Statelessness
Who is a stateless person?
A stateless person is someone who does not have a nationality. No country recognizes stateless people as their citizens.
Some are born stateless, but others become stateless. Stateless people are found in all regions of the world and the majority of them were born in the countries in which they have lived their entire lives.
Without nationality they are often denied their basic rights. Statelessness can mean a life without education, medical care, or legal employment. UNHCR is the UN agency mandated to work on statelessness including the identification and protection of stateless persons and the prevention and reduction of statelessness.
I am stateless, can UNHCR assist me?
UNHCR advocates with governments for the protection of stateless people worldwide and for solutions to their plight. While only States can provide nationality to stateless persons, UNHCR has established partnerships with other organizations and networks to advise stateless people on nationality matters, including relevant legal advice and representation.
UNHCR works with NGOs, regional civil society organization networks, stateless-led organizations and other UN partners to advocate for access to education, healthcare, employment and other basic rights for stateless persons. We also work with partners to protect stateless people from detention, trafficking, and violence.
If you need help, select the country where you are below and reach out to our offices and partners close to you.
