Interna�onal
Recommenda�ons on
Statelessness Sta�s�cs (IROSS)
This will in turn improve the quality of
data as well as the number of countries
repor�ng official sta�s�cs on
statelessness.
The work to develop recommenda�ons on
statelessness sta�s�cs started in 2019 with
the establishment of a group of experts on
statelessness sta�s�cs. Since then, the
work has made great progress, being
modeled on the work and methodology of
the Expert Group on Refugee, IDP and
Statelessness Sta�s�cs (EGRISS) that was
established by a decision of the 47th
session of the UN Sta�s�cal Commission
and has so far produced the Interna�onal
Recommenda�ons on Refugee Sta�s�cs
(IRRS, 2018), the Interna�onal
Recommenda�ons on IDP Sta�s�cs (IRIS,
2020) and the accompanying Compilers’
Manual, 2020. In 2020 the work of the on
statelessness sta�s�cs was included under
the umbrella of EGRISS. The Report on
Statelessness Sta�s�cs is included in the
agenda of the 53rd session of the UNSC in
2022, and Member States are invited to
provide feedback and guidance for the
further development of the IROSS.
To improve statelessness data the dra�
IROSS addresses the need for harmonized
data, defini�ons and methods at
interna�onal, regional and na�onal levels.
The IROSS presents a sta�s�cal
framework for collec�ng data about
stateless people and those of
undetermined na�onality; proposals for
improving the quan�ty and quality of data
on these groups; and, recommenda�ons
for its analysis and for the coordina�on of
official statelessness sta�s�cs.
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/53rd-session/documents/2022-10-StatelessnessStats-E.pdf
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/53rd-session/documents/2022-10-StatelessnessStats-E.pdf
The IROSS will be further developed over
the coming months. Individuals and
organisa�ons are invited to par�cipate in
the development of the
recommenda�ons through a peer review
and global consula�on process. The la�er
will be managed by the UN Sta�s�cal
Division and EGRISS secretariat. Further
examples of good prac�ce are being
sought and contribu�ons are welcome.
Recommenda�ons from the UNSC can be
expected to significantly improve data
collec�on at the na�onal level over �me.
Endnotes
� Under the EGRISS umbrella, a subgroup on
statelessness sta�s�cs is currently working on the
development of common standards and
defini�ons to improve the quality and relevance
of sta�s�cs on stateless popula�ons. In December
2019, the expert group gathered in Bangkok to
discuss the development of Interna�onal
Recommenda�ons on Statelessness Sta�s�cs
(IROSS). Representa�ves from 16 countries,
including experts from na�onal sta�s�cal offices
and line ministries, as well as UNHCR, UNFPA and
UN regional commissions par�cipated in this
mee�ng. The group developed an ambi�ous work
plan to deliver the recommenda�ons on
statelessness sta�s�cs within two years. The
ul�mate objec�ve is to submit the interna�onal
recommenda�ons to the United Na�ons
Sta�s�cal Commission for its adop�on in March
2023.
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