07/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/30/2024 00:37
Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day
Strengthening the linkage of civil registration and vital statistics to legal identity systems through digitalization for enhanced inclusion
Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day, which is celebrated annually, marks a pivotal moment for reflection, collaboration and action towards strengthening civil registration and vital statistics systems across Africa, especially as the continent strives to accelerate progress in meeting the commitments made under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to achieving universal legal identity.
The theme chosen for this year's celebration, "Strengthening the linkage of civil registration and vital statistics to legal identity systems through digitalization for enhanced inclusion", serves as a rallying call that emphasizes the pivotal role of digital integration in harmonizing civil registration and vital statistics systems with legal identity structures. Such harmonization is essential for promoting effective governance and societal development, protecting individual rights, ensuring efficient service delivery, reducing fraud and facilitating cross-border recognition. It forms the backbone of a transparent, accountable and inclusive governance framework that benefits individuals, communities and societies.
More specifically, the benefits of creating such linkage include:
With a vision to address challenges and unlock opportunities, it is hoped that this seventh celebration of Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day will ignite conversations on the vital importance of harmonizing civil registration and vital statistics with legal identity systems. As the celebration unfolds, national stakeholders are invited to:
The secretariat of the Africa Programme on the Accelerated Improvement of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems, in collaboration with partners in the regional civil registration and vital statistics core group, will host a week-long webinar series that will be aimed at addressing major topics that fall under the theme of the celebration. The webinar series will provide a platform for experts, policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders to share insights, experiences and innovative solutions related to civil registration and vital statistics and legal identity systems in Africa. The secretariat encourages all stakeholders in government, civil society, academia and the private sector to actively participate in the webinar series and to join in the celebration of Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day. Together, we can drive positive change, promote inclusion and contribute to the African development agenda through strengthened civil registration and vital statistics systems and legal identity frameworks.
We extend a warm invitation to media representatives to join us in capturing the essence of this momentous occasion.
For media inquiries, please reach out to the Chief of the Demography and Social Statistics Section, Mr. William Muhwava, by email at [email protected].