Extracts relating to UNHCR’s supervisory responsibility for the
statelessness conventions
1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons
Article 33
The Contracting States shall communicate to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the
laws and regulations which they may adopt to ensure the application of this Convention.
Article 37
In the case of a Federal or non-unitary State, the following provisions shall apply
[…]
(c) A Federal State Party to this Convention shall, at the request of any other Contracting
State transmitted through the Secretary-General of the United Nations, supply a statement of
the law and practice of the Federation and its constituent units in regard to any particular
provision of the Convention showing the extent to which effect has been given to that
provision by legislative or other action.
1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness
Article 11
The Contracting States shall promote the establishment within the framework of the United
Nations, as soon as may be after the deposit of the sixth instrument of ratification or
accession, of a body to which a person claiming the benefit of this Convention may apply for
the examination of his claim and for assistance in presenting it to the appropriate authority.
General Assembly resolutions 3274 and 31/36
Mandating UNHCR to fulfill the functions under article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the
Reduction of Statelessness
General Assembly resolution 49/169
20. Calls upon States to assist the High Commissioner to fulfil her responsibilities, under
General Assembly resolution 3274 (XXIX) of 10 December 1974, with respect to the
reduction of statelessness, including the promotion of accessions to and full implementation
of international instruments relating to statelessness;
General Assembly resolution 50/152
14. Encourages the High Commissioner to continue her activities on behalf of
stateless persons, as part of her statutory function of providing international protection and of
seeking preventive action, as well as her responsibilities under General Assembly resolutions
3274 (XXIV) of 10 December 1974 and 31/36 of 30 November 1976;