MAPPING OF THE POPULATION AT RISK OF STATELESSNESS IN ALBANIA After collecting the questionnaires, TLAS and UNHCR experts compiled the data onto the database and the experts checked them qualitatively and quantitatively. The database was checked arithmetically and logically for consistency before data processing. In the end, the data were presented throughout the study, more particularly in Section 5, using descriptive statistics. Moreover, TLAS conducted a qualitative assessment of the situation through various interviews with important decision-makers in this field, including from the General Director of Civil Status Office, Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and INSTAT. 1.2.2.1. Quantitative methodology: data and statistics used In order to measure the size of the population at risk of statelessness in Albania, quantitative methods were also used. As has already been mentioned, the nature of statelessness and the ‘invisibility’ in legal terms makes data extremely difficult to collect. The definition of statelessness is complex, and it is often difficult to assess whether people are stateless, at risk of becoming stateless, or simply undocumented. Furthermore, around half of the persons at risk of statelessness in Albania are Roma and Egyptian communities, who, are not always cooperative with researchers. For official statistics data, the Institute of Statistics of the Republic of Albania (INSTAT)8 can be referenced. The most recent data is that gathered through the general population census conducted in 2011. This included the category of ‘unregistered’, containing 7,443 persons. There is not any further data available regarding the demographics of these individuals, except the gender distribution: 3,874 men and 3,569 women. It is to be emphasized that there are no official data on the number of persons at risk of statelessness who are children. The most accurate figures currently available were collected by TLAS personnel, based on cases of persons at risk of statelessness who confirmed nationality thanks to TLAS free legal aid support in the period 2012 – 2016 (after the census). It is estimated that number of persons at risk of statelessness has been reduced to some 4,971 persons. According to TLAS’s database, the districts where the issue is most prevalent – and consequently where the mapping project was concentrated were Berat, Dibër, Durrës, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokastër, Korçë, Kukës, Lezhë, Shkodër, Tiranë, Vlorë , their 61 Municipalities: Belsh, Berat, Bulqizë, Cërrik, Delvinë, Devoll, Dibër, Divjakë, Dropulli, Durrës, Elbasan, Fier, Finiq, Fushë-Arrëz, Gjirokastër, Gramsh, Has, Himarë, Kamëz, Kavajë, Këlcyrë, Klos, Kolonjë, Konispol, Korçë, Krujë, Kuçovë, Kukës, Kurbin, Lezhë, Libohovë, Librazhd, Lushnjë, Malësi e Madhe, Maliq, Mallakastër, Mat, Memaliaj, Mirditë, Patos, Peqin, Përmet, Pogradec, Poliçan, Prrenjas, Pukë, Pustec, Roskovec, Rrogozhinë, Sarandë, Selenicë, Shijak, 8 http://www.instat.gov.al/en/ UNHCR - TLAS / May 2018 17