Delays in birth registration are particularly acute in Taveuni and Tailevu, as revealed in a recent report by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS). The analysis highlights that the average time between a child’s birth and their official registration has reached alarming levels, with Taveuni averaging 685 days and Tailevu 681 days—essentially nearing two years.
The report, titled “Addressing gender inequities in on-time birth registration in Fiji through identification of priority geographic areas for targeted interventions,” indicates notable discrepancies in both the volume and timeliness of registrations across different civil registry offices. From 2015 to 2024, a total of 158,153 births were registered throughout the nation. Notably, the Suva Registry accounted for the lion’s share of these registrations, capturing 36.2 percent, or 57,304 births. Other significant contributors included the Lautoka Registry with 13.7 percent (21,725), Labasa Registry with 9.5 percent (15,088), Nausori Registry with 7.3 percent (11,585), and Nadi Registry with 6.9 percent (10,929). In contrast, smaller registries such as those in Rotuma, Seaqaqa, and Navosa reported fewer than 100 registrations over the decade.
Furthermore, the FBoS noted that the average waiting time for birth registration is approximately 427 days, a figure that may rise as a significant proportion—40 to 70 percent—of children born between 2021 and 2024 remain unregistered. This situation poses a significant challenge, especially as many registrations are likely to be submitted well past the standard timelines.
Examining the differences among various registry offices, it was found that while Lautoka and Ba had more favorable averages of 352 days and 363 days respectively, Taveuni and Tailevu’s delays starkly contrast, indicating a pressing need for targeted efforts in these regions.
Despite these challenges, the report indicates that around 71.5 percent of births are registered within the expected period of 365 days on a national level. However, the figures fall short in Taveuni and Tailevu, where only 55.6 percent and 55.3 percent of births are registered on time.
Addressing the issue of birth registration delays is essential, as it represents not just a bureaucratic hurdle but a significant barrier to accessing vital services and rights for children. The report emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among local authorities to improve the birth registration process, ensuring every child’s right to a legal identity is recognized. By focusing on these priority areas, Fiji can work toward a more equitable system that benefits future generations.
Leave a comment