Birth registration delays in Fiji are notably severe in the regions of Taveuni and Tailevu, as highlighted by a recent report from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS). The report reveals that the average time between a child’s birth and their registration has reached a daunting 685 days in Taveuni and 681 days in Tailevu—essentially a two-year wait in both areas.
The report, titled “Addressing gender inequities in on-time birth registration in Fiji through identification of priority geographic areas for targeted interventions,” examines the considerable disparities in birth registration timing and volume across various civil registry offices. From 2015 to 2024, Fiji saw a total of 158,153 births officially recorded. However, the distribution of these registrations was uneven, with the Suva Registry managing 36.2 percent, translating to 57,304 registered births.
In comparison, the Lautoka Registry followed with 13.7 percent (21,725 registrations), Labasa contributed 9.5 percent (15,088), Nausori accounted for 7.3 percent (11,585), and Nadi had 6.9 percent (10,929). The findings indicated that several smaller offices, including Rotuma, Seaqaqa, and Navosa, recorded fewer than 100 registrations over the past decade.
Nationally, the average delay for birth registrations stands at 427 days, which is regarded as a conservative estimate. This figure is set to increase because a significant percentage of children born between 2021 and 2024—estimated at between 40 to 70 percent—are still not registered and are likely to encounter further delays.
The analysis of registration times varies significantly by office. Locations such as Lautoka and Ba, with at least 1,000 registrations, demonstrate greater efficiency, achieving average registration intervals of 352 and 363 days, respectively. However, the prolonged delays in Taveuni and Tailevu starkly contrast this trend.
Moreover, the report indicates that about 71.5 percent of births were registered on time, defined as within 365 days. This rate differs considerably among the registry offices, with Lautoka achieving a commendable 77.5 percent for timely registrations, closely followed by Ba at 77.2 percent. In contrast, Taveuni and Tailevu reported significantly lower rates of on-time registrations, at 55.6 percent and 55.3 percent, respectively.
These findings highlight an urgent necessity for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing timely birth registration, particularly in areas grappling with substantial delays. By bolstering support and resources for local registry offices, Fiji has the potential to improve the efficiency of the registration process, ensuring that every child is granted their legal identity promptly and safeguarding their rights and access to services. This initiative could play a critical role in promoting social equity and protecting children’s rights across the nation.