© UNHCR/H. Davies

Statelessness in the UK

UNHCR is working in partnership with Asylum Aid to carry out detailed research into statelessness in the UK. On the basis of current information available, the numbers, situation and profile of stateless persons in the UK is unclear.

The UK has ratified both the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

The purpose of the joint UNHCR Asylum Aid project is to complete a detailed mapping of the number, situation and profile of stateless persons in the UK and an analysis of relevant UK law, policy and practice relating to stateless persons.  The report will be published in the second half of 2011.
2011 is the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Convention and UNHCR will be holding a series of events to promote the ratification of the two statelessness conventions as well as a number of activities leading up to a ministerial meeting of signatory states in December 2011.

The project is looking to identify stateless people who are willing to be interviewed for our research, and we would be grateful for any help from agencies and charities that regularly work with refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants. An information sheet and simple questionnaire is available here.

What is statelessness?

To be stateless is to be without nationality or citizenship. The legal bond between a state and an individual has ceased to exist. Stateless people face numerous difficulties in their daily lives: they can lack access to health care, education, property rights and the ability to move freely. They are also vulnerable to arbitrary treatment and crimes like trafficking. Their marginalization can create tensions in society and lead to instability at an international level, including, in extreme cases, conflict and displacement.

What is UNHCR's role regarding stateless persons?

UNHCR© mandate responsibilities concerning statelessness were expanded following the adoption of the 1954 Convention and the 1961 Convention. The United Nations General Assembly has conferred upon UNHCR a global mandate for the identification, prevention and reduction of statelessness and for the international protection of stateless persons.

Find out more about Who is Stateless and Where?