UNICEF: Universal Birth Registration as the Foundation for Children’s Rights in Africa
Casal dels Infants – UNICEF stresses that universal birth registration is crucial for securing the rights and future of children across Africa. In a recent policy brief released on Sunday (August 10) in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, UNICEF emphasized birth registration as a fundamental step to protect and empower children across the continent.
The policy brief coincides with the 8th annual Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day, observed every August 10. UNICEF highlights that birth registration is not merely an administrative formality but a basic right that grants children access to vital services like education, healthcare, and social protection. Despite this, nearly half of children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa remain unregistered, posing risks to their rights and complicating demographic planning.
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Africa is projected to account for one-third of all global births by 2050, making universal birth registration both a human rights imperative and a demographic necessity, UNICEF states. Countries like Algeria, Botswana, and Sierra Leone have achieved over 90% registration coverage. However, significant regional disparities remain, with South Africa at 88%, West Africa at 63%, and East and Central Africa only 41%.
UNICEF recommends integrating birth registration into broader public services, including health, education, and social protection. This approach aims to ensure sustainable and comprehensive coverage. The organization also advocates digital solutions to simplify registration, especially in remote areas. Additionally, it promotes community involvement, legal reforms, better governance, and grassroots awareness campaigns.
UNICEF aims to strengthen the protection of children’s rights through these strategic efforts. They also seek to ensure that every African child has an official identity from birth. Universal birth registration is not just paperwork, it is the foundation for giving every child a fair chance to thrive. Without a legal identity, many children remain invisible to essential services and vulnerable to exploitation. Therefore, achieving universal birth registration is critical to building inclusive societies where every child can grow, learn, and succeed.
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