthcare and education. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the critical role of birth registration in safeguarding children. “Birth registration provides immediate legal recognition, protecting children from harm and ensuring access to essential services,” she stated. Regional Insights: Gaps and Achievements Global progress in birth registration is attributed to various efforts, such as expanding services, digitalization, eliminating fees, and integrating registration with health and education systems. Notably, sub-Saharan Africa faces unique challenges, including slow progress and a rapidly growing child population, which could result in over 100 million unregistered children by 2030 without intensified efforts. Barriers to Registration Families encounter numerous obstacles to registering their children, including: Success Stories: Lessons for Others Some countries in sub-Saharan Africa are defying the odds. Botswana has achieved universal registration, while Côte d’Ivoire has surpassed 90%. Other nations, such as Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, have also demonstrated steady progress, offering valuable models for replication. UNICEF’s Call to Action To achieve universal birth registration, UNICEF recommends the following five key actions: “Too many children remain invisible to the law and governments,” Russell stated. “Every child deserves the right to recognition and protection through birth registration.” READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
