Cambodians queue for government medical services at a hospital in Phnom Penh. Without a registered identity, access to social protection programmes is impossible. Post staff
During the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia’s civil registration and identification system was completely destroyed.
Dr. Top Neth, who was among those personally affected, recalls “After we lost all documentation of our identity, we had to rebuild everything from our memories. My father had written our names and dates of birth on the wall of the Pagoda of our village – this was the only written evidence that remained.”
Since then, the government has undertaken extensive efforts to rebuild the system. In July 2023, the government passed the Law on Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Identification (CRVSID), marking a big step toward establishing a strong CRVS system and creating a foundation for a digital identity ecosystem.
Under this law, thousands of previously undocumented individuals born in Cambodia will be provided with a legal identity, bridging historical gaps in access to rights and services. Civil registration is more than just a technical exercise; it is a fundamental human right.
While the journey of Cambodia is unique, CRVS systems everywhere have never been more important. Accurate and inclusive CRVS systems provide the data needed to ensure equitable access to health care, education and social protections.
CRVS confers legal identity, the backbone of social inclusion and sustainable development, and is a foundational building block of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). For marginalised groups, particularly women, children and those in remote areas, CRVS systems are a pathway to dignity.
The Royal Government of Cambodia, in collaboration with the UN and other development partners such as Vital Strategies and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative, has made significant strides in building a CRVS system that is both universal, inclusive and built for the future.
In Cambodia and beyond, CRVSID highlights the interoperability of CRVS systems as the foundation of Digital Public Infrastructure ensuring trust, accuracy and promoting efficiency and equity.
With a vision of creating an inclusive digital economy and society, Cambodia is developing a platform that enables real-time data collection, seamless integration with health, social protection and education systems, and secure digital identity verification.
This approach strengthens governance, facilitates service delivery and supports economic participation, particularly for marginalised communities.
Cambodia has prioritised the work of CRVS because legal identity and DPI form a bridge between individuals and their rights, between communities and governments, and between nations and progress,
The importance of learning from each other’s journeys and initiatives is a key cornerstone of the civil registrars networks established across Asia and the Pacific.
Two networks have already existed for many years-the Pacific Civil Registrars network and the Civil Registration professionals of South Asia.
Recently, the Ministry of Interior’s General Department of Identification hosted the Second meeting of South-East Asia Civil Registration Professionals Network, a more recent initiative focusing on strengthening the operational capacities of civil registration and vital statistics professionals across South-East Asia.
CRVS: A Pathway to Sustainable Development
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particular target 16.9 (legal identity for all), underscores the vital role of CRVS in ensuring that no one is left behind. Cambodia’s progress in CRVS reform is a source of pride and a foundation for future growth.
As the Asian and Pacific CRVS Decade comes to an end, and the CRVS community looks forward to the upcoming Third Ministerial Conference on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific, this is a pivotal moment for Cambodia and the broader region.
Member States and development partners are renewing their commitments towards universal and inclusive civil registration and preparing for the digital revolution.
To achieve universal and inclusive civil registration, we need strong partnerships.
Governments, civil society, development partners and the UN must work together to address challenges, support marginalised groups and build systems that truly leave no one behind.
The upcoming Ministerial Conference will be a pivotal moment to consolidate regional progress. Together, we can build CRVS systems that are not just fit for the 21st century but also serve as a powerful reflection of our shared commitment to create a more inclusive and equitable world where every individual is recognised, counted and empowered.
Dr. Top Neth is Director-General of the interior ministry’s General Department of Identification. Jo Scheuer is UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia. Romain Santon is Regional Deputy Director, Asia and Pacific CRVS Improvement Program. Rachael Beaven is Director of the ESCAP Statistics Division. The views and opinions expressed are the authors’ own.
