Unregistered Children: a Systematic Literature Review of Explanations and Consequences Associated with Failure to Fulfil Children’s Right to Registration

Abstract

This study aims systematically to review the knowledge base of the factors associated with missing birth records in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of both possible explanations and possible consequences. Although all children have the right to be registered, millions of children worldwide remain unregistered or lack birth certificates. The results of this study indicate that the main explanations in the research field for why children are not registered are low education among parents, belonging to a family that lives in a rural area, and weaknesses in the system of registration. Although this study finds insufficient empirical research on the consequences of children being unregistered, the main consequences include limited opportunities for community development, limited access to education, and limited access to health care. This study discusses the findings and their implications from a human rights perspective and suggests possible interventions to bring about change.