Introduction and definitions assistance of international donors where possible. Stateless children and adults can suffer very serious harms due to lack of nationality, but this can change through the adoption and implementation of good practices. Access to legal assistance and the continuation of robust research and advocacy by civil society organizations is vital in this effort. Methodology This publication was conceived by ODIHR, the HCNM and UNHCR to follow up on the 2017 OSCE-UNHCR Handbook on Statelessness in the OSCE Area.7 An external expert drafted the report with instructions from, and in collaboration with ODIHR, the HCNM and UNHCR. The expert conducted desk-based research, while UNHCR, ODIHR and the HCNM provided additional information and edited the report. In late 2024, UNHCR, ODIHR and the HCNM arranged a consultation meeting with advocates who have been personally affected by statelessness, and their suggestions have been taken into account, particularly in formulating the recommendations. During their initial research, the expert also consulted with the European Network on Statelessness. The guide focuses on examples of good practice and is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of the approach to statelessness or nationality laws; shortcomings in laws and practices have not been included. Terminology In this guide, the following words and phrases are used in line with UNHCR’s Master Glossary of Terms, with additional explanations in brackets for some terminology: Asylum-seekers: Individuals who have sought international protection and whose claims for refugee status or a complementary international protection status have not yet been determined. Birth registration: Refers to the process of recording a child’s birth. It is a permanent and official record of a child’s existence and provides legal recognition of that child’s identity. It establishes a legal record of where the child was born and who the child’s parents are. 7 4 Handbook on Statelessness in the OSCE Area: International Standards and Good Practices, OSCE, UNHCR, 28 February 2017.