Write Me Down

Caroline Irby

Every year, some 40 million children are born but not registered, in other words, given no nationality, no official existence.

Without a birth certificate, they could be denied their basic rights to school, health care and housing. They may not be able to marry, open a bank account or vote. And if they do not officially exist our experience shows that they are more likely to be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Birth registration is therefore vital for every child and Plan is championing a campaign to ensure that all children, wherever they are born, are registered. Our campaign aims not only to speak out on behalf of every child but also to give children their basic right of citizenship.

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