Statelessness and Microfinance 97 it is very difficult for the poor to access the market designed for the rich due to high costs. It appears that microfinance, while clearly not being a panacea, can play an important role in the improvement of the living conditions of the stateless. Their economic empowerment can also lead to better awareness of their cause, more education and less isolation with respect to the majority. Finally, this process could eventually lead to more political self-confidence and engagement, which is on the other hand unthinkable in case of desolate people who struggle to survive. This whole process of positive evolution, initiated by microfinance, might only be a wishful theory. In any case, however, microfinance can be expected to bring alleviation of poverty like it has in many different contexts all over the world. This development goal is parallel to that of resolving the issue legally because it will remain even when the stateless are eventually granted citizenship. We therefore conclude that it is desirable to start making steps in this direction and support microfinance programmes for those stateless groups who have not been able to access it yet. tilburg law review 19 (2014) 90-97