What is the main problem the project is seeking to address? Statelessness remains a critical human rights issue in the MENA region. Though policy borrowing occurs across the region, efforts to regionalize civil society campaigns have faltered. The MENA region is further constrained by the absence of an inter-governmental actor whose institutions have a mandate to actively engage with civil society. Engagement with lawyers, advocates, and policymakers reveals that further efforts are needed to identify patterns of discrimination and build on legal precedents. The complex and sensitive nature of statelessness in the MENA region necessitates an approach grounded in robust analysis of publicly available data and law sources. Without a clear understanding of the legal landscape and the specific challenges faced by stateless individuals and the advocates that support them, efforts to achieve reform and protect the rights of stateless persons remain constrained. We seek to address two related aspects of this complex problem. First is the absence of comprehensive data and legal background, that could power advocacy to end statelessness and serve as a one-stop reference for national laws, jurisprudence, and administrative practices. The linkages among nationality laws, administrative regulations, and human rights, and the parallels that exist in these relationships across countries in the region have not surfaced. A second component is the development of Hawiati as a coordinator of multi-stakeholder engagement in the region, to socialize the agenda for action of the Global Alliance and to assess how information relevant to statelessness can be better collected, packaged and deployed for advocacy purposes.

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What is the main change the project seeks to achieve? In view of the above, this project seeks to achieve two related changes. The first is to gather and organize fragmented data into consolidated and comprehensive material for actionable advocacy strategies. The objective is to empower legal professionals, advocates, and civil society organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively challenge statelessness through strategic litigation and targeted advocacy campaigns. By systematically analyzing and building upon Hawiati’s database of statelessness cases (developed with pro bono support from DLA Piper), the project will identify legal precedents, common challenges, and opportunities for reform. This will lead to the development of robust legal arguments and advocacy materials that can be utilized regionally. The project's second main objective is to facilitate in-country and regional consultations, bringing together lawyers and other stakeholders to discuss findings from case law analysis, share best practices, and collaboratively develop strategies for legal reform and protection of stateless persons' rights. The expected impact is a coordinated and effective regional response to statelessness, leading to tangible improvements in the legal status and human rights of stateless individuals. This will be accomplished by fostering a community of practice among legal professionals, strengthening Hawiati's online presence as a central resource for statelessness information, and ultimately contributing to the reduction and prevention of statelessness in the MENA region. To do this Hawiati will engage in the Global Alliance more broadly, representing regional interests/perspectives in global fora and supporting multi-stakeholder engagement with key regional actors.

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Who are the key partners? Salam for Democracy and Human Rights (a member of the Global Alliance) UNHCR ( regional office and country offices) and relevant UN agencies with strong presence in the region including UNICEF and UN Women

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Who is the target population for this project? PrimaryStateless persons in the MENA region: These individuals are the ultimate beneficiaries of the project, as the legal reforms and advocacy campaigns aim to secure their rights, reduce and prevent statelessness, and improve their overall legal status and living conditions. This includes individuals at risk of statelessness and those whose nationality has been revoked. Lawyers and legal professionals in the MENA region: These are direct beneficiaries who will be equipped with enhanced knowledge, resources, and networks to engage in strategic litigation and advocacy on statelessness issues. The project will build their capacity to utilize case law effectively and contribute to legal reform.

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OtherCivil society organizations and stateless-led groups in the MENA region: These organizations will benefit from increased access to information, strengthened advocacy tools, and enhanced collaboration opportunities, enabling them to support stateless communities and advocate more effectively for policy change. Policymakers and government officials in the MENA region: While not direct beneficiaries, these stakeholders are a crucial secondary target, as the project's advocacy efforts and legal reform recommendations aim to influence their decisions and policies regarding nationality laws and statelessness. International community and regional governance mechanisms: The project's findings and advocacy will inform and influence international and regional bodies, contributing to a more coordinated and effective global response to statelessness.

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Funding and costs What is the total cost of this project?30,000 USD

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How much funding is needed?30,000 USD

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