Civil registration and vital statistics systems
Civil registration provides legal identity to individuals, enabling them to fulfill their rights and obligations, and access a whole array of benefits. In addition, a continuous, reliable, and permanent flow of data generated from civil registration supports improved and evidence-based national planning and constitutes the basis of an administrative system of a country. However, despite significant investments in strengthening civil registration and vital statistics systems, coverage of registration of vital events remains critically low, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, gender-related aspects of civil registration systems still need attention and further research.
Protecting women and girls
Women and girls still face many financial, cultural, and legal barriers to realizing the benefits of civil registration. The CoE advocated for strong CRVS systems to monitor progress to ward gender equality and pursued a programming approach that was intentional about integrating gender analysis across all its activities. This ensured decision-makers had access to reliable data they could use for effective policymaking, long-term national planning, and progress monitoring, resulting in more effective services.
Learn more
- The CoE collaborated with partners to generate an evidence base, strengthen capacities, and ultimately improve Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems around the world. Read this short impact brief to learn more about our contributions to the CRVS field in 67 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
- Read the Final evaluation report on the CoE as well as two thematic briefs on gender and capacity strengthening.
- Explore our YouTube channel featuring 100 videos on CRVS systems that include case studies, interviews with experts, conference proceedings, and more.
- Consult this catalogue of resources to access all the resources published by the CoE organized by theme.
- Browse outputs from the CoE on IDRC’s digital library.
This video explains how strong CRVS systems protect human rights and support inclusive development for all.
Watch this video to see how inclusive CRVS systems ensure that everyone counts and is counted.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada and IDRC, its role is to facilitate access to technical assistance, global standards and tools, evidence, and good practice, with a strong commitment to gender equality.
Visit the Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems website to access resources and learn more about our services.
Civil registration and vital statistics systems
The systematic reporting and registration of vital and civil events — including birth, death (and causes of death), marriage, and divorce — is critical for protecting human rights and improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. Civil registration not only provides proof of legal identity, which facilitates access to essential services such as healthcare and education, but it also generates statistics that provide the crucial evidence that is needed to improve delivery of these social services and to save lives.
Our role
Despite their importance, CRVS systems are inadequate in many countries. The Centre of Excellence coordinates with existing national, regional, and international expert groups to actively promote and support comprehensive and sustainable CRVS systems. It generates, consolidates, and disseminates information, making key resources readily accessible through its electronic knowledge platform. It also facilitates the exchange of good practices and capacity strengthening and it brokers access to technical assistance for countries requesting more direct support.
Protecting women and girls
Women and girls still face many financial, cultural, and legal barriers to realizing the benefits of civil registration. The Centre of Excellence advocates for strong CRVS systems to monitor progress toward gender equality, and pursues a programming approach that is intentional about integrating gender analysis across all its activities. This ensures decision-makers have access to reliable data they can use for effective policymaking, long-term national planning, and progress monitoring, resulting in more effective services for all citizens.
Supporting the Global Financing Facility
The Centre of Excellence works in close collaboration with the Global Financing Facility, a key financing platform of the UN Secretary General’s Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030).
Learn more
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Write to us at crvs@idrc.ca
- Visit the Global Financing Facility website
Partners
