This statement marks two years since the adoption of the African Protocol on the right to nationality and the eradication of statelessness, and urges African States to sign and ratify it without delay. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights notes that no State has yet signed or ratified the instrument, meaning it has not entered into force. The statement explains that the Protocol is intended to strengthen protection against statelessness in Africa, including through safeguards on birth registration, documentation, non-discrimination, and access to nationality. It highlights that children, women, and other people in vulnerable situations are particularly affected, and stresses that unresolved nationality status can block access to basic rights and public life.