The ramifications of statelessness under international law

Abstract

This research focuses on the intricate issue of statelessness and the profound impact on individuals deprived of a nationality. The writer examines thoroughly the international legal frameworks designed to support stateless individuals and to mitigate and eradicate statelessness, with particular attention to supplementary documents texts, including the European Convention on Nationality. The writer aims to give a comprehensive approach, exploring the development of statelessness, its legal precedents, the root causes and impacts alongside the current reality faced by millions worldwide. A special focus is made towards the plight of the Rohingyas, a current reality where millions of individuals face severe persecution and abysmal living conditions due to their lack of citizenship. The Rohingyas case is particularly interesting as the ongoing crisis has not improved over the years, yet little to no progress is made to ensure acquisition of citizenship in Myanmar or in the neighbouring countries they fled to. The writer focuses on regional laws, special rapports, and work done by legal writers as well as independent organisations such as UNHCR. As the writer analysed the different texts available on this topic, a recurring theme of eradicating statelessness emerged where different international and national bodies urge for more work to be done in this field and for States to intensify their efforts by reforming their domestic laws to ensure that every individuals has access to acquiring citizenship within their host country. Despite considerable efforts, there are ways this problem could be faced to effectively address this issue for a more positive outcome.