automatic operation of a law. A common example may be found in laws that provide for the automatic loss of nationality where an individual acquires another nationality. No provisions on loss of nationality are included in this Regional Toolkit on Nationality Legislation, as it is preferable that States do not provide for automatic loss of nationality, but instead have laws in which individual cases may be considered by a competent authority. Deprivation of nationality involves a decision of the State to remove nationality. This may occur, for example, where a person has committed a serious crime against the State. In this Regional Toolkit on Nationality Legislation, “withdrawal of nationality” will be used in a broad sense to refer to both loss and deprivation of nationality. The international laws and principles relating to these important provisions are closely examined to determine the precise circumstances in which it is permissible for nationality to be withdrawn. This Regional Toolkit on Nationality Legislation should encourage governments to create strategic plans aimed at ensuring that their nationality laws are in line with regional and international standards. 13