Addressing discrimination in nationality laws and policies

Gender discrimination in nationality laws remains a pervasive issue, impacting millions of families worldwide. In countries where women are not allowed to pass nationality to their children or spouses on equal terms with men, families often face profound hardships. Children denied nationality due to their mother’s legal status are left without access to fundamental rights, such as education, healthcare, and formal employment opportunities. These legal barriers can lead to family separations and, in some cases, render individuals stateless, creating a legacy of exclusion and inequality. Such discriminatory practices not only undermine women’s equal citizenship but also harm children’s development and perpetuate systemic inequality, obstructing global goals on gender equality, child protection, and sustainable development.

Despite progress, with 90% of countries recognizing women’s equal right to confer nationality on their children, significant gaps remain. Currently, 24 countries still uphold laws that deny women this right, leaving countless children vulnerable to statelessness. Additionally, in 45 countries, women are unable to confer nationality to their non-national spouses on equal terms. This ongoing discrimination persists despite international obligations under treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which call for gender-equal nationality rights. These treaties emphasize that nationality is a fundamental right that should be available to all, irrespective of a parent’s gender.

In light of these challenges, the Discrimination in Nationality Laws TWG focuses on promoting equal nationality rights to ensure that no child or family is deprived of their right to nationality based on gender. This TWG work supports countries in reforming discriminatory laws and sharing best practices from states that have successfully enacted reforms. By fostering dialogue and advocating for political commitment, the TWG seeks to end the needless suffering caused by gender-discriminatory nationality laws. Members of the Alliance who are passionate about achieving gender equality and eradicating statelessness are encouraged to join this TWG and contribute to building a world where nationality laws are equitable and inclusive for all.

Alliance members can join this Thematic Working Group (TWG) by completing the online form below.