Unit 1 [core unit] An introduction to nationality and statelessness around the world Summary In this unit, students will start to think about nationality and statelessness by first exploring their preconceptions of and personal experience with these two concepts. Two questions guide the introduction to the topic of statelessness: Where does your nationality come from? And what does it mean to you? The discussion of these questions forms the backdrop for a presentation of the doctrines for the attribution of nationality, some basic causes of statelessness and the impact of statelessness on individuals and communities. Thus, students discover how a link with a State through birth, parentage or residence can be translated into nationality through laws based on jus soli, jus sanguinis and jus domicilii. Through simple examples, students learn to appreciate how the existence of these different doctrines, side by side, may lead to cases of statelessness as well as dual nationality. Students consider what the possible advantages and disadvantages of dual nationality may be, based on their perception of the role of nationality. This is followed by a look at some of the major existing situations of statelessness worldwide in order to reveal the overall scale and consequences of statelessness. Students discuss the impact Learning objectives the links between a person and a State that can •formIdentify the basis for the attribution of nationality. • Recognise how a conflict of nationality laws could lead to statelessness as well as to cases of dual nationality. of statelessness on individuals and communities, including the psychological effects, the barriers it creates for the enjoyment of different rights and benefits and the broader impact on societal cohesion. The notion of human security is introduced and students consider how the detrimental effect of statelessness could be discussed in terms of human security. Finally, students also discuss the importance of limiting statelessness, from the perspective of States and the international community, such as for the purpose of combating forced displacement, potential national security problems and international instability. Discuss some of the benefits of nationality and •appreciate the difficulties stateless persons may face. • Explain why individuals, States and the international community have an interest in addressing statelessness. • Describe the scale of statelessness worldwide and identify a number of significant stateless populations. Readings and information sources Key readings Sokoloff, Denial of Citizenship: A challenge to human security, prepared for the Advisory Board on Human Security, * C. February 2005. http://ochaonline.un.org/OchaLinkClick.aspx?link=ocha&docId=1087378 Leclerc, R. Colville, “In the Shadows” in Refugees Magazine, No. 147, Issue 3, 2007. * P. http://www.unhcr.org/46d2e8dc2.html van Waas, Nationality Matters. Statelessness under International Law, chapter III, section 1 on “The attribution of * L. nationality: doctrines and competences”, Intersentia, 2008. Lynch, Statelessness: International blind spot linked to global concerns, Refugees International, 2 September 2009. * M. http://www.refugeesinternational.org/sites/default/files/090209_stateless_0.pdf 20 A Guide to Teaching on Statelessness