That a large number of states have not yet acceded to the statelessness conventions; That nationality laws are still not in conformity with international human rights instruments, and that consequently they may cause statelessness; That states have failed in their obligations to ensure universal birth registration; That many persons are stateless and as a result do not enjoy the protection of any state nor their most fundamental rights; The large number and vulnerability of women and children at risk of statelessness; Highlighting the necessity to move forward with identification, prevention and reduction of statelessness and the protection of stateless persons, Call upon: The African Union and its specialized organs: - To adopt as soon as possible a protocol on statelessness and the right to a nationality without reservations; The regional judicial and quasi-judicial institutions of the African Union and ECOWAS: - Upon adoption of the said protocol, to immediately apply it to the cases of which they are seized; 2|Page