Regional Expert Roundtable on the Prevention of Childhood Statelessness in Europe and Central Asia

We are pleased to announce the upcoming Regional Expert Roundtable on the Prevention of Childhood Statelessness in Europe and Central Asia, co-organized by the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Europe, the Council of Europe (European Committee on Legal Co-operation – CDCJ), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), including the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and the European Network on Statelessness (ENS). This in-person event will take place on 20–21 October 2026 at the premises of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw, Poland.

This event will bring together more than 30 participants, including government experts, policymakers, legal experts, regional and international organizations, and civil society and stateless-led organizations, to strengthen Member State capacity and regional cooperation to prevent and reduce childhood statelessness in Europe and Central Asia

The Roundtable will combine expert presentations with interactive discussions and small group sessions. The methodology will encourage participants to share national experiences, discuss practical challenges, identify effective approaches, and develop recommendations for strengthening safeguards against childhood statelessness. Discussions will focus on legal and administrative measures, including safeguards for children who may otherwise be left without a nationality, access to birth registration and documentation, and cooperation among relevant authorities.

Kindly note that participation in this Regional Expert Roundtable is in-person and by invitation only