International Birth Registration Day

Every year on October 8, the world observes International Birth Registration Day, reminding us of the vital importance of formally registering a child’s birth and securing their right to identity.

History of International Birth Registration Day

International Birth Registration Day was launched in 2018 by Johnson’s Baby in partnership with Save the Children as part of the “Right Start” program, created to draw attention to the millions of children born without legal recognition. The initiative began in regions where registration rates were particularly low, but the observance has since grown into a broader, ongoing movement.

The idea behind creating such a day is simple yet powerful: a birth certificate is more than a piece of paper. It is a child’s first acknowledgment by society and the state. Without it, many children remain unseen—lacking access to education, healthcare, and protection. Over time, the day has become a platform for awareness and advocacy, pushing for global commitment to universal birth registration.

Why is International Birth Registration Day important?

Birth registration forms the foundation for protecting children’s rights. It ensures that each child can access education, medical care, and legal protection. Without registration, children often face exclusion from public services and programs, making it harder to participate fully in society.

Even more critically, children without birth certificates are at greater risk of exploitation, abuse, and statelessness. Around the world, millions of children remain “invisible,” left out of official records and unable to claim their rights. International Birth Registration Day serves as a call to action for governments, communities, and individuals to close this gap and make sure that every child counts.

Here are some of the key aspects that make this day meaningful:

• It highlights the right of every child to a name and a legal identity
• It brings attention to unequal access to registration services
• It urges leaders to take responsibility for inclusive systems
• It encourages public awareness and civic engagement
• It inspires cooperation between organizations and communities

How to Observe International Birth Registration Day

On October 8, the best way to mark the day is by spreading awareness and supporting local registration initiatives. Individuals and organizations can share information on social media, organize small discussions, or host awareness events. Even a simple conversation can help more families understand the importance of birth registration.

If you work in healthcare, education, or community services, this day can be an opportunity to review how your organization helps parents register their children. Some may volunteer with registration drives, support outreach efforts in remote areas, or help simplify paperwork for families. The goal is to make registration simple, accessible, and universal.

Here are a few ways to observe the day:

• Share posts and facts about birth registration online
• Support local campaigns that assist families with registration
• Host a talk or virtual discussion in your community
• Help someone you know complete the registration process
• Encourage local officials to improve registration access

International Birth Registration Day Dates Table