Millions of Children Still Unregistered at Birth, Warns UNICEF Report
According to the latest 2024 estimates by UNICEF, nearly 150 million children under the age of five around the world have never had their births officially recorded. This alarming statistic represents approximately 20% of all children in that age group globally. The data was presented in a report submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, shedding light on a persistent yet overlooked human rights issue.
Birth registration is a fundamental right of every child, serving as the first legal recognition of a person’s existence. Without this documentation, children may be denied access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and social protection. It also makes them more vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and child labor, as they remain invisible in the eyes of the law.
The report highlights that the lack of birth registration is most severe in low-income countries, particularly in rural and conflict-affected regions, where weak civil registration systems, poverty, and lack of awareness are major contributing factors. In some areas, cultural practices and gender-based discrimination further hinder the process.
UNICEF has called on governments to strengthen their civil registration systems and invest in digital innovations to make birth registration accessible, affordable, and universal. The organization also emphasizes the need for community outreach and education to ensure families understand the importance of registering births.
As the international community works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that every child is counted from the moment of birth is essential. Recognizing and protecting their identity is the first step in upholding their rights.
