Why CRVS systems are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

CRVS systems are essential for monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seek to eliminate poverty and improve lives everywhere. The data generated by a well-functioning CRVS system can be used to track progress towards 12 of the 17 SDGs. What’s more, building and strengthening CRVS systems directly contributes to several specific SDGs – including SDG 17.19 to support statistical capacity building in developing countries, and SDG 16.9 to provide legal identity for all, including birth registration. Yet more than 100 developing countries currently do not maintain well-functioning CRVS systems. There are also large gaps in data about women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. Gender-disaggregated data is key to achieving gender equality (SDG 5), which is a fundamental human right and a foundation for wider sustainable development. Indeed, 34 of the 54 gender-related SDG indicators identified by UN Women can benefit from the data that CRVS systems provide.