The Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, adopted in 1954, is the primary international legal instrument that addresses the rights of stateless persons.

According to the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, a stateless person is a person who is not considered a national by any State under the operation of its law.

Stateless persons are entitled to a range of fundamental rights under the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, including the right to life, liberty, and security of person; the right to freedom of movement and residence; the right to work and education; and the right to social security and healthcare.

Stateless persons face a range of challenges in accessing their rights, including discrimination and xenophobia, lack of documentation, poverty and social exclusion, and limited access to legal aid and support.

The UNHCR plays a crucial role in addressing statelessness by promoting the implementation of the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, providing protection and assistance to stateless persons, and advocating for the prevention and reduction of statelessness.

The #IBelong Campaign is a global campaign that aims to end statelessness by 2024, raise awareness about statelessness, and promote the inclusion of stateless persons in society.

Addressing statelessness requires a comprehensive approach that includes amending nationality laws to prevent statelessness, providing stateless persons with access to documentation, addressing the root causes of statelessness, such as conflict and discrimination, and promoting the inclusion of stateless persons in society.

Refugees are forced to leave their country due to persecution, while stateless persons are not recognized as nationals by any country. Refugees have the right to return to their country, while stateless persons do not.

Stateless children are often denied access to education and healthcare, are at risk of exploitation and abuse, and may be detained or deported.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in addressing statelessness by providing legal aid and support to stateless persons, advocating for the rights of stateless persons, and raising awareness about statelessness.