18. The UNHCR publication Statelessness: An Analytical Framework for Prevention, Reduction and Protection (12) provides helpful guidance on which aspects need to be addressed in identification activities. The results of a gaps analysis conducted using the Analytical Framework at the field level should feed directly into UNHCR’s annual planning process. 19. As a general rule, identification of statelessness begins with a situational analysis, including a desk review and participatory assessment. Relevant information on statelessness for a desk review can be found in a variety of sources, including: • Relevant legislation; • Studies by government or UN agencies, NGOs and academic IDENTIFICATION Mapping of size and profile of the population, causes, obstacles to solutions, protection issues and stakeholders ; Tool: Statelessness: An Analytical Framework for Prevention, Reduction and Protection ) In all situations: desk review + participatory assessment ) Studies to fill research gaps ) Support for population census ) Profiling / surveys to obtain detailed data, including to identify stateless individuals institutions; • Data from population census, relevant public registers (civil registry, electoral authorities), focused surveys and a statelessness registration system (if one exists). 20. During the desk review, information gaps will become apparent. It can then be assessed how such gaps may be filled and how information can be updated through other information gathering mechanisms. 21. Primary among such mechanisms is the participatory assessment. Participation in decisions that affect them is a right of all persons of concern and a fundamental element of UNHCR planning. Mainstreaming age, gender and diversity considerations requires the meaningful participation of girls, boys, women and men of all ages and backgrounds in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all UNHCR policies and operations so that these impact equitably on stateless persons and address all causes of statelessness. This is particularly important in the statelessness context because statelessness frequently begins at birth, including due to gender discrimination. Participatory assessments therefore need to be undertaken with stateless populations and populations at risk of statelessness and UNHCR Field Offices are advised to (13) use the UNHCR Tool for Participatory Assessment in Operations for this purpose. Results of participatory assessments will in particular inform States, UNHCR and partners about causes of statelessness, obstacles to acquisition of nationality, protection needs of stateless populations, including status and documentation, and the population’s capacity to contribute to a solution. 22. Where information gaps have been identified through a desk review, studies by academics, national research institutes, specialized NGOs or consultants can be helpful for gathering additional data. 23. If a national census is being planned, this opportunity can be used to promote the inclusion of specific questions in the census questionnaires that permit the identification of stateless persons and to obtain socio-economic data.(14) UNHCR may seek to assist relevant authorities to formulate questions for the census questionnaire as well as coding for responses and parameters for analysis of data. As set out in the joint letter signed by the High Commissioner and the UNFPA Executive Director on 30 April 2008, UNFPA is the relevant partner for work on population census at the country level. UN Regional Economic Commissions are also important partners as they establish general guidance for States on population censuses. UNHCR has provided guidance to States through the UN Economic Commission for Europe which may be drawn on in other (15) regions as well. In planning such activities, Field Offices need to take into account that national census methodology is generally prepared by statistical authorities many months in advance. 24. Population profiling, including surveys are also important tools for identification and planning purposes. Where a governmental policy framework and adequate procedures exist, a survey may be combined with registration, information and 12 UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Statelessness: An Analytical Framework for Prevention, Reduction and Protection, 2008, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/49a28afb2.html. 13 UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR Tool for Participatory Assessment in Operations, May 2006, First edition, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/462df4232.html. 14 Executive Committee Conclusion No. 106 (LVII) – 2006, para. (b). 15 See: UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Measuring Statelessness through Population Census. Note by the Secretariat of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 13 May 2008, ECE/CES/AC.6/2008/SP/5, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4a705e4b2.html. 8