Demographic and Social Statistics

The UN Statistics Division/DESA and the IUSSP Panel on Innovations in Strengthening CRVS Systems are organising these two events with the aim of showcasing recent methodological developments, and of fostering an exchange of regional experiences on how to best assess the completeness and accuracy of birth and death statistics, which are key indicators of CRVS system performance. A well-functioning civil registration system with information on births and deaths is a key source of data for vital statistics. Registration also helps to ensure the realization of human rights and to have access to benefits and protections of the state. In the 2030 development agenda, the need for accurate and timely vital statistics has been reaffirmed. Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognizes a direct link between civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, legal identity and sustainable development. Moreover, the indicators selected to monitor progress of goal 17 include the proportion of countries that have achieved 100 per cent birth registration and 80 per cent death registration by 2030.

The side meeting will bring together regional specialists and experts involved with the development and/or the application of direct methods, especially through the use of record linkage validation for assessing the completeness and accuracy of births and deaths records based on data from civil registration and other administrative and health sources, at national or local levels. Complementary to this, there will be a round table entitled “CRVS assessment from the academic perspective” within the conference regular programme. Register for the side meeting and learn more about these activities.