Civil registration push hits milestone in Asia-Pacific.

Civil registration push hits milestone in Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to improve civil registration systems. According to a recent report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), more than 80% of births and deaths in the region are now registered.

This is a major achievement, considering that just a few decades ago, many countries in the region had very low rates of civil registration. In some cases, less than 10% of births and deaths were registered, which made it difficult to track population trends, plan for public services, and protect the rights of individuals.

The ESCAP report highlights the progress that has been made in recent years, thanks to concerted efforts by governments, civil society organizations, and international partners. Many countries have introduced new laws and policies to promote civil registration, and have invested in new technologies and training programs to improve the quality and coverage of registration systems.

One of the key drivers of this progress has been the recognition that civil registration is not just a technical issue, but a fundamental human right. By ensuring that every person is registered at birth and has a legal identity, governments can help to protect their rights to education, healthcare, and social services, and can also prevent discrimination and exploitation.

The ESCAP report also highlights some of the remaining challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve universal civil registration in the region. These include improving the quality and accuracy of registration data, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups are not left behind, and strengthening the legal frameworks and institutional capacities that support civil registration.

Despite these challenges, the progress that has been made in the Asia-Pacific region is a cause for celebration. It shows that with political will, technical expertise, and community engagement, it is possible to build effective and inclusive civil registration systems that benefit everyone.

As we look ahead to the next decade, it is important to build on this momentum and continue to invest in civil registration as a key tool for promoting human rights, social inclusion, and sustainable development. By doing so, we can ensure that every person in the Asia-Pacific region has the legal identity and protection they need to thrive and contribute to their communities.