On 1 December 2024, UNHCR Representative met the Prime Minister of Thailand during the mobile cabinet meeting in Chiang Rai. On the same
day, Representatives from UN agencies, including UNICEF, IOM, and UNHCR, led by the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC), participated in the
mobile registration initiative in Chiang Rai. ©UNHCR/Pokkrong Srikaow
resolve statelessness’. The article highlights
Albania’s legal reforms, including amendments to
the Civil Status Law and the Law on Citizenship,
and UNHCR’s role in supporting legal aid, technical
assistance, and capacity-building programs.
On 7 October, Sarajevo-based OBN television
aired a 1-hour primetime panel discussion on
statelessness in Bosnia and Herzegovina and
globally. UNHCR BiH initiated and contributed
significantly to the program, which featured
participation from UNHCR, the BiH Ombudsman’s
Institution, and legal NGO partner Vaša prava BiH.
Following the event co-organized by UNHCR, in
France, OFPRA, and Forum réfugiés on 5 December,
a video summarizing key messages was widely
shared through UNHCR social media accounts
and distributed to government and civil society
stakeholders. A second video and a press release
on the event were also disseminated across digital
platforms.
In October 2024, UNHCR Montenegro published
a Brochure on statelessness and, jointly with the
Ministry of the Interior, the Study on statelessness,
analyzing legislation, policies, and administrative
frameworks. The study aims to inform and inspire
future policymakers on statelessness. Additionally,
in December 2024, a TV jingle produced by UNHCR
Montenegro, promoting birth registration awareness,
aired for a week on Public Broadcasting TV (RTCG).
In Ukraine, to raise awareness of timely birth
registration, UNHCR’s partner NEEKA commissioned
Roma artist Tiberiy Yonash to paint a 250-squaremeter mural in Mukachevo, completed in October.
The mural features a Roma girl holding her birth
certificate as a symbol of her right to identity. It was
inaugurated by UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner
Kelly T. Clements on 5 November. See local TV
coverage.
In South Africa, on 11 November, UNHCR gave an
interview to Channel Africa Radio to raise awareness
on statelessness and highlight progress since the
launch of the #IBelong Campaign.
The
discussion also introduced the Global Alliance to
End Statelessness and opportunities for government
and civil society engagement.The Malawian
Embassy in Zimbabwe conducted a registration
drive, enabling people of Malawian descent to
obtain documentation. Rita Kasichi, a 59-year-old
Zimbabwean of Malawian descent, will soon obtain
dual citizenship after years of statelessness. Read
more on Bulawayo24 and Opr News.
In the United States, in October 2024, UNHCR’s
Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements met with
Henry Pachnowski and members of the stateless-led
organization United Stateless. A video highlighting
Henry’s 70-year journey from statelessness to U.S.
citizenship was shared on social media, emphasizing
the power of community among stateless individuals.
In Iran, Media engagement continues through
digital platforms, with awareness campaigns on birth
registration and naturalization. More information.
In Thailand, on 31 October, UNHCR issued a press
release commending the Thai Cabinet’s resolution to
end statelessness. On 25 November, UNHCR hosted
Thailand – Making Statelessness History, marking
Thailand’s progress, the closure of the #IBelong
Campaign, and the launch of the Global Alliance
to End Statelessness. Read more. On 1 December,
the UNHCR Representative met with the Thai Prime
Minister in Chiang Rai, commending Thailand’s
UNHCR > The Campaign to End Statelessness | October – December 2024 Update
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