to a foreign man than vice-versa makes this provision particularly important to prevent statelessness among women. 43. There was a strong consensus that the exceptions to this rule allowed by Article 7(1)(b) which refer to UDHR Articles 13 and 145 are of limited relevance and that they have largely been superseded by subsequent developments in international law, in particular the right to leave any country including one´s own, as set out in ICCPR Article 12 and regional other instruments. Article 7(2): No loss of nationality upon application for naturalization in another State if it results in statelessness 44. Article 7(2) of the 1961 Convention allows for loss of nationality when a citizen applies for naturalization in a foreign State. However, it conditions such loss on possession, or – if the other nationality has yet to be acquired – an assurance to acquire the other nationality. In the latter case, it is only acceptable to allow for loss of nationality if the assurance is unconditional and does not leave any discretion to the authorities of the country of the other nationality. 45. Some Contracting States require applicants for naturalization to have renounced their former nationality and give for that purpose an assurance that the naturalization will be granted upon submission of proof of renunciation of the foreign nationality. There is an implicit obligation under the 1961 Convention that once issued, assurances may not be retracted on the grounds that conditions of naturalization are not met, thereby rendering the person stateless. As an alternative to issuance of an assurance, some States provide that naturalization is granted against a pledge by the individual to renounce his/her foreign nationality, and set a fixed period for submitting proof of such renunciation. In the event the proof is not submitted, the naturalization decision is declared null and void. Article 7(3)-(5): Basic rule and exceptions relating to loss on the basis of prolonged residence and birth to a national abroad 46. Article 7(3) of the 1961 Convention provides that loss of nationality as a result of departure, residence abroad, failure to register or similar reasons may not render persons stateless. Article 7 paragraphs (4) and (5) allow for two exceptions to this rule, namely that loss may occur on the basis of continuous residence abroad for seven consecutive years or more by naturalized citizens without registration with national authorities or for failure of citizens born abroad to take steps (residence on State territory or registration with a national authority), to retain their nationality within one year of reaching the age of majority. 47. As is evident in the Final Act of the 1961 Convention, persons who acquired nationality under the terms of Articles 1-4 of the 1961 Convention may not be considered as 5 These provisions read as follows: Article 13. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country. Article 14. (1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. (2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 10