Birth registration first fundamental right of every child, UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has underscored the critical importance of birth registration, identifying it as a child's first and most fundamental right. Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, stated that this legal identity is essential for unlocking access to education, healthcare, social protection, and future opportunities.

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Civil registration is the child’s identity, and it is the foundational right of every child.

During a media dialogue in Lagos, Lafoucriere explained that without a registered identity, a child cannot access basic services like school or healthcare, nor can they participate in civic life as adults, such as voting or inheriting property. She noted that weak systems, which allow unregistered children some access to public services, contribute to parents delaying registration.

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Without that right, nothing else can happen. A child cannot go to school without an identity.

UNICEF also highlighted the impact of unregistered children on national planning and social protection. Lafoucriere pointed out that millions of unregistered children mean significant funding gaps in government budgets for health, education, and welfare programs. She urged journalists to share individual stories to help parents understand the necessity and accessibility of birth registration services, particularly at local health centers.

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A registered child can access health services and, as an adult, will be able to vote, own property and inherit wealth.