1. Introduction In November 2014, UNHCR launched a Global Campaign to End Statelessness in 10 Years. The strategy for the Campaign is set out in a Global Action Plan, which contains ten actions that need to be taken to end statelessness. States are encouraged to adopt National Action Plans that include those actions necessary to end statelessness in their own national contexts. In preparation for the Campaign, the UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe (UNHCR RRNE) has, over the past three years, conducted statelessness mappings in each of the eight countries in the Northern Europe region. The mapping in Norway has been conducted by an independent consultant, Ms. Hrefna Dögg Gunnarsdóttir, working under the supervision of the UNHCR RRNE. The methodology has comprised desk research as well as consultations with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, initially through replies to a questionnaire and thereafter through individual interviews and written correspondence. Draft versions of the mapping have also undergone an ‘expert vetting’ by Professor Terje Einarsen at the University of Bergen, and been shared for comments with the Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, the Immigration Appeals Board, the National Police Immigration Service, the National Register and with Statistics Norway. UNHCR RRNE is very grateful for all the cooperation extended and for the valuable input, feedback and comments received throughout these consultation processes. The information gathered through the mappings of statelessness in the Northern Europe countries, consolidated in reports like the current one, is aimed at raising awareness and providing a better understanding among the stakeholders of the situation of stateless persons in the countries concerned, and the extent to which the international standards in this area are implemented in law and practice. UNHCR thus hopes that the findings and recommendations contained in the reports will contribute to the ongoing dialogue between UNHCR, the Governments concerned, civil society, and other relevant actors on what steps may need to be taken at national level in order to bring the respective countries’ national legal frameworks, institutional capacities, and practices fully in line with the international standards in the area of prevention and reduction of statelessness and the protection of stateless persons. UNHCR, moreover, hopes that the reports can serve as a starting point for the development of National Action Plans to end statelessness in each of the countries. The mapping of statelessness in Norway provides an overview and analysis of the numbers and basic demographic profiles of the persons who are stateless in Norway, and examines existing legislation and procedures governing the recognition of their status and enjoyment of rights. As the mapping was initiated in 2012, the statistics used for the analysis are generally derived from 2011 or earlier, though some of the data is more recent. The mapping highlights positive aspects of addressing statelessness in Norway, as well as current gaps and challenges, and suggests possible ways of improving the position of stateless persons in Norway. The demographic section of this report consists mainly of quantitative analysis with some qualitative elements. The quantitative analysis includes a statistical overview and analysis, as well as a review of the registration methods and practices that provide the basis for the statistics. The identification methodology, i.e. how statelessness is assessed and how stateless persons are identified in Norway, is also examined. The main purpose of the legal analysis section of the report is to investigate the implementation of the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons1 (1954 Convention) and the 1961 Convention on the 1 UN General Assembly, Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, 28 September 1954, United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 360, p. 117, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3840.html. UNHCR STOCKHOLM, OCTOBER 2015 7

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