© UNHCR/Valerio Muscella PERSONAL REFLECTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE MAHA MAMO FORMERLY STATELESS, BRAZIL Living as a stateless person was not just challenging; it was a constant battle for survival, filled with profound isolation, frustration, and a sense of hopelessness. The absence of a nationality meant that my future was always wrapped in uncertainty, haunted by the fear of never securing basic human rights. Witnessing my dreams—whether of becoming a doctor, playing professional basketball, or simply receiving healthcare—fade away was heartbreaking and left a lasting impact on my life. My journey from statelessness to citizenship began with my relentless advocacy for myself and others like me. In 2018, after years of campaigning and at the age of 30, I finally became a Brazilian citizen—a moment that brought overwhelming relief and a sense of belonging. With nationality, I gained the power to make decisions about my life and future, to access opportunities, and to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Today, as a speaker and social entrepreneur, I advocate globally for stateless individuals, with my work covering countries like Lebanon, Nepal, the United States, and currently Kenya, where I am working alongside community 8 #IBELONG leader Nosizi Dube to provide documentation for 2,000 marginalized people, focusing on restoring dignity, ensuring basic rights, and promoting social inclusion. In addition to my advocacy, I am working on my English book and working on a film adaptation that tells the story of my journey from statelessness to citizenship, as well as a documentary on gender discrimination, a leading cause of statelessness in 24 countries. My recent membership in the Stateless Network of the Americas further expands my efforts to address statelessness regionally, where my influence has contributed to the adoption of protective legislation and statelessness determination procedures in seven countries. The #IBelong Campaign has been instrumental in bringing global attention to statelessness, influencing governments to act, and creating pathways to citizenship. While we have not yet eradicated statelessness, the campaign has made significant strides, positively impacting countless lives—including mine—and paving the way for future generations. I am honored to have contributed to this global movement and will continue to work towards a world where everyone has the right to belong.