At Inalienable, we often witness firsthand the profound impact that bureaucratic hurdles can have on individuals seeking legal identity. While the importance of citizenship registration is universally recognized—as highlighted by SDG Target 16.9 to provide legal identity for all by 2030—the reality in many developing nations is a complex web of procedures, requirements, and systemic barriers that can render millions invisible.

However, there is good news: many countries are working to improve this situation. For example, the Organization of American States has a team focused on this problem. They released a report a few years ago that highlights some of the best practices “Civil Registries” can use to improve this situation.

At Inalienable, we believe that a legal identity is the foundation of dignity and justice. It's the key that unlocks access to fundamental rights like education, healthcare, and social protection. Yet, millions worldwide remain invisible, particularly in developing regions, due to a lack of birth and citizenship registration.

In this expert article, we delve into regional spotlights, examining the varied landscapes of citizenship registration, drawing insights from comprehensive reports like UNICEF's "The Right Start in Life: 2024 Update."