CITIZENSHIP AND STATELESSNESS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA \Y stateless persons or migrants regardless of migratory status); and that those not registered at birth can be registered later during childhood or adulthood. » Improving the current operation and archiving of civil registration systems, aiming to achieve free, accessible, and universal registration of births, including for children of migrants, refugees, nomadic populations and other marginalised groups. « Taking steps to facilitate access to consular assistance by nationals who are outside the country of nationality, so that they can status documents renew identity documents and obtain copies of relevant civil (such as birth, death or marriage certificates), enabling birth registration in the country of birth; and, if required for them to be valid in national law, transcribe birth and other civil status certificates issued by the country of birth into the records of the country of origin of the parents. » Providing for alternative means of proof of identity and civil status events for asylum-seekers, refugees and stateless persons who cannot approach their consular authorities, or are not recognised by any consulate as a national (as required by Articles 25 and 27 of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons), in particular where such documents are required for parents to be able to register the births of children. » Publishing annual statistics on issuance of official documents confirming identity and nationality, and percentage of applications refused, appeals granted, etc. » Publishing annual statistics on acquisition of nationality by naturalisation or similar procedures, including country of original nationality (or stateless / undocumented status), and percentage of applications refused. » Clarifying which department or agency is responsible for the consideration and resolution of cases of statelessness, other states and and nominate international nationality matters among a national focal point on statelessness as a agencies, including UNHCR. This should be the liaison for body with its responsibilities, combined with the courts for review or appeal of certain decisions. » Providing or facilitating legal and other assistance, in cooperation with UNHCR and those national institutions that provide legal assistance (whether state or non-state agencies) for those who are seeking proof of nationality, especially during periods when new procedures or law reforms are introduced. » Ensuring that costs related to nationality administration and identification do not prevent people from obtaining the documents to which they are entitled in law and provide for waiver of costs in case of categories believed to be particularly at risk of statelessness. Identification of populations at risk of statelessness, and prevention and reduction of statelessness States should seek to identify and provide solutions for those persons who are stateless or at risk of statelessness, and in particular they should: » Improve the collection of statistics on the numbers of people who are stateless, at risk of statelessness, and of undetermined nationality, in conjunction with UNHCR and the developing guidance on statistical reporting on statelessness (See chapeau to heading on Groups at risk of statelessness). 80 UNHCR — December 2021