The event declares civil registrations a strategic component of sustainable development

The lack of registration documents is one of the greatest challenges faced by the governments of Latin America and the Caribbean as they combat poverty and social exclusion. According to estimates by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), more than 10% of people in Latin America and the Caribbean are not registered with their governments.

Without a written birth certificate, citizens cannot have legal identity and therefore “do not exist” in the eyes of the state. Apart from being a bureaucratic process, registration is a fundamental right, that is having a name and a nationality, and being considered a citizen. Without reliable registrations it becomes difficult to provide basic services such as education and healthcare, or take part in any sort of formal economic activity. Public policies lose focus and efficiency, and countries become less competitive.

In an effort to propose innovative solutions to this issue, exchange best practices, and generate awareness among key decision makers and the general public, the “First Regional Summit on Civil Registrations and Identification” and the 6th meeting of CLARCIEV will take place in Bogotá, Colombia on November 4 – 6. The event is organized by the IDB and the OAS along with the Latin American Council on Civil Registrations, and Vital Statistics (CLARCIEV), and the National Civil Registry of Colombia.

During the event, specialists from Europe, the United States, and various countries of the region will meet to analyze the institutional challenges and technological advances in registry and identification systems, as well as to review strategies that can be implemented to generate social inclusion and development for all.

Reference: AVI-082/09