Legal and regulatory frameworks
Common issues and challenges with CRVS legislation
The need for legislative review has been identified in several countries as part of CRVS system assessments using tools such as the WHO Comprehensive Assessment Tool, the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Legal and Regulatory Review Tool, and the Legislation for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in the Pacific Guidelines. Common problems with CRVS legislation include:
Outdated legislation
In many countries, legislation is not recent and the laws which govern registration practices have been in place for many years. Where the laws underpinning the system have not been revised to reflect changes in society, and modern technology not introduced to facilitate registration and allow records to be easily transferred, the completeness and quality of registration data are likely to decline.
Insufficient attention to at-risk groups and populations
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Unclear roles and responsibilities
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Poor data security
- Fails to register a vital event or its characteristics, as reported by the informant
- Loses, damages or alters any registered records or permits such loss, damage or alteration to occur
- Fails to provide registrants with adequate protection of privacy and confidentiality
- Has been found guilty of violating the provisions of the civil registration law or its rules and regulations
- Fails to fill out and submit statistical documentation.
Poor data confidentiality
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Lack of recognition of statistical functions
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Limited or no enforcement of the law
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Lack of clear definitions
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This document provides comprehensive guidance on how to systematically evaluate the quality and functioning of CRVS systems: World Health Organization (2010). Improving the quality and use of birth, death and cause-of-death information: guidance for a standards-based review of country practices. WHO, Geneva.
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (2016). Legislation for civil registration and vital statistics in the Pacific: Best practice guidelines and examples. Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Nouméa.