Millions of persons with disabilities, particularly children, in Asia and the Pacific are being left unregistered in civil systems, a silent crisis highlighted by the experts from Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). This legal invisibility, often due to the lack of a birth certificate, denies them basic rights and essential services like education, healthcare, and social protection. The problem is systemic, driven by inaccessible offices and forms, a lack of trained staff, and persistent social stigma. These factors effectively exclude the most vulnerable from the support they need.
ESCAP urges the adoption of inclusive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems, embedding accessibility into every facet, from law to staff training. Countries like Indonesia are setting an example by shifting responsibility from families to the state, allowing registration at health centers and conducting home visits. The key message remains: Accessibility is a right, not a privilege. Counting every person is the first, indispensable step toward building an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
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