FRONTIERS RIGHTS SEEKING NATIONALITY THE JUDICIAL ODYSSEY OF APPLICANTS Statelessness is a human rights issue. Many are demanding the end of statelessness in Lebanon. Yet, very few are produced comprehensive researches and studies that propose concrete, effective and realistic solutions to end this societal dilemma. Today, we have a valuable study in our hands. This study comes after many years of advocacy by Frontiers Rights Association that embraced and approached the cause of stateless persons from a comprehensive national perspective, calling upon the relevant authorities to adopt a policy to put an end to statelessness. Despite its continuous advocacy, the policy makers remained indifferent. The Association considered that the neglect and inaction of the Lebanese state as well as the inadequacy of current nationality and civil record laws and regulations made it imperative and urgent to suggest practical proposals for policy and decision makers to end statelessness in Lebanon. For this, Frontiers Rights conducted in the past years in an effective and true dynamic many seminars, meetings, and conferences with all stakeholders, particularly the relevant authorities and ministries. The tangible and concrete results achieved by Frontiers Ruwad are the biggest proof of its perseverance in its fieldwork with concerned individuals and dialogue and cooperation with local authorities. The Association’s goal is, first and foremost, to strengthen and disseminate legal and social culture and support individuals to register their civil status events and claim their rights within the framework established by the laws and regulations in force, hence opening the horizons of the future with transformations that improve the situation of the stateless vulnerable and marginalized population. The experience of Ruwad alHoukouk (Frontiers Rights), despite the difficulties it faces, is rich and worth considering. The Association’s purposes are: first, to acknowledge the existence of persons in Lebanon who, for one reason or another, are unregistered; second, to ensure recognition of their human and legal rights; and third, to motivate the authorities concerned to provide the protection stateless persons need and to develop relevant legislations and procedures to that end. By producing this study, the Association aims at presenting the concrete obstacles that faces stateless persons to find solutions to their situation. The study further makes appropriate solutions. The main point the study emphasizes is the importance of preserving human dignity, which, first, constitutes the center of social order and should become a national priority. Based on that, the study sought to provide a kind of legislative justice that contributes to national integration and gives stateless persons the right to live fully as humans in a society that is more just and respectful for human rights. Perhaps Ruwad alHoukouk’s study aspires to bridge the existing gap and contribute to fulfilling the role official bodies who to this date fails to undertake. The study puts forward a set of paramount suggestions and recommendations, notably, the need to incorporate the concept of “protection from statelessness” in the Constitutional principles and on top of the political agenda of decision makers. It further calls for the need to work on identifying stateless individuals, protecting them, and taking the necessary measures to prevent and put an end to this phenomenon. For this, it calls for the adoption of a universal birth registration system; granting a period of grace allowing the registration of previous events and adopting a developed and simple system for the registration of new civil status events. Further, it recommends promoting access to information and production and dissemination of information related to solutions and procedures accessible by the public. Importantly, the study also suggested developing a mechanism that puts an end to the instability resulting from the problems stemming from the Naturalization Decree of 1994. Furthermore, the study directed some recommendations to authorities at the judicial level so that they adopt standards that guarantee fair trial and the smooth functioning of proceedings within reasonable time limits, shorten legal procedures as much as possible, and when necessary, provide legal aid, especially since statelessness is most prevalent among poor and marginalized groups. Briefly, the study puts the Lebanese authorities before their responsibility and duty to put an end to the plight of stateless persons in Lebanon. I sincerely hope that the high-standard, civilized, and scientific efforts of Ruwad alHoukouk yield the expected results. I also hope that this study leads to the development of a comprehensive plan that culminates in the development of a national policy to end stateless persons’ dilemma in Lebanon, which for some, dates back to almost a century. In conclusion, Ruwad alHoukouk’s study, along with all the entailed challenges, is a perfect example of how to tackle the subject of nonregistration and statelessness in all its aspects and details, and hence, using it as a guide, is the best basis to achieve the desired goal. SEEKING NATIONALITY | FORWARD FOREWORD DR. ABDO YOUNES Attorney and University Professor Specialist in Civil Status Issues 10