The impact of unregistered births of children in South Africa and how their rights to essential services and basic education are affected

Abstract

Civil registration has not been recognised as a matter of concern or public interest in South Africa. It has not been part of discussion in platforms concerned with children’s rights including the government. Consequently, led to failure in understanding the implications it has on children’s lives, in realising their rights and having access to other significant and essential services (Brito, Corbacho & Osorio, 2013). Birth registration proves to be a global problem and a concern for children. Thus many countries have made it a priority and a matter of urgency as indicated in the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. The objective is for every child to be registered before the year 2030 to ensure that all children are accounted for and prevent invisibility and them having no access to their rightful services.