UNHCR, ECOWAS urge member states to address root causes of statelessness
NAN-H-105
Statelessness
By Lizzy Okoji
Abuja, March 28, 2017 (NAN) The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS), have stressed the need for member states to identify and effectively tackle statelessness.
The representatives of both organisations made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the commemoration of the second year anniversary of the Abidjan Declaration on eradication of statelessness.
They said that identifying and addressing the root causes of statelessness which includes lack of registration at birth, gaps in nationality laws, discriminatory practices, conflicts, forced displacement among others would help in reducing the risk.
Dr Fatimata Dia Sow, Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender at the ECOWAS Commission, said that gender discrimination was one of the commonest causes of stateliness in the sub-region.
She said that a child is at risk of being stateless when born in a country that does not allow him to acquire the nationality of his mother.
She explained that the situation could be further compounded when such child is born out of wedlock; the father is dead or other challenges.
Dia Sow said that it is on that note that the commission has embarked on advocacy for member states to make concerted laws to amend their nationality laws to ensure gender balance.
She commended the government of Senegal on its recent law reform that allows a mother to pass on her nationality to her child, urging other member countries to emulate Senegal.
The ECOWAS Commissioner said that the Commission is committed to addressing this problem, which it has clearly demonstrated through its legacy and policy frameworks relating to the definition of a community citizen.
Dia Sow said that another critical step taken by the commission is the development of a Regional Action Plan on the Eradication of Statelessness.
She said that the regional plan outlines six strategic objectives to be implemented by member states.
Similarly, Mrs Bridgette Mukanga-Eno, UNHCR’s Deputy Country Representative on Protection, said despite the huge achievements recorded in the fight against statelessness, it should not overshadow the challenges and risks.
She said that a lot of work still needed to be done and all hands must be on deck in order to win the fight and overcome statelessness in West Africa.
She pointed out that the increase in forced displacement due to terrorism, ethnic and religious clashes, political instability indicates a looming danger if drastic measures are not taken.
According to her, these are some of the root causes of statelessness that are confronting people in the sub region that must be tackled head on.
Mukanga-Eno said that UNHCR is committed to end statelessness by preventing new cases from emerging, resolving existing statelessness and more efficiently, identifying and protecting stateless population.
She urged member countries for continuous ratification, followed with proper domestication and implementation of the Abidjan Declaration as well as other relevant conventions. (NAN)
LIZ/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide