© UNHCR In January, in Malta, a briefing package prepared by UNHCR for all Maltese European parliamentarians was handed over officially to the President of the Parliament. It encourages, among other things, accession to both Statelessness Conventions. In February and March, West Africa celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the Abidjan Declaration to Eradicate Statelessness. Activities have taken place across the region, including a TV Show hosted by High Level Supporter Aby Ndour in Senegal and activities with University students in Ghana. Seven countries broadcasted this TV spot on statelessness to raise awareness of the issue. Also in West Africa, the 6 week-long Facebook campaign #1minute1million took place in support of #IBelong Campaign. Nine stateless people from five countries in West Africa shared their stories, reaching an audience of more than 30,000 people. Gender discrimination, low rates of birth registration and violence against children were some of the issues discussed on Facebook. On 3 February, Abidjan hosted the final of the regional competition “Voix des Jeunes”. Students from Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal debated topics related to statelessness and developed solutions to be implemented in their home countries. Innovative ideas were shared, such as sensitization of traditional and religious leaders, as well as the creation of volunteer groups in schools to raise awareness. Radio France Internationale seized the opportunity to record its show ‘7 Milliard de Voisins’ and invited UNHCR, an Ivorian MP, and young people to share their perspectives. 2 Years into the Abidjan Declaration: • 11 States in West Africa are party to the 1961 Statelessness Convention • 12 States in West Africa are party to the 1954 Statelessness Convention • 12 States in West Africa have developed national action plans to end statelessness • 7 States in West Africa have begun a process to revise their nationality legislation • All governments in West Africa have appointed a statelessness focal point 6