certificate is proof of citizenship.2006 In India, there have been multiple conflicting court decisions regarding whether an Indian passport may also prove Indian citizenship.2007 However, India’s Citizenship Rules indicate that a birth certificate is a supporting document for many kinds of citizenship, indicating that having a birth certificate would be necessary for obtaining citizenship in most situations.2008 Bhutan’s citizenship identification document is issued immediately after birth registration in the country.2009 While a birth certificate is not explicitly listed as a document that proves citizenship in the Maldives, it is directly linked to citizenship acquisition as a child’s unique Maldivian identity number is issued upon birth registration.2010 A birth certificate can SUB-REGIONAL OVERVIEW: SOUTH ASIA also serve as evidence of citizenship in Pakistan2011 with Computerized National Identity Cards also serving as de-facto proof.2012 In Afghanistan, the Tazkera, the principal Afghan identity document, proves Afghan citizenship.2013 A citizenship certificate serves as evidence of citizenship in Nepal2014 and Sri Lanka2015. Rohingya Human Rights Initiative SUB-REGIONAL OVERVIEW: SOUTH ASIA Statelessness and climate change With the highest elevation point of the Maldives being 2.4 metres above sea-level, the impacts of climate-induced sea-level rise and in turn the potential risks of statelessness caused by ‘disappearing States’ has been discussed in detail.2016 Rohingya Project 180 STATELESSNESS ENCYCLOPEDIA ASIA PACIFIC (DETAILED VERSION) REPORT 2024 181