The Papua New Guinea Civil and Identity Registry (PNGCIR), United Nations International Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Australian Government this week launched a joint campaign of birth registration awareness and access to birth registration services at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic, Port Moresby city.

The joint launch was a campaign to encourage more parents and caregivers across Papua New Guinea to use birth registration services with the aim to increase public understanding of the rights and benefits associated with birth registration and make services easier for families to access.

Speaking at the launch was Mr. Vikas Singh, Deputy representative of UNICEF who emphasized the importance of birth registry and birth registration, being a fundamental right of every child.

“We in UNICEF believe that birth registration is a fundamental right of each child and all other rights to children flow from birth registration because that gives the identity to each child. A birth certificate provides official proof of a child’s identity and age. It helps children access health care, education, protection and other essential services.” Mr. Singh said.

The birth registry team also received materials from the Australian Government with a hand-over take-over by Ms Elizabeth Le Bas, Minister Counsellor for DFAT to Mr. Vikas Singh, Deputy representative of UNICEF and Mr. Leslie Simon, Acting Registrar General for PNGCIR. The materials received will be used by the birth- registry officials at the respective registry booths.

Minister Counsellor, Ms. Le Bas, who spoke at the launch, acknowledged PNGCIR for taking the lead in the work of integrating birth registrations as it helps governments to identify their citizens and understand where critical services are needed to plan investments accordingly.

“Ultimately, when every child is recognized from birth, we do more than provide a certificate. We give that child a place in the country’s future.” Ms. Le Bas said.

Followed by the speeches was the explanation and demonstration of equipment and materials by a registry official who explained the uses and meaning of signage, posters, vests and cards used for registration. Later, the event was followed by a tour to the birth registry office.

The launch was witnessed by delegates from UNICEF, DFAT, PNGCIR together with the staff of the Susu Mama clinic, mothers and their children.

Parents and care givers were advised to register their children at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic, or at the PNGCIR headquarters at Waigani. The birth registration campaign will also be available in suburb areas with their mobile team making sure every child in and around Port Moresby and the country is registered.