In addi�on, be�er sta�s�cs on
statelessness play an integral role in
improving the lives of stateless persons and
ending statelessness itself. Household
surveys and censuses are important data
sources for official sta�s�cs, however,
stateless persons are o�en not included.
Data on stateless persons are incomplete
and deficient, but there is a clear
responsibility for Na�onal Sta�s�cs Systems
to guide end-users about their quality and
completeness of popula�on data as stated
in the Fundamental Principles of Official
Sta�s�cs.10
Building inclusive and safe
iden�fica�on systems
Despite the significant advantages of
improved Civil Registra�on and Vital
Sta�s�cs (CRVS) and ID systems, the drive
towards legal iden�fica�on may also
present risks to those who could be made
vulnerable by being iden�fied as stateless.
Registra�on may bring to light many more
cases of undetermined na�onality, and
without protec�on and a remedy to their
lack of of ci�zenship, individuals may be
reluctant to register themselves or their
children. In order to mi�gate possible risks
for stateless popula�ons and encourage
their iden�fica�on, it is necessary to
guarantee that:
• CRVS and ID systems are inclusive and
ensure universal access for individuals
without discrimina�on;
• Authori�es ensure public confidence in
the data collec�on systems and clarity
towards the use of data;
• Human rights and data protec�on
standards are at the forefront in the
management of administra�ve data;
• Survey and census data are only used for
sta�s�cal purposes;
• Na�onal Sta�s�cal Offices are
capacitated and mo�vated according to
the highest standards of data privacy and
protec�on;
• Interna�onal organiza�ons, civil society
and other actors support in the monitoring
of the use of data and the applica�on of
data protec�on principles.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the produc�on of demographic and other
sta�s�cs across the globe, disrup�ng na�onal civil registra�on systems and housing and
popula�on censuses in many countries. The reduc�on in birth registra�ons across the
developing world exposes vulnerable groups to increased risks of statelessness. On the
other hand, the lack of data on stateless popula�ons hinders the development of
adequate health responses and provision of health services to these vulnerable groups,
which may leave them out of vaccina�on plans.
8