Background the grant of nationality is non-discretionary where nationality is acquired through registration, while naturalization is usually a more elaborate process and often discretionary in nature. Non-automatic procedures are generally a less effective way to resolve statelessness because they require the person concerned to take certain steps to acquire nationality. For various reasons, including lack of information about the right to seek citizenship and the related procedures, or problems of physical access or poverty (if fees or other costs are involved), some stateless persons may not be able to benefit from such procedures. In addition, naturalization procedures usually give government authorities the discretion to reject applicants and may in some cases also lead to lengthy delays in the grant of nationality. In accordance with article 32 of the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons (1954 Convention), it is recommended that States Parties facilitate, as far as possible, the naturalization of stateless persons. They can do so by creating expedited procedures, charging lower fees, or reducing residence or other requirements, for example.1 One possible approach is establishing a Statelessness Determination Procedure (SDP) to identify stateless persons and as a pathway to acquisition of nationality through facilitated naturalization. It should however be noted that SDPs are generally not the best option for resolving statelessness in the context of in situ stateless populations.2 UNHCR’s Good Practices Paper on Action 6 highlights specific good practices in this respect.3 Where States are willing to end statelessness but lack the capacity to do so, UNHCR can provide support, usually in coordination with national authorities and civil society, and sometimes regional organizations or UN partners. Such assistance may include: • filling capacity gaps in administrative procedures; • raising awareness through public information campaigns; • providing legal advice to stateless individuals and guidance on how to access procedures; 1 2 3 4 See Article 32 of the Convention. Paragraphs 58 – 61, UNHCR, Handbook on Protection of Stateless Persons, 30 June 2014, available at: https://www. refworld.org/docid/53b676aa4.html UNHCR, Good Practices Paper – Action 6: Establishing Statelessness Determination Procedures to Protect Stateless Persons, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5f203d0e4.html U N H C R > G P P A C T I O N 1 : R E S O LV I N G E X I S T I N G M A J O R S I T U AT I O N S O F S TAT E L E S S N E S S