T H E I M P O RTA N C E O F ACC E SS I O N TO THE 1961 CONVENTION Acceding to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness: 8 • Is a way for States to demonstrate their commitment to human rights and humanitarian standards, including the right to a nationality • Enables States to address gaps that result from different approaches to the attribution of nationality worldwide through the recognition of common safeguards for the avoidance of statelessness, without impinging on States’ sovereignty to regulate nationality • Boosts legal transparency and predictability in States’ response to the threat of statelessness through the promotion of common safeguards • Provides States with the tools to avoid and resolve nationality-related disputes, thereby also improving international relations and stability • Prevents displacement by promoting the enjoyment of the right to a nationality • Enhances national security and stability by avoiding exclusion and marginalisation resulting from statelessness • Promotes enfranchisement and the full participation of individuals in society • Helps UNHCR to mobilise international support for the prevention and reduction of statelessness Preventing and R e d u c i n g S t a t e l e ss n e ss &