T H E G L O B A L S TAT E O F C I T I Z E N S H I P Why do these principles matter? Principles on Deprivation of Nationality as a National Security This section highlights that the use of citizenship revocation on security grounds has grown in recent Measure When and by whom were the principles adopted? The Principles on Deprivation of Nationality as a National Security Measure were developed over a 30month research and consultation period, with input from more than 60 leading experts in the fields of human rights, nationality and statelessness, counter-terrorism, refugee protection, child rights, migration and other related areas. The principles restate or reflect international law and legal standards under the UN Charter, treaty law, customary international law, general principles of law, judicial decisions and legal scholarship, regional and national law and practice. They articulate the international legal obligations of states and apply to all situations in which states take or consider taking steps to deprive a person of nationality as a national security measure. What are the main principles? The principles establish a basic rule (Rule 4) that states should not deprive persons of nationality for the purpose of safeguarding national security (4.1). If a state deviates from that rule, the legal grounds for citizenship stripping should be interpreted and applied narrowly. States should only apply these if there is 1) a lawful conviction that meets international fair trial standards, and 2) if the person has conducted themselves in a manner seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of the state (4.2). The principles also affirm that this narrow exception is further limited by other standards of international law, including the obligation to avoid statelessness and the prohibition of discrimination (4.3). An extensive Commentary on the Principles on Deprivation of Nationality as a National Security Measure can be found here. 30 years, especially in Europe. The Principles on Deprivation of Nationality as a National Security Measure were developed in response to this troubling trend. The principles do not introduce new standards; they reaffirm the existing as well as international legal framework that all states are already bound to follow when taking such measures. Yet, as shown in this section, many states are falling short of their obligations. Therefore, the principles serve as a clear reminder that international law demands that every person’s right to a nationality must be respected, protected, and upheld.