Declaration by the ECOWAS state delegation, a session chaired by the ECOWAS representative 3. Presentations 3.1. Sources of Statelessness in West Africa The panelists stressed the fact that gaps in nationality law and in civil registration increase the risk of statelessness in the migration context. Taking into consideration border disputes in the region, the panelists also emphasized the need to adopt measures against statelessness when States succession takes place. They indicated that the ten-year UNHCR campaign for the eradication of statelessness has been working well in the region so far. They pointed to the priority actions to be undertaken, namely the resolution of the existing situations of statelessness, the reform of nationality laws, the improvement of birth registration and vital statistics data, and the accession to the international conventions on statelessness. 3.2. Identification, protection and solutions The panelists recalled that the right to nationality is a fundamental human right, enshrined in many international instruments. Its violation constitutes an obstacle to the enjoyment of other fundamental rights. The right to nationality is not mentioned in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, however denial of nationality amounts to a violation of the Charter provisions including those relating to dignity and non-discrimination. On this basis, the ECOWAS Court of Justice declared that it is competent to deal with violations of the right to nationality. The panelists also emphasized the absence of mechanisms for the protection of stateless migrants in the region. They also noted that many migrants lack identification documents, which creates a risk of statelessness. They indicated that the priority is to help them recover their identity and confirm their nationality.