On the loss or renunciation of nationality (Articles 5, 6 and 7) Loss or renunciation of nationality should be conditional upon the prior possession or assurance of acquiring another nationality. An exception may be made in the case of naturalized persons who, despite notification of formalities and time limits, reside abroad for a fixed number of years and fail to express an intention to retain nationality. A naturalized person, in this instance, is a person who has acquired nationality upon applying to the Contracting State concerned, and that Contracting State could have refused the application. Loss of nationality may only take place in accordance with law and accompanied by full procedural guarantees, such as the right to a fair hearing by a court or other independent body. On the deprivation of nationality (Articles 8 and 9) No one should be deprived of a nationality if that deprivation will result in statelessness except when: • nationality is obtained by misrepresentation or fraud; • the individual has committed acts inconsistent with a duty of loyalty either in violation of an express prohibition or by personal conduct seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of the State; • the individual has made an oath or formal declaration of allegiance to another State or repudiated allegiance to the Contracting State; or • a naturalized citizen has lost the effective link to the Contracting State and, despite notification, fails to express an intention to retain that nationality. A Contracting State can only deprive an individual of its nationality on the previous grounds if stated specifically at the time of signature, ratification or accession and if in accordance with law and accompanied by full procedural guarantees, such as the right to a fair hearing. A Contracting State may not deprive any person or group of persons of their nationality on racial, ethnic, religious or political grounds. On the transfer of territory (Article 10) Treaties shall ensure that statelessness does not occur due to a transfer of territory. When no treaty is signed, the State(s) involved shall confer its /their nationality on those who would otherwise become stateless as a result of the transfer or acquisition of territory. On an international agency (Article 11) The Convention calls for the establishment, within the framework of the United Nations, of a body to which an individual claiming the benefit of the Convention may apply to have their claim examined and to be assisted in presenting that claim to the appropriate authority. The General Assembly has asked UNHCR to fulfil this responsibility. 33