II. Definitions and cross-cutting issues relevant documentation, such as birth certificates for themselves or for their children, or other identification documents that would be pertinent to establishing their nationality status and that of their children. Diversity – refers to different values, attitudes, cultural perspectives, beliefs, ethnic background, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, health, social status, skills and other specific personal characteristics. While age and gender dimensions are present in everyone, other characteristics vary from person to person. These differences must be recognized, understood and valued in each specific context/ intervention in order to ensure that the equal the rights of all people are respected.13 Certain groups in society may face particular challenges in establishing their nationality status. Age, gender and diversity considerations may require that some individuals be afforded additional procedural and evidentiary safeguards to ensure that they obtain nationality documents, and that that they are able to access civil registration procedures or a statelessness determination procedure. In certain circumstances, this may apply to persons with disabilities14 who face difficulties communicating information about their nationality status. Decision makers and government officials need to take into account that, owing to discrimination, persons with disabilities may be less likely to possess identity and other documentation. One way that gender specific challenges can be addressed in procedures relevant to nationality and statelessness is through the provision of interviewers and interpreters of the same sex as the claimant. Interviewers and interpreters should also be trained to be aware of and responsive to any cultural or religious sensitivities or personal factors such as age and level of education. Participation of stateless persons in decision-making processes Persons affected by statelessness should always be informed, consulted and represented in decision-making processes – especially in those that concern them – and their participation should be actively sought. They particularly 18