► ► ► no discrimination of any kind takes place; timely processing of applications is ensured; identification of those who might be at risk from harm takes place.47 39. Information on statelessness and access to a nationality is available in almost all states on the website of the competent ministry or authority. However, a challenge may be for the persons concerned to know which ministry or authority is competent and how to access the website where relevant information can be found. The language in which the information is available may also be an issue for accessibility. 40. Other challenges for the determination of statelessness status can be mentioned: ► Getting complete answers on facts and law from foreign authorities (e.g. the state of origin of a child or their parent), resulting in a lack of proof; ► Restrictions on the exchange of information imposed by the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) (GDPR) for EU countries; ► Cases concerning children born abroad and not in the country of origin of a parent; ► Situations where a child of a foreign national stays stateless due to the inaction or ignorance of the parent; ► Lack of essential elements of the identity of a person, like the country of birth or the parentage; ► Questions of the burden of proof; ► Need to assist in the determination of statelessness by making enquiries with relevant (foreign) authorities, which children will not be able to undertake themselves. 41. On the issue of the burden of proof, interesting information is given by one state48 where, while the burden of proof is shared. In most cases, the burden of proof lies primarily on the state authorities because they are competent to request information from the relevant national authorities as well as from those of other countries. Any doubts regarding citizenship are resolved in favour of the applicant. A similar approach also exists in another state.49 If it is uncertain whether a child acquired a foreign nationality, the central registry office may conduct direct contacts with the relevant embassies/consulates so 47. United Kingdom. 48. Georgia. 49. Portugal. Page 16 ►Stateless children’s access to nationality