The Fiji Bureau of Statistics has put forward a proposal to create Divisional Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) committees aimed at mitigating the ongoing challenges of delays and gender disparities in birth registration throughout Fiji. This recommendation arises from a nationwide review conducted by the bureau in collaboration with key government agencies, with backing from Vital Strategies through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative.
An analysis of 158,153 birth registration records collected between 2015 and 2024 revealed significant discrepancies in registration processing times among different registry offices. Alarmingly, ten offices across all four divisions recorded average delays exceeding 600 days from birth to registration, disproportionately affecting iTaukei children, as well as children of single and young mothers.
The policy brief highlighted several systemic issues contributing to these delays, including poor inter-agency coordination, missing or delayed Notification of Birth forms, and high travel expenses in rural and maritime regions. In certain island communities, families have been resorting to using unofficial documents, such as baptism cards, to enroll their children in school in the absence of valid birth certificates.
The introduction of Divisional CRVS committees is envisioned as a solution to enhance collaboration among various agencies, synchronize outreach initiatives, and track registration performance at the divisional level. These committees will receive dedicated funding, allowing them to engage with community leaders and service providers to facilitate more inclusive and timely registration.
The Fiji Bureau of Statistics emphasizes that improved coordination and consistent investment are crucial for ensuring that every child in Fiji is promptly registered, irrespective of their gender or geographical location. This initiative is a hopeful step towards addressing long-standing issues and ensuring all children receive their right to official documentation.