UN refugee chief urges strong action to end ‘legal limbo’ of statelessness |
Statelessness is “anarchy and a violation of human rights”, as well “Tragedy on Humanity”he said.
“If we deprive them of the important rights of a country, those who were born or left without a country face an issue that is not in line with the law. They are prevented from accessing their basic human rights and from participating fully in society. Their lives are marked by Exclusion, deprivation, and exclusion.”
It’s all of us
Mr Grandi made the appeal as Friday marked the eighth anniversary of #IBelong, a campaign launched by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which aims to end statelessness within ten years, or by 2024.
Progress has been made over time. About 450,000 stateless persons have either been naturalized or have confirmed their nationality.
In addition, thousands of people across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas now have a path to citizenship thanks to the new legislative changes made.
While most people can take their country for granted, not having books can make life difficult – something Linda, who is now in her 30s, has known for most of her life.
‘Now I’m sure’
Although Linda was born in Moscow, Linda does not have Russian citizenship. His mother, who is from the Middle East, had come to the country to study journalism. Because she has no country, Linda also has the same situation.
Without papers, Linda can’t open a bank account, rent an apartment, or even buy a SIM card for her phone.
“On November 10, 2018, I received a letter of notification that I was granted Russian citizenship. It was a very emotional time… I think now I am definitely,” he told UNHCR in an interview, several years after becoming a citizen.
Global problem, local solutions
The UN agency reported on other steps and solutions since the #IBelong campaign was launched.
Three countries have reformed national laws that discriminate against gender – a major cause of statelessness. However, 24 governments continue to deny women the right to give birth to their childrenon the same basis as men.
Furthermore, progress to end statelessness continues to come up against other obstacles, UNHCR saysooted is discrimination based on race, religion or ethnicity.
“While homelessness is a global problem, with many different causes, it is one that can be repaired through, often very simple, local solutions,” said Mr. Grandi.
“I appeal to governments and legislators around the world to spend the next two years of the campaign to accelerate action and close the legal and policy gaps that continue to leave millions of people behind.”
