as of “unknown” nationality, and accorded with the rights stateless persons are entitled to. The time that the child remains stateless should be limited to the minimum considering in particular the best interest of the child. Moreover, stateless persons residing in Finland have the possibility to become nationals through naturalization. A shorter period of residence requirement than generally is provided for stateless persons. However, making the expeditious processing of the naturalization applications of stateless persons provided for in the law a reality, and implementing a reduced fee for the naturalization applications made by stateless persons, would serve as additional measures towards reducing statelessness in Finland and at the same time, would ensure full implementation of Article 32 of the 1954 Convention. UNHCR STOCKHOLM, NOVEMBER 2014 55