Celebration of progress in birth registration in Mali.

In recent years, Mali has made significant strides in enhancing birth registration rates, reflecting the nation's commitment to ensuring every child's right to legal identity within the frameworks of civil registration and vital statistics systems. While challenges remain, the progress achieved through innovative strategies and sustained efforts demonstrates the leadership of the Government, as well as the dedication of healthcare workers and community stakeholders. This fosters optimism for the future.

As set forth in a new UNICEF publication, ‘A Right Start to Life’, the global birth registration rate has increased from 75% to 77% since 2019, with over 500 million children registered in the last five years. In Mali, significant advancements have been made despite some disparities, with 87% of children under one year old registered with the civil registry. These improvements are crucial as they lay the foundation for children to access essential services including education and healthcare, breaking the cycle of vulnerability and exclusion. 

Since 2022, UNCEF has been supporting the Government's efforts to digitize birth registration. This process has made significant progress with the approval of a project for a platform that consolidates key civil status events, including births, deaths, and marriages. The platform was developed following extensive consultations with all entities and stakeholders involved in the civil status information and statistics system in Mali. It will serve as the first fully digital platform dedicated to the digitization of civil status events, addressing user needs while adhering to international standards and national legal frameworks. This represents a crucial step towards the digitization of birth registration and presents a genuine opportunity to enhance the Government's efforts for effective and secure universal birth registration. The National Directorate of Civil Status has identified ten pilot areas that encompass all relevant structures and stakeholders, such as civil registration centers, health facilities, courts, and their staffs.

This success story highlights the effectiveness of three key strategies: interoperability, decentralization and digitalization. By embedding birth registration within the broader public service ecosystem, linking it with health, education, and social protection services, and bringing services closer to communities, these strategies have made birth registration more accessible and efficient. Digitalization has further strengthened these efforts by streamlining registration processes and improving data accuracy. 

The progress made in Mali demonstrates that with the right strategies and support, significant improvements in birth registration can be achieved. By continuing to invest in and prioritize birth registration efforts, Mali can make significant contributions to the global goal of ensuring that no child is left behind and that every child can fully participate in society. System strengthening is a continental commitment within the framework of the Africa Programme on Accelerated Improvement of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (APAI-CRVS), under the leadership of the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family with support from National and Regional Directorates of Civil Registration offices.  I take this opportunity to express UNICEF’s thanks to bilateral and multilateral partners, particularly Canada, Germany and Italy, for their significant contributions towards achieving these results.

The fundamental right of every child to an identity, including having their births registered, is enshrined in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Universal birth registration is also one of the aspirations of Africa 2040, Africa’s Agenda for Children, and the Sustainable Development Goals (target 16.9). 

According to the latest global report published by UNICEF on birth registration, titled "A Good Start in Life," approximately 13% of children in Mali are not registered at birth. This situation affects millions of girls and boys who lack legal identity and thus remain exposed to protection risks including trafficking. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommends that national authorities take all necessary measures to register all children at birth. This may be boosted by the digitalization of birth registration and special measures for refugee and internally displaced children.

By celebrating the progress made and by continuing to build on these successes, we can help break the cycles of vulnerability and exclusion, giving every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. It is crucial to continue investing in and prioritizing these efforts to ensure that every child in Mali is registered and has access to the essential services they need to thrive.