practice. Working with the judiciary can also enhance the interpretation and application of nationality legislation in line with international standards so as to prevent statelessness.  · Empowering individuals: People must be aware of their rights and related procedures on acquisition of nationality by their children, protection against loss and deprivation of nationality and access to identity and nationality documentation. Public information and education campaigns are important activities and some individuals may require legal assistance in order to avail themselves of such rights and procedures. Civil society plays a critical role, for instance, by highlighting the importance of birth registration and assisting parents to secure birth certificates for their children through subsequent registration. Civil society actors can also assist individuals with procedures for confirming their nationality with administrative authorities or courts, for instance with the filing of applications, obtaining supporting documentation or paying direct and indirect costs.  Combating discrimination: A critical step is to promote international standards on non-discrimination, and to raise awareness of the consequences of statelessness, both for the individual and society as a whole. Such activities can also be closely linked to conflict prevention and peace building. 3. Reduction of statelessness Activities for the reduction of statelessness primarily aim at promoting the acquisition of a nationality. This can be through large-scale citizenship campaigns or individualized naturalization procedures. The following activities are relevant in this context:  Advocating for access to citizenship for stateless populations: Political will is a decisive factor in finding a solution to statelessness situations, in particular those of a protracted nature. Raising awareness of statelessness, its consequences, and the right to a nationality in addition to offering advice and support are key to generating such political will. While decisions on nationality are generally taken at a high political level, advocacy should be directed at all stakeholders who influence, or are affected by, political decisions. The stronger the public support, and the lower the resistance, integration of stateless people within the broader population of citizens is easier for political leaders to support.  Implementing legislative solutions: Acquisition of nationality by stateless persons may require amending nationality legislation in order to establish inclusive rules on who is considered a national. Such legislation can be applied by operation of law, thereby avoiding costly procedures which may serve to exclude certain individuals. Similarly, legislation on naturalization should foresee facilitation of requirements for stateless persons, for instance through reduced residence requirements and lower fees. Expert advice on comprehensive and just solutions may be needed and national capacity strengthened to formulate and implement legislative solutions.     - 12 -