Acting Assistant Secretary of State David M. Robinson for Population, Refugees, and Migration today underscored that the United States regards statelessness as both human rights and humanitarian problem.
Mr. Robinson reported that the UN estimates that as many as 12 million people in the world are not recognized as citizens by any state. He cited stateless populations include the Rohingya in Burma and the region, persons of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, and the Bidoon in Kuwait.
“The United States regards statelessness as both a human rights and a humanitarian problem. It hinders national prospects for democratization, development, and stability, and it runs roughshod over respect for individual rights and human dignity.” -Mr. Robinson
He cited that the U.S. diplomats are urging governments around the world to provide legal documentation to stateless persons, protect stateless persons from abuse, and ensure they have access to basic services. He said the U.S. government is also advocating with other governments to amend nationality laws that create or contribute to statelessness.
“In fact, Secretary Clinton is leading our efforts to combat discrimination against women in nationality laws, which Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero highlighted in a speech at the U.S. Institute of Peace on 25th of October.” – Mr. Robinson
