them difficult to use to access rights. • Processing delays. Civil registry offices in remote locations are often understaffed and under-resourced. Authorities may also do this intentionally. • Detention of people of undetermined nationality or lacking proof of their identity. • Irregular practices, which may be motivated by profit-making or other concerns. Some of the ways that paralegal programs have dealt with these challenges include: • Involving local and national authorities from the planning phase to factor in their priorities and interests. With the right approach, you may be able to convince authorities that paralegals are their partners, whose activities are aligned with state priorities. It also may identify potential supporters who will be useful to you later. • Training authorities on the rights of stateless persons, minorities, children, migrants, the causes of statelessness, prevention of trafficking, regional best practices, etc. Design your approach for sub groups such as border guards or judges to have the greatest impact. CONSIDER THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CAN BE SYMPATHETIC TO YOUR CAUSE AND IMPORTANT ALLIES. OFFICIALS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM MAY BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU CRITICAL INSIGHTS INTO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS AND POLICIES IN PRACTICE. • Demonstrating repeatedly how paralegal work supports the work of officials, by — Making it easier for officials to review your clients’ applications by following all the rules and making sure forms are legible. — Bringing services closer to communities, for example, by distributing and collecting application forms. — Boosting government outreach, for example by sharing information on application procedures and requirements. This can change perceptions that paralegals are working against the government or aiding false claims: •  Opening spaces for dialogue, coordination, and learning, such as activity invitations, site visits, periodic round-tables, and actively involving communities in such processes, thereby furthering empowerment. • Registering where possible as an official provider of preliminary legal assistance, paralegal services, or similar with the relevant Ministry (Justice, Human Rights, etc.). • Signing a memorandum or letter of understanding with local or national state bodies, in order to ensure more effective resolution of documentation and rights cases.  ee 9.3 Accompaniment and 9.4 Advocacy for advice on everyday S collaboration with government in the course of paralegal work. The relationships you create at the start-up stage will facilitate these interactions later on. If your program pursues actions such as court litigation or media pressure, solid relationships can prevent them from disrupting other efforts for clients. DISCRIMINATION EMPOWERMENT SUSTAINABILITY DATA RELATED RESOURCES (EXTERNAL) RELATED SECTIONS (WITHIN) A C O M M U N I T Y- B A S E D P R A C T I T I O N E R ’ S G U I D E : D O C U M E N T I N G C I T I Z E N S H I P A N D OT H E R F O R M S O F L E G A L I D E N T I T Y | 47