30 Global Recommendations on Nationality and Statelessness in the Context of Climate Change PART A 5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Global Recommendations on Nationality and Statelessness in the Context of Climate Change PART A 5 5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Guiding principles 5.1 The Global Recommendations are underpinned by the following principles which reflect universally applicable norms of international law. Right to a nationality 5.2 Section 2 above describes the right to a nationality and the international legal framework within which it is located. At minimum, having a nationality is associated with the right of entry, re-entry, and residence in the State’s territory.27 In practice, however, nationality is often the basis for accessing other socio-economic and political rights such as the right to vote, work and access social services. Upholding the right to a nationality is critical to ensuring that communities affected by the adverse impacts of climate change continue to be able to enjoy their basic human rights. The Global Recommendations are therefore predicated upon ensuring that everyone enjoys their right to a nationality. Equality and non-discrimination 5.3 Equality and non-discrimination are key principles that require that all human beings be treated equally and that no one faces discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, nationality, or other protected attributes.28 The right to equality means providing equal access to rights, resources, and opportunities to all persons. Given that discrimination is both a major underlying cause and consequence of statelessness, the Global Recommendations are focused on addressing situations where climate change impacts have the potential to disproportionately affect the nationality status of those who are the most marginalized and therefore vulnerable, including children, indigenous and minority groups, women, and those with disabilities, as well as people who are already stateless, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities.29 31