8 To meet national or development priorities: Many treaties 10 To respond to advocacy and public demand: Persistent, strategic civil support domestic goals such as: social society advocacy often shapes political cohesion. will. States may ratify because: gender development, 9 political legal equality, identity inclusive for all, a. communities mobilise peacebuilding. Governments may ratify b. civil society applies pressure because the treaty aligns with their own c. litigation exposes gaps policy agenda. d. the media spotlights injustices To avoid reputational costs of not ratifying: If most countries in a region Public momentum can shift political calculations. ratify - or if a treaty addresses a widely recognised injustice - non-ratification can create political embarrassment or appear as resistance to human rights norms. 2.4 The Role of CSOs Given that States balance both challenges and incentives when considering ratification, civil society organisations play a crucial role in shaping political will. CSOs are often the only actors consistently raising the visibility of statelessness, supporting affected communities, and sustaining pressure on governments to act. They help translate human rights commitments into practical reforms by informing policymakers, correcting public misconceptions, and monitoring gaps that may stall progress. As States weigh their options and navigate competing priorities, CSOs can help maintain momentum and build the case for why signature and ratification of the ACHPR Protocol on the Right to a Nationality are both necessary and achievable. The next section examines the specific strategies and tools that civil society can use to strengthen advocacy for signature, ratification, and implementation. 36