LocationsNovember 02, 2019, 9:00 a.m.
Rudaki district Civil Registration Office, Tajikistan
Opening statement by Dr (Ms) Pratibha Mehta,
UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan
Your excellency Mr. Minister Rustam Shohmurod;
Dear Mr. Farrukh Khamralizoda, head of Investment Committee
Dear Mr. Rustam Akramzoda Head of Rudaki District;
Employees of Civil Registration Office;
Distinguished Guests and Colleagues;
It is a true pleasure for me, on behalf of UNDP, to be present in today’s opening ceremony of the newly constructed, of the Justice House by the Ministry of Justice in Rudaki district, where the office of civil registration office is also located.
For the largest district in Tajikistan, the population of which is about 500.000 (five hundred thousand) inhabitants, it was very important to have a modern and technically advanced office where client orientation, better-quality services and improved operation model are the cornerstone in the work.
Understanding the importance of Civil Registration System that has an effect on all sectors of the country, UNDP under generous financial support and substantial contribution from SDC, in close partnership with MoJ, is implementing a very important project the “Support to Civil Registry System Reform” Project, the results of which will positively impact on all people of Tajikistan.
The project directly aims to improve Civil Registration Policy and Legislation, enhance capacity of the civil registration system as institution through introduction of electronic system of civil registration along with changing the model of operation in public service delivery, increase the capacity of the staff so they understand their duties to better provide client orientated services and necessary information to population about importance of timely registration of civil acts.
It is essential to mention that the entire construction of the building, internal furnishing and other improvements were made by the Ministry of Justice and the project ensured only that the office of civil registration meets the minimum standards of improved public service delivery, i.e. the design of the office is compliant with the principles of ONE STOP SHOP.
Hence, this civil registration office is another office after Kulyab inaugurated in 2018 which I had a chance to personally visit and see new modern elements of service provision, this office is also going to operate under the One Stop Shop model for service provision. However, this office has also taken the lessons learnt from Kulyab and is going to be another best practice example for other civil registration offices.
I would like to commend the Government of Tajikistan, in particular the Ministry of Justice for taking consistent steps for more accountable and responsible functioning of the respective civil registration system. The ongoing Civil Registration reform is critical for better services so that citizens of Tajikistan have a legal identity, can exercise their socio-economic and political rights and entitlements guaranteed by the State. Especially, I would like to highlight the recent legislation amendments related to officially introduce the electronic system of civil registration and free of charge of birth registration within first three month after birth.
The New Model of service provision aims to reducing the time spent by the population in obtaining the necessary documents, to make the system more understandable and convenient for the population, especially the most vulnerable population groups including persons with disabilities, women and children.
This year, UNDP is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its presence in Tajikistan and during this period UNDP has been determined in fostering the sustainable development, democratic governance, gender equality, empowering lives and promoting the rights of the most vulnerable and deprived population groups.
Let me conclude with a special thanks to the tremendous cooperation we have with the Ministry of Justice and SDC. We are proud to be able to continue advancing the Civil Registration System Reform to deliver a fairer and a better future for all people of Tajikistan, especially to women, girls, children who are the most vulnerable and marginalised group of people in Tajikistan.
Thank you very much indeed!
