. Identification re ention and reduction o state essness In some countries, people can only obtain a nationality certificate or an identity document (ID) that confirms their nationality if they have proof of registered residence. This is an insurmountable hurdle, in particular, for poor communities living in illegal housing or informal settlements and who, therefore, do not meet the requirements to obtain an ID.79 In many States across the OSCE area, a number of international stakeholders, such as ODIHR, HCNM, UNHCR, UNICEF, the Council of Europe, and the European Union, as well as national organizations, have recognized and documented that Roma and Sinti living in marginalized situations are particularly vulnerable to the lack of civil registration and documentation. The ODIHR Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues has, in the past, organized national, regional and international consultation meetings to raise awareness about the most vulnerable groups, inviting experts and representatives of affected populations to identify possible solutions. Collaborating closely on these matters, the OSCE HCNM and UNHCR have actively contributed to such meetings and provided their expertise. Despite the progress achieved over recent years, there is still much that remains to be done to fully eliminate legal invisibility, especially among Roma and Sinti populations, and to ensure the protection of the socio-economic and political rights of those who do not have personal documents. Good practice: Joint advocacy of diverse stakeholders leads to amended Law on Non-Contentious Procedures in Serbia The joint advocacy of a wide range of stakeholders in Serbia – including civil society, the international community, the Ombudsman’s Office and relevant ministries – shows how co-ordinated actions and committed partnership can help remove obstacles to the civil registration and documentation of marginalized individuals. Starting in 2007 and following the adoption of the Law on Registries in 2009, UNHCR and the NGO Praxis drew public attention to shortcomings in the procedure for late birth registration; unregistered and undocumented 55