? & F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S ABOUT ACCESSION QUESTIONS ANSWERS Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about accession to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Further questions and details are discussed in Nationality and Statelessness: A Handbook for Parliamentarians (UNHCR and Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2005, revised second edition forthcoming in 2014). 1961 Convention where this would result in n Is the 1961 Convention relevant for States that have safeguards for avoiding statelessness in place? statelessness. Moreover, as explained above, States may still allow for the loss or deprivation of nationality even if this leads to statelessness, Many States have already adopted safeguards in a limited number of circumstances and in in their nationality legislation in order to avoid accordance with the further conditions outlined statelessness. Even if this is the case, acceding in Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. to the 1961 Convention remains a valuable step in tackling statelessness. It lets other countries n Can a State adopt reservations to the provisions of the 1961 Convention? know that such safeguards are recognised by the State in question and it helps to promote worldwide acceptance of these common Yes. Reservations are permitted at the time international standards. of accession, but only concerning Article 11 n Does the 1961 Convention compel States to allow dual nationality? (UNHCR’s role), 14 (referral of disputes to the International Court of Justice) or 15 (territories for which the Contracting State is responsible). In accordance with Article 8, States can also adopt No. States may continue to prohibit dual a declaration at the time of accession whereby nationality, as long as the laws and practices they retain the right to deprive a person of his or relating to the avoidance of dual nationality do her nationality in certain limited circumstances. not lead to statelessness. For example, a State may still require an individual to renounce their n What former nationality upon naturalization in order to avoid dual nationality. However, a State may not allow a person to renounce their nationality before they have gained possession or assurance of acquiring another nationality. Acceding to the 1961 Convention implies a commitment to ensure that specific safeguards are reflected in relevant domestic legislation. This may mean adopting modifications to nationality laws – a task for which UNHCR can provide technical assistance. Thereafter, implementation of n Does the 1961 Convention prohibit any withdrawal of nationality? No. The loss or deprivation of nationality is only prohibited under the terms of the Preventing considerations are involved in acceding to the 1961 Convention? Are there costs or reporting requirements? and R e d u c i n g S t a t e l e ss n e ss 9