Unaccompanied and separated children frequently encounter challenges related to documentation, birth registration, and nationality. In practice, many guardians will have come across issues such as missing documents, unclear origins, or difficulties confirming a young person’s nationality. While these may initially appear to be routine administrative matters, they can also be indicators of statelessness - a serious human rights concern that requires a specific and informed response.
Our briefing is aimed at guardians, guardianship service providers, and others who support unaccompanied and separated children and young people in Europe. It is for those who have some knowledge of statelessness and those who do not. It explains what statelessness is, how it occurs, and what guardianship services can do to recognise and respond to statelessness.
The briefing highlights four ‘moments’ when it is particularly important to support children and young people to identify and address any birth registration, statelessness, or nationality-related issues. It also identifies actions guardians can take at these times to identify and respond to statelessness.
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Initial contact and vulnerability assessment
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Support to access relevant (protection) procedures
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Return and readmission
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Transition to adulthood
The briefing supports our ongoing work to end childhood statelessness and to ensure that the rights of stateless children are fully protected.
