The 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons lies at the heart of the international regime for protection of stateless persons. It establishes the universal definition of a “stateless person” and provides a core set of principles for their treatment. The Convention’s framework is as relevant today as it was at the time of the treaty’s adoption and has been complemented by developments in international human rights law. Whilst the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness provides a comprehensive set of tools for eradicating statelessness, the 1954 Convention ensures that those who find themselves stateless need not be consigned to a life without dignity and security. In the Convention’s 60th anniversary year, UNHCR is pleased to issue this Handbook.
At the time of publication, 80 States are party to the 1954 Convention, with numerous accessions in the past three years prompted by UNHCR’s Statelessness Campaign. The increased focus on statelessness can also be seen in the rise in the number of countries establishing statelessness determination procedures. Whilst such procedures may only be appropriate for the minority of the world’s stateless persons who are in a migratory situation, they are nevertheless critical, providing a route to a status consistent with the standards both of the 1954 Convention and international human rights law. A different approach is called for in the case of stateless persons who are in their own country, recognising their profound connection with that State through, for example, birth or longstanding residence. States are increasingly aware of the benefits, not just to the individuals concerned, but for the stability and cohesiveness of their societies generally, of undertaking law and policy reforms to grant nationality to such persons.
UNHCR issues this Handbook pursuant to its mandate responsibilities to address statelessness. These responsibilities were initially limited to stateless persons who were refugees as set out in paragraph 6 (A) (II) of the UNHCR Statute and Article 1 (A) (2) of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. This mandate has since been widened by a series of General Assembly Resolutions, in particular Resolutions 50/152 of 1995 and 61/137 of 2006 entrusting UNHCR with responsibility for stateless persons generally. UNHCR’s responsibilities extend to the identification, prevention and reduction of statelessness, and the protection of stateless persons.
Independent Living Center for Persons with Disabilities, Kathmandu (CIL-Kathmandu) is a non-profit, non-political, self-help organization run by and for persons with disabilities. It is the first disabled persons’ organization established to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities through the concept of ‘Independent Living’ in Nepal.
The four key areas we work in are: Advocacy, Peer Support Services, Awareness, and Assistive Services, Devices and Technology
CIL-Kathmandu is headquartered in Gaushala, Kathmandu, and is affiliated with organizations in 20 districts around Nepal also promoting the concept of Independent Living
This study explores the extent to which persons with disabilities (PWD) in China can effectively navigate the judicial system. Using Article 13 of the United Nations “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” and China’s “Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities” and “Legal Aid Regulations” as analytical tools and reference points, the authors of this report have undertaken empirical research to illuminate the current situation and problems that PWD face when seeking access to justice and realizing their basic rights. By exploring a number of practical experiences, this report concludes with various policy recommendations that might rectify the problems delineated.
Background
NONDO is a Kenyan Non-Governmental Organisation that advocates for the inclusion and participation of persons with disability from nomadic communities in the society. NONDO is the first disabled persons’ organisation to exclusively target PWDs from nomadic communities.
Our main intervention is advocacy. We believe that when persons with disability in this region, and the world at large, have a voice and space to participate, they live meaningful lives and the society is progressive. Some of the approaches that NONDO utilise include; inclusive sports, media engagement and litigation (legal processes)
Milestones:
National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) is an umbrella organization with a vision of having dignity for every person with disability. It exists to advocate for the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in a unified voice for improved livelihoods. This is pursued through participation in policy planning, information sharing and optimizing knowledge and skills inherent among stakeholders, capacity building, awareness enhancement and resource mobilization.
The organization derives its mandate from the full membership of 112 district Unions of persons with disabilities in the country and 9 national disabled people’s organizations (DPOs). It is mandated to promote an enabling environment for PWDs through policy advocacy, empowering its constituency, facilitating cooperation between DPOs, communities, Government, development partners, and the private sector in Uganda.
To realize its vision and mission, NUDIPU undertakes broad programmes such as Human rights advocacy which includes advocating for better service delivery from both government and non-governmental organizations, provision of legal aid to PWDs facing all sorts of injustices, influencing the enactment of disability-friendly laws, legal empowerment though awareness raising, monitoring compliance with international human rights instruments related to PWDs and empowering PWDs to demand for their rights Economic empowerment of PWDs which includes training in income generation, access to micro credit and participation of PWDs in agricultural activities. We also provide small grants to project groups where PWDs make up the majority, Capacity building which entails training PWDs in basic skills of organizational management, financial management, advocacy and conflict resolution; all this is done for groups of PWDs at the national and grassroots levels, Networking and collaboration which and HIV/AIDS activities.
African Youths On Missions For Persons with Disabilities, Foundation – AYOMPDF, is fully and officially registered in Nigeria. AYOMPEDF, is a non-profit, and Nongovernmental Organisation, established to source help for the helpless, the needy, the poor, the extreemly less privileged in communitues of Africa, Asia, Latin America, The Caribbeans, and other disadvantaged Communities of the World.
AYOMPDF, is an Internationally designed and established Non-governmental Organisation.
●African youths on Mission for people with disabilities-AYOMPDF, is a Humanitarian NGO, that strives to delete the blockades that marginalise persons with disabilities in the most disadvantaged communities of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and other disadvantaged Communities of the World.
●AYOMPDF, seeks to work with partner Organisations in influencing policy at all levels, and to respond to emegencies and natural disasters in the most disadvantaged communities.
●The organisation embarks on creating an Inclusive World in which all persons with disabilities enjoy their Human Rights and achieve their complete potential.
●The organisation promotes the Total Life of persons with disabilities, and
●Challenges systemic discrimination of persons with disabilities,
●Strengthening Inclusive Systems and Services, and ●Supporting the Voice and power of persons with disabilities as agents of change in both Development and Humanitarian Action.
●Etc.
The International Principles and Guidelines on access to Justice for persons with disabilities are a practical tool to support States in designing and implementing justice systems that provide equal access to justice for persons with disabilities, in line with international human rights standards.
They are a result of consultations and collaboration with disability rights experts, organizations of people with disabilities, States, academics, and other practitioners, as outlined here.
Este recurso también está disponible en español / Cette ressource est également disponible en français / This resource is also available in Russian, Arabic and Chinese.
The purpose of this booklet is to address the fundamental principles for any law, policy and legal practice that seek to make the criminal process accessible to persons with disabilities. It is based on the Israeli ‘Investigation and Testimony Procedural Act (Accommodations for Persons with Mental or Intellectual Disabilities 5766-2005)’ initiated by Bizchut, The Israel Human Rights Center for People with Disabilities.
An organization for and by persons with disabilities committed to empowerment of persons with different forms of disabilities on the basis of equality, justice and respect for human rights.
PSPWS (Pak Special Persons Welfare Society) aims to make a significant difference to the quality of life & welfare of people with disabilities.
This will be achieved through the provision of strategic support augmenting the functioning of organizations working for, and with, such persons across Pakistan.
PSPWS is a nonprofit organization & conducts its programs regardless of faith, origin or gender. Launched on 7th August 2008 as a disability inclusion initiative.
We operate in the areas of education and economic empowerment through our dedicated programs, Self-Supported,Vocational and Health Care, Programs and other interventions.