The Ministry of Justice has launched a mobile birth registration application, but it is currently receiving only about two applications each month via this platform. During discussions on the ministry’s annual reports for 2019-2022, Collin Yabaki, the Director of Corporate Services, provided insights to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights.
Yabaki noted that while the initiative has made the birth registration process more efficient for parents in urban and semi-urban regions, there are ongoing struggles in rural and maritime areas. These difficulties arise from factors such as limited internet access and geographical challenges, which hinder citizens from utilizing the digital service.
To address these issues, awareness teams have been mobilized to reach remote locations and educate communities about the registration process. A significant factor limiting the adoption of the application is the unfamiliarity with the service among many residents in these areas.
Yabaki emphasized that the mobile registration service is free of charge, including the first birth certificate for each new registration, aiming to encourage parents to take advantage of this convenient option and avoid delays. The ministry is also considering traveling to these remote communities to provide demonstrations on how to use the application effectively.
This initiative, while facing challenges, shows promise in enhancing birth registration access and could ultimately lead to improved awareness and participation in registration efforts. The proactive steps being taken to engage with underserved communities signal a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to register their births conveniently.
In summary, while there are barriers to the uptake of the mobile registration application, the ministry’s targeted efforts to educate and assist rural and maritime communities may help bridge the gap and foster greater use of this valuable tool in the future.
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