UNICEF is calling on governments and development partners to accelerate efforts toward universal birth registration (UBR), a critical measure to uphold every child’s right to legal identity and protection under international law. Despite notable progress, with more than 500 million children under five registered globally in the past five years, an estimated 150 million remain unregistered, and 55 million lack birth certificates.
The Policy Solutions Report underscores birth registration as a foundational pillar for child protection and equitable access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and social protection. Countries with robust Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems report child outcomes nearly three times better on average. The report also highlights the transformative potential of combining UBR with universal child benefits, a policy synergy that could dramatically reduce poverty and vulnerability worldwide.
To achieve universal registration by 2030, UNICEF stresses the need for simplified registration processes supported by inclusive legal frameworks, increased investment in CRVS systems and digital integration to enhance reach, and stronger collaboration across sectors to identify and serve marginalized populations. Evidence-based policymaking is essential to monitor effectiveness and strengthen alignment with child-focused policies. Accelerated UBR is indispensable for achieving SDG 16.9 and reinforcing social protection systems under SDG 1.3.
The full report, Proven Solutions for Children, is available on UNICEF’s website.
