A Study of Statelessness in South Sudan - 2017 Renk town”. 121 The reach of the awareness campaign appears to have been limited, even in urban settings, as such activities were reported in only one of four FGDs. In Aweil, community members have not been exposed to any awareness campaigns by the DNPI.122 However, according to DNPI staff, “DNPI did an awareness on nationality application steps in 2014 by telling the public on Nhomlaaw FM radio station in Aweil that people should come along with passport size photos, blood group information from a clinic or hospital, and a birth certificate or birth notification certificate [sic] if they would want to apply for nationality identity [sic]”.123 A government official confirms that Nhomlaaw FM provides information on nationality documentation. It is, however, unclear whether messages continue to be broadcast.124 Efforts to raise awareness appear to have been more extensive in Eastern Equatoria, where DNPI staff report resorting to “posters on billboards, […] social media, radio programme, newspapers to pass awareness to applicants, and also organising meetings with local chiefs, youth, and community leaders”.125 Very few of the FGD participants have heard of such awareness campaigns—only one participant reported having received information from the internet and newspapers.126 Even where information campaigns are conducted, these appear to be primarily restricted to the most educated, urban segment of the population, who have higher levels of literacy and access to radios. FGD with male Dinka in Renk. FGD with female Falata in Aweil. 123 KII with DNPI Staff in Aweil. 124 KII with Government Official in Aweil. 125 KII with DNPI Staff for Eastern Equatoria. 126 FGD with male Madi and Acholi in Nimule. 127 FGD with female Dinka in Renk. 128 FGD with female Falata in Aweil; FGD with male Falata in Aweil. 121 122 30 Overall, due to the lack of effective awareness campaigns, there is a broad consensus among research participants that information is primarily provided by “relatives, friends, and neighbours who have already obtained South Sudanese nationality”.127 Community and religious leaders also play a role in disseminating information, suggesting that churches and community meetings would be effective avenues for inclusive information-sharing regarding nationality in both rural and urban settings.128 Causes of Statelessness in Summary: 1. 2. 3. Legislative factors contributing to statelessness in South Sudan include Sudan’s decision to revoke nationality from those qualifying or perceived to qualify for South Sudanese nationality, and ambiguities in South Sudan’s 2011 Nationality Act and Regulations, including use of the term “indigenous”. Administrative and procedural risk factors revolve around DNPI’s limited compliance with the 2011 Act and Regulations stemming from lack of capacity. The country’s lack of birth registration is a further barrier to access to nationality documentation. Contextual factors inherent to South Sudan include ongoing displacement due to prevailing insecurity, economic barriers to access nationality certification procedures, and lack of awareness of the importance of nationality documentation.