Dear Friends,
According to the United Nations, every year, approximately 51 million children under the age of five are not registered at birth. Sadly, most of those not registered are girls. Proof of birth is essential to determine a girl's citizenship, nationality, place of birth, parentage, and age. Later on in life, the lack of documentation will also make it difficult for these girls to seek employment, gain access to education and health care. Furthermore, not having a birth certificate makes it easier for girls and women to fall prey to the horrors of human trafficking.
I believe that every child deserves the basic dignity and protection that comes from being registered at birth. Therefore, I joined my colleagues in Congress to pass the Girls Count Act to help children, especially girls, for whom no official record of birth exists. This bill, which has been approved by both houses of Congress and is now waiting for the President's signature, would ensure boys and girls of all ages are able to fully participate in society by working with and encouraging other countries to create more detailed and comprehensive systems to provide birth certificates to every child born in their territory. This bill would also promote programs that help build the capacity of developing countries to prevent discrimination against girls and help increase property rights, access to social and development programs, and inheritance rights for women. Finally, this bill would train and equip churches, international NGOs, and local governments so they can work to do a better job of ensuring every child born has a birth certificate.
We cannot stand idly by as children around the world are denied basic human rights. The world needs this generation and future generations of women and girls to be recognized, protected, and ultimately afforded the opportunity to thrive. We must take steps to safeguard the basic human rights of children everywhere so they may attain the success they aspire to and deserve. I am proud that once again, our nation is working to help millions of girls around the world that do not have a voice. Although there is still much work to the done, I believe that this bill is a step in the right direction that will empower children to achieve their full potential and make important contributions to their societies.
Sincerely,
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Member of Congress