Every Child Counted – Advancing birth registration in Africa
A policy paper advocating for and supporting every child’s right to a legal identity
Highlights
Birth registration is a fundamental human right that lays the foundation for accessing critical rights from childhood through adulthood. It ensures that every child is recognized by the state and can claim protection and services throughout life. Without birth registration, children remain invisible to systems meant to support them.
With Africa expected to account for one-third of all global births by 2050 – achieving universal birth registration is both a rights imperative and a demographic necessity. Progress will require strong political commitment, sustained domestic investment and effective collaboration across sectors and partners.
This policy paper provides a synthesis of evaluations on key issues affecting birth registration across the continent, and includes advocacy and policy asks to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS).
