UNHCR Campaign to end statelessness Update April – June 2024
Published: 23/Oct/2024
Source: UNHCR
Extracts relevant to Africa:
• The new Global Alliance to End Statelessness, set to be officially launched on 14 October at the high-level segment on statelessness, has already garnered support and membership of over 80 entities (States, regional organizations, UN, CSOs and stateless-led organizations)
Action 1: Resolve existing major situations of statelessness
In Kenya, UNHCR is collaborating with the parliamentary counsel to refine the proposed amendment to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, addressing challenges faced by stateless persons and ensuring their recognition under the law. A revised draft, incorporating
UNHCR’s recommendations, is under peer review before being presented to the National Assembly.
Action 8: Issue nationality documentation to those with entitlement to it
From January to June, in Mozambique, UNHCR, the Catholic University of Mozambique, the Provincial Services of Justice and Labour (SPJT), and the Provincial Services of Civil Identification (SPIC) issued birth certificates and Identity Documents to 4,308 individuals in Pemba, and 5,953 individuals in Monapo and Nacala. Additionally, 122 awareness raising sessions were held on relevance of civil documentation and other rights held by IDPs.
In Burkina Faso, UNHCR partnered with the General Directorate for the Modernization of Civil Status to issue civil and identity documents for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable community members. 31,010 civil documents were issued across nine regions, including 14,234 birth certificates through declaratory judgments and 16,306 national identity cards in eight regions. Additionally, 470 Certificates of Nationality were issued in the East Region, with a 70% allocated to IDPs.
Action 10: Improve quantitative and qualitative data on stateless populations
In Kenya, UNHCR’s partner Haki Centre, helped create community registers for stateless Rundi and individuals of Rwandan decent using locally generated data. Currently, 1,107 Rundi and 1,317 Rwandan individuals are registered, enhancing evidence-based data for advocacy and strategic planning.
In South Africa, ALT Advisory Africa is conducting a qualitative study on statelessness agreed upon with the Department of Home Affairs and the South Africa Human Rights Commission. An inception report has been presented and research tools are being prepared. Field research will be carried out until the end of September, with key findings to be presented by October 2024.
In Botswana, Public Interest Practice, is conducting a qualitative study on statelessness, with the endorsement of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs. Interviews have been conducted with various key stakeholders, including Government representatives and CSOs in Gabarone. Further interviews will take place in the northern region of the country, including in border areas in July.
In Mozambique, following the pledge made by the government during the 2019 GRF, UNHCR, Ministry of Interior, the National Institute for Refugee Support (INAR), and the Police Academy (ACIPOL), are conducting a qualitative study on the causes and risks of statelessness. The study will also look at trends regarding challenges faced by stateless persons. The inception report has been shared with the steering committee, and field research will start in August.
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