CONSORTIUM HEROES II CENTRAL ASIAN NETWORK ON STATELESSNESS – ACTING IN UNISON ACROSS CENTRAL ASIA The Central Asian Network on Statelessness (CANS) is a network of organisations in Central Asia that promotes dialogue, raises awareness and provides legal services to prevent and reduce statelessness. The CESF project is led by Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB), a Kyrgyzstan based NGO and active member and secretariat of CANS. Action Award (EUR 25,000) The project aimed to raise awareness about the situation of stateless people in READ MORE ON COVID-19 the COVID-19 pandemic through conducting baseline research to map out the IMPACTS IN CENTRAL ASIA HERE exclusion of stateless people, and those without legal status, within Central Asia. Stateless groups in the region face exclusion due to a combination of deep-rooted, structural discrimination, lack of awareness and administrative gaps. More than 120 stateless people were interviewed, and 12 focus groups (with 134 stateless people) were conducted in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Research findings were collated in a Report, which includes case studies and recommendations to governments. Research results were used for advocacy and information campaigns to engage decision-makers; raise awareness within stateless communities and those without legal status, and among the public. The report was sent to relevant governments and shared with 38 national and international stakeholders. CANS held three roundtables for government, civil society and media representatives, marking the beginning of the advocacy campaign along with capacity building for CSOs; improved coordination among government and CSOs; and awareness-raising on statelessness issues regarding COVID-19. CANS also organised two open lectures for 33 Law student. Impact • A key achievement was the inclusion of stateless people in state vaccination programs across Central Asian countries, which was achieved through direct advocacy with government and humanitarian actors. • CANS provided legal aid to 500 stateless people and those without documentation, on legalising their status and applying for citizenship/documentation. More than 130 people received a positive outcome. • CANS organised 16 outreach mobile visits in remote communities in the Southern oblasts to increase community awareness of nationality and legal identity issues and to provide legal support. • With the government of Turkmenistan and UNHCR, CANS held an International Conference on the Elimination of Statelessness in Central Asia, where CANS shared report findings and states shared good practices and developed strategies to address remaining statelessness issues concerning COVID-19. • CANS held three trainings for 41 officials of the local registry and administrative offices on addressing statelessness and documentation issues in Leilek, Batken and Kadamjai Districts. Future Plans CANS intends to continue their work in the region, organising effective dialogue and exchange of information and experience in order to try and prevent and reduce statelessness. CANS also plans to connect with other regional networks working on statelessness to strengthen and facilitate cross-learning and relationships with statelessness stakeholders around the world. 21