What needs to be done? Statelessness as a result of State succession can be prevented through a coordinated approach to nationality by the concerned States and the implementation of simple safeguards in nationality laws. For example, upon transfer of territory from one State to another, the original nationality of the affected population may not be withdrawn unless it is clear that they have acquired the nationality of the other State involved. How can UNHCR support? • • • • Identify possible situations of State succession before they occur, in collaboration with other UN Agencies. Contact the authorities of all relevant States and territories, discuss potential causes of statelessness and offer technical and operational support. Promote cooperation between the authorities of the States and territories concerned and advocate for the adoption of agreements and legislation that will avoid statelessness. Take measures for the restitution of nationality in accordance with Action 1 if statelessness occurs despite the efforts described. • • Advocate with the authorities ( jointly with other stakeholders) on the importance of having standards on avoiding statelessness resulting from loss and deprivation of nationality, which are based on the international standards set in the 1961 Convention. Engage other UN Agencies and regional bodies, as well as members of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness in advocacy for safeguards to prevent loss of nationality if this causes statelessness. RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS • • • • • • • Article 15, Universal Declaration of Human Rights Articles 7,8,9, 10, 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness UNHCR Guidelines on Statelessness No. 5: Loss and Deprivation of Nationality under Articles 5-9 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, HCR/GS/20/05, 2020 – entire document UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Expert Meeting – Interpreting the 1961 Statelessness Convention and Avoiding Statelessness resulting from Loss and Deprivation of Nationality (“Tunis Conclusions”), 2014 – entire document UNHCR Executive Committee, Conclusion on identification, prevention and reduction of statelessness and protection of stateless persons, N.106 – entire document UN Human Rights Council, Human Rights and arbitrary deprivation of nationality: Resolution / Adopted by the Human Rights Council 11 July 2014, A/HRC/RES/26/14 – entire document International Law Commission Articles of Nationality of Natural Persons in Relation to the Succession of States – entire document RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS • • SDG 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries. SDG 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. GLOBAL ACTION PLAN TO END STATELESSNESS 2.0 23