CITIZENSHIP AND STATELESSNESS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA \Y » Provide in law for administrative and judicial procedures for the determination or certification of nationality where that is in doubt and for issuance of a document that is conclusive proof of nationality. » Provide in law for any vetting systems to verify a person’s nationality, ensuring that they apply to all applicants equally, have clear criteria and procedures, allow the right to be heard in person or by a representative, and issue a decision within a reasonable response to be reasoned and delivered in writing. » period, with a negative Provide in law for administrative review of decisions relating to determination or certification of nationality, including issue of identity documents (complaints systems and independent oversight commissions), and also facilitate legal assistance and low-cost access to the normal courts responsible for similar matters. » Establish a statelessness determination procedure, which can grant the status of stateless person as an interim measure to an individual whose nationality cannot be confirmed according to the previous procedures, and facilitate the naturalisation of stateless persons. » Review regulations to ensure that they are aligned with constitutional and legislative provisions, and ensure that all rules relating to the grant, recognition, loss or deprivation of nationality are published in an official journal and on relevant websites. = Support the finalisation of the draft Protocol to the African Charter on the Specific Aspects of the Right to a Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness in Africa at the AU’s Specialised Technical Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and subequent adoption of the Protocol by heads of state and government. Nationality administration States should adopt measures to increase accessibility, due process, transparency and efficiency in nationality administration, including by: » Ensuring effective processes for administrative and judicial review of decisions relating to the issue of identity documents: o Independent oversight mechanisms that can provide a rapid and low-cost review, with a right to be heard and respect for principles of due process; » o Clearly described procedures for access to the courts; o Legal and paralegal support for those whose status is in doubt. Establishing an accessible procedure for the confirmation or determination of nationality, based on testimony and other forms of proof as well as birth registration, and the issuance of a document that is conclusive proof of nationality unless overturned by a court. If nationality of the country of residence cannot be confirmed, such relevant holds consular authorities if the person facilitate acquisition of documents procedures another should seek to confirm with the nationality and so far as possible confirming that status. If this is not possible, the person should be provided protection as a stateless person, as a temporary measure, with facilitated acquisition of nationality in line with the requirements of the Convention relating to the Protection of Stateless Persons. Such procedures should be rule-based, transparent, provide for witness and other forms of testimony as well as existing documentation, and the right to be heard and to be represented. « Taking all necessary measures to ensure that all children born in the country are registered at birth, without discrimination (including discrimination based on the sex of the parent, children born in remote areas and in disadvantaged communities, children whose parents are unknown or of undetermined UNHCR — December 2021 nationality, as well as those in the country as asylum-seekers, refugees,