The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that only three out of ten children in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states have their births officially registered, highlighting a significant documentation gap affecting children's rights in Nigeria's northeast region.
This concerning statistic was disclosed on Tuesday by Joseph Senesie, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF's Maiduguri Field Office, during a Media Dialogue on Journalism Ethics and Child Rights Reporting held in Damaturu.
Despite the low registration rates, Senesie noted that UNICEF and its donors have made significant progress, supporting birth registration for over half a million children aged 0-59 months across the three northeastern states.
"UNICEF, in collaboration with governments in the northeast region, is saving the lives of children and giving them the opportunity to thrive. From nutrition to sanitation and education, UNICEF is at the forefront of giving children affected by conflict a voice," Senesie stated.
Importance of Birth Registration
Birth registration is crucial as it establishes a child's legal identity, enabling access to essential services including healthcare, education, and social protection. Without proper documentation, children face increased vulnerability and potential exclusion from basic rights and services.
The northeastern states of Nigeria have been particularly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has disrupted governance structures and public services, including civil registration systems. This conflict context makes birth registration even more challenging but simultaneously more critical for protecting children's rights.
Media Partnership for Child Rights
Senesie expressed confidence that training journalists will improve both the quality and quantity of child rights stories emerging from northeast Nigeria, emphasizing the media's role in advocating for vulnerable children.
"We will continue to work with all partners, including the media, to promote the wellbeing of children in northeast Nigeria," he assured attendees at the dialogue.
The Media Dialogue aims to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools to report ethically on issues affecting children, particularly those in conflict-affected areas where protection concerns are heightened.
UNICEF continues to advocate for strengthened birth registration systems across Nigeria, working with state governments to improve accessibility and awareness of registration services, particularly in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities.
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