Millions more children in Asia and the Pacific now have legal identities, but 14 million babies still go unregistered each year. The number of unregistered children under five dropped 62% from 135 million in 2012 to 51 million in 2024, giving 84 million more children recognized names, according to a new UN report released ahead of a major regional conference.
Birth registration provides the foundation for accessing basic rights like healthcare and education. Without official documentation, children often get denied these services, creating barriers that can last their entire lives.
The report tracks progress during the Asia-Pacific civil registration decade from 2015 to 2024. Countries using civil registration data to produce vital statistics rose nearly 60%, showing improved government capacity. However, gaps remain large – an estimated 6.9 million deaths go unregistered annually across the region. A quarter of countries and territories don’t medically certify deaths, leaving major holes in mortality data that public health officials need for planning.
The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific released these findings before the Third Ministerial Conference on civil registration, running June 24-26, 2025, in Bangkok. Government officials and partners will use the gathering to assess regional progress and strengthen commitments.
Legal identity remains the gateway to essential services, from healthcare and education to social protection programs. Civil registration data also helps governments make better policy decisions and prepare for disasters.
