Lack of birth registration affects population count

The Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga is adamant his visit to Bangkok, Thailand next year will assist in their understanding and finding solutions to address birth and death registration issues in Fiji.

The ministry aims to reach 100 per cent birth registration by 2026.

“Fiji is ahead in terms of other Pacific Island countries,” Mr Turaga said.

Compared to other Pacific Island countries, Fiji had 80 per cent birth registration across the country, but, the remaining population is what the minister aims to engage.

“That means 20 per cent of the population in Fiji is unaccounted for,” he said.

“Our teams visited some areas in Vanua Levu and observed the common issue of non-birth registration among newborns and children. There is a slight increase in awareness, but, it is not meeting all the targeted population,” he said.

Mr Turaga said they require additional budgetary support in the next financial year to continue the birth registration process.

Labasa Town Council special administrator Samuela Ligairi said advisory councillors and village heads to assist the ministry in identifying non-birth registered individuals in communities and villages.

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