Contents
Abbreviations..........................................................................................................................5
Figures.....................................................................................................................................5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. ......................................................................................................6
Key findings........................................................................................................................7
Key recommendations......................................................................................................9
1. INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................12
1.1 Structure of the report...............................................................................................14
1.2 Definitions and scope................................................................................................14
1.3 Methodology..............................................................................................................16
1.3.1 Consultations with stakeholders..........................................................................16
1.3.2 Quantitative methodology....................................................................................17
1.3.3 Qualitative methodology......................................................................................17
1.3.4 Legal research......................................................................................................17
2. STATELESSNESS AROUND THE WORLD AND THE ROLE OF UNHCR..................18
2.1 Causes of statelessness...........................................................................................19
2.1.1 Dissolution and separation of States and transfer of territory between States...19
2.1.2 Technical causes..................................................................................................19
2.1.3 Discrimination and arbitrary withdrawal of nationality.........................................21
2.2 Consequences of statelessness..............................................................................22
2.3 Role of UNHCR...........................................................................................................24
3. ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN RELATION
TO STATELESSNESS IN MALTA. .................................................................................26
3.1 O
verview of the international and regional legal framework.................................26
3.1.1 Statelessness-specific conventions.....................................................................26
3.1.2 International refugee law and international human rights law..............................32
3.2 Overview of the national legal framework...............................................................35
3.2.1 Brief background to the current citizenship regime in Malta...............................35
3.2.2 Acquisition of Maltese Citizenship.......................................................................36
3.2.3 Withdrawal of Maltese citizenship........................................................................43
3.3 Concluding remarks..................................................................................................44
Mapping Statelessness in Malta
3