A mother displays her child’s birth certificate generated by Mobile Vital Records System at Mulago hospital, Uganda. © UNICEF/UGDA201300588/ Michele Sibiloni
about their lives and to participate in decision-making that affects them. These rights to information and participation are ends in themselves. They also make development programmes more effective. Data provide evidence on which to base decisions and with which to evaluate action. Information and participation enable people to demand change and hold duty-bearers to account. Overcoming exclusion begins with inclusive data. To improve the reach, availability and reliability of data on the deprivations with which children and their families contend, the tools of collection and analysis are constantly being modified – and new ones are being developed. This will require sustained investment and commitment.
Data show that progress is being made but that disparities in children’s circumstances persist. Data are identifying the children at greatest risk – those least visible and furthest from society’s reach. It is up to decisionmakers at all levels, from officialdom to the grass roots, to make sure that every child is granted the opportunity to fully enjoy her or his rights.
EVERY CHILD COUNTS
17