The Fiji Bureau of Statistics has put forth a proposal to create Divisional Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) committees aimed at tackling the ongoing issues related to delays and gender inequities in birth registration throughout Fiji. This initiative stems from a comprehensive national review conducted by the bureau alongside major government entities, with support from Vital Strategies under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative.
An examination of birth registration records, covering 158,153 cases from 2015 to 2024, revealed significant differences in registration timelines among various registry offices. Ten offices in all four divisions reported average delays exceeding 600 days in registering births. This issue appeared to disproportionately affect iTaukei children, as well as children of single and younger mothers.
The policy brief pointed out several critical factors contributing to these late registrations. These include weak coordination between agencies, delays or losses of Notification of Birth forms, and prohibitive travel costs for families residing in rural and maritime locations. Some communities on remote islands have resorted to using unofficial documents like baptism cards for school enrollment due to the lack of official birth certificates.
In response to these challenges, the proposed Divisional CRVS committees are designed to establish a formal framework to enhance inter-agency coordination, synchronize outreach efforts, and track registration statistics at the divisional level. These committees will receive dedicated funding and will collaborate with local community leaders and service providers to advocate for the importance of prompt and inclusive birth registration.
According to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, improving coordination and securing ongoing investment are essential to ensure that every child in Fiji receives timely registration, irrespective of their gender or where they live. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to bridging gaps in the civil registration system and promoting equality across all demographics in Fiji, bringing a hopeful prospect for enhancing governance and ensuring the rights of children are upheld.
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