Bangkok--31 Jul--ESCAP-SCAS
Political commitment and coordination werehighlighted as key to achieving universal and responsive Civil Registrationand Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems in all Asian and Pacific countries by2024, at the closing of the first Regional Steering Group on CRVS today.
Convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia andthe Pacific (ESCAP), the meeting held in Bangkok from 28 to 30 July agreedon how the Regional Steering Group will support countries in implementingthe Regional Action Framework on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific. TheFramework, which was adopted in November 2014, sets goals and targets forcountries to achieve during the CRVS Decade for Asia and the Pacific2015-2024.
Over the past two days, policymakers from 20 countries and partnersproposed a detailed work programme to support CRVS systems in the region,identifying opportunities for enhanced knowledge-sharing, regionalcooperation and collaboration. Development partners included UNICEF-ROSA,UNICEF- EAPRO, UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Centre, UNHCR Regional Office inThailand, WHO-SEARO, WHO-EMRO, IOM Regional Office for Asia and thePacific, Brisbane Accord Group, World Vision International, PlanInternational and the UN Foundation.
"CRVS systems are critical to achieving inclusive, resilient and prosperoussocieties," the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and ExecutiveSecretary of ESCAP, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar emphasized in her welcome address."They provide people with legal identity - a first and necessary step forthem to exercise their rights and duties as members of society, and tomaking the most of their opportunities."
Dr. Akhtar also highlighted the importance of CRVS systems in order toeffectively monitor the implementation of the new development agenda. "Manyof the proposed new sustainable development goals will rely heavily on datagenerated from CRVS systems, including Goal three on maternal health, Goalfour on education, Goal five on gender equality, and Goal 17 on data fordevelopment," said Dr. Akhtar.
Newly appointed chair of the Regional Steering Group, Honourable Mr. JoneUsamate, Minister for Health and Medical Service, Fiji acknowledged theimportance of regional knowledge-sharing to advance CRVS systems:"Knowledge exchange and sharing lessons learnt is an integral part ofstrengthening CRVS in countries," he said. "Strong political support,innovative ideas and integrating existing information systems lead todeveloping country-led doable action items through collaborativedevelopment partners' assistance."
The first Regional Steering Group meeting built on the MinisterialConference on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific convened by ESCAP under theme of'Get Everyone in the Picture," in November 2014, where a MinisterialDeclaration was adopted to proclaim the 'Asian and Pacific CRVS Decade,2015-2024.'
For more information, please visit: www.getinthepicture.org.