UNICEF warns of “crisis of invisibility” in Sub-Saharan Africa

09, Dec 2017 | CJP Team

UNICEF has released data indicating that the births of 95 million children in sub-Saharan Africa have not been registered. Leila Pakkala, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa said, “Such levels of invisibility cannot persist. The cost is too high,” cautioning that “an unregistered child is vulnerable to violations such as child marriage, child labour and recruitment to armed forces.” The UN agency warned that the burgeoning population of children and the “slow rates of change” could result in nearly 115 million unregistered children by 2030. However, Marie-Pierre Poirier, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, noted that “coupling health and civil registration services can resolve poor infant registration rates,” citing “experiences” in other African countries.