The Government Statistician, Leota Ali’ielua Salani, and the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Jorn Sorensen, both delivered remarks to officially open and launch the intelligence report and successfully sign the MOU to transform civil registration and vital statistics in Samoa.
This report is the result of an effective collaboration between SBS and UNDP and presents a valuable opportunity to reinforce the commitment towards universal birth registration in Samoa, guided by the insights and lessons learned.
Birth registration is a fundamental right, recognized by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and often forms the basis for the achievement of many other rights, including, but not limited to, the right to health and the right to education. Birth registration and related information are also key in ensuring effective development planning which benefits all, especially in a country like Samoa which remains increasingly vulnerable to disasters.
