Journal of Human Rights 2026, VOL. 25, NO. 1, 110–127 https://doi.org/10.1080/14754835.2026.2615695 Questioning the eradication framing of global statelessness work: IBelong and beyond Thomas McGee European University Institute (EUI)’s Robert Schuman Center for Advanced Studies; Melbourne Law School ABSTRACT This article critically considers the prominent “ending statelessness” framing within global statelessness work to expose potential risks around such dominant approaches—both for advocacy efficacy and discursively (primarily for those directly impacted by the issue: i.e., stateless individuals). In probing the focus on “eradication” framing, the article focuses on the IBelong campaign launched by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to end statelessness in a decade (2014–2024). Drawing comparatively from lessons learned from other global initiatives seeking to end a perceived global ill (specifically 2005’s Make Poverty History and the UN target to End AIDS by 2030), I question whether the eradication framing is, in fact, the most effective way to address statelessness, while considering the—sometimes negative—implications this can have for people with lived experience of statelessness. Reflection on the discursive implications of such framing should complement more programmatic considerations given to the IBelong campaign within existing evaluations. This analysis is timely given that, following the end of IBelong campaign’s implementation period, the next phase within the ending statelessness endeavor is already under way. Although ending statelessness is undoubtedly desirable for (most, if not all) people affected by it, alternative framing approaches more sensitive to, and privileging, the insights and experiences of such individuals may provide a basis to recalibrate ongoing efforts to address statelessness worldwide, and ultimately better serve their interests. The global ending statelessness endeavor: A time for critical reflection This article critically considers the prominent framing of global statelessness work through an eradication prism—that is, through endeavors focusing on ending statelessness. Although bringing an end to statelessness is clearly a noble goal, the article seeks to interrogate this framing choice for statelessness work from both the perspectives of advocacy efficacy and the discursive implications for those with lived experience of statelessness themselves. Since 2014, the ending statelessness endeavor has become most centrally reflected in the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR’s) IBelong campaign, which aimed to eradicate the phenomenon globally within a decade. Drawing on lessons from wider literature about the use of elimination or eradication framing within international efforts advocating for change on a specific issue, this article critically considers the position of the IBelong campaign. Such an undertaking is particularly timely following the campaign’s 2024 termination and subsequent CONTACT Thomas McGee thomas.mcgee@eui.eu 9, I-50014 San Domenico di Fiesole (FI) - Italy. European University Institute (EUI), Badia Fiesolana, Via dei Roccettini © 2026 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.