The Ministry of Justice in Fiji is taking significant steps to tackle the protracted delays in registering births and deaths, a situation that is adversely affecting the accuracy of national records. Minister Siromi Turaga highlighted that these registration issues disproportionately impact iTaukei communities, particularly in rural areas where accessing registration services poses a challenge. It is reported that many children go unregistered until the age of six, complicating efforts to provide precise information to government authorities.
In response to these challenges, Minister Turaga unveiled plans for outreach initiatives, which include visits to all 14 provincial offices to engage directly with community leaders, known as Turaga ni Koros. This strategy aims to enhance the organization of registration services within villages. Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, supported the initiative by urging families to prioritize timely registration of births and deaths, emphasizing the critical necessity of having a birth certificate for essential aspects of life such as education access and business operations.
This current initiative aligns with past efforts to improve birth registration rates, with the Ministry aiming to achieve 100 percent registration within the next two years. Ongoing community outreach programs are designed to raise awareness about the importance of timely registrations, which are vital for accurate population statistics and effective resource planning.
The government’s proactive approach to improving registration practices underscores its commitment to addressing a long-standing issue that affects community involvement and governance. With ongoing educational efforts and the empowerment of communities, there is a promising outlook for a future in which every child is registered, ensuring that families are connected to their legal and civic entitlements. This could lead to greater civic engagement and a stronger foundation for future generations.
Leave a comment