Refugees International: A Case Study on NGO Advocacy to Venerate Nationality Rights

Abstract

Resolution of one of the world’s most persistent human rights problems is finally within reach. In the campaign to fulfill the right to nationality and end statelessness, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society are at the forefront of ensuring change. We have come to understand that effective strategies to end this injustice require not only changes in laws and norms, but such action must be partnered with focused, ceaseless and well-timed research and advocacy. As a result of multifarious efforts, countries such as Bangladesh, Mauritania, Nepal and Sri Lanka have made significant strides in ensuring nationality rights. The response of UN agencies has improved. And media attention has increased. Governments, international agencies, NGOs, legal experts, scientists and the stateless themselves are joining forces as never before. Yet, at the same time, challenges to uphold nationality rights for all may never have been greater than they are today. This article reflects on the re-emergence of statelessness as a global concern, the role of one NGO in a multifaceted movement, and the exigent path that lies ahead.

Keywords

• statelessness
• stateless
• right to nationality
• human rights
• NGOs
• UNHCR
• detention
• Kuwait
• Dominican Republic