Marking 65 years of the 1961 Statelessness Convention: Six stories of hope and belonging from across Europe
Marking 65 years of the 1961 Statelessness Convention: Six stories of hope and belonging from across Europe
Statelessness affects every aspect of a person's life. Without a nationality, people can face barriers to education, healthcare, employment, housing, marriage, travel and other basic rights. Many live in situations of prolonged uncertainty and often experience discrimination and exclusion, sometimes for years or even generations. For children, the consequences can be particularly serious. Without a nationality, they may face a lifetime of legal, socioeconomic and psychological barriers, and can face heightened risks of exploitation and other forms of harm.
Since the launch of UNHCR's #IBelong Campaign in 2014, governments across Europe have taken important steps to prevent and reduce statelessness. Countries have joined the UN Statelessness Conventions, introduced safeguards to prevent children from being born stateless, improved birth and civil registration systems, and strengthened procedures to identify and protect stateless people.
“Sixty-five years on, we celebrate a landmark achievement that has helped millions gain the protection, dignity and sense of belonging that come with a nationality. While much progress has been made across Europe, too many people, including children, remain at risk of statelessness. This anniversary is both a celebration of progress and a reminder that everyone has the right to belong." Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR’s Regional Director for Europe.
These efforts have already changed lives. Legal reforms, stronger protection systems and closer cooperation between governments, civil society and international organizations have helped thousands of people acquire or confirm their nationality, gain recognition as stateless and access the rights and protections to which they are entitled. While challenges remain, Europe's progress demonstrates that statelessness can be prevented and resolved. On the 65th anniversary of the Convention, we highlight the experiences of people across Europe whose lives have been transformed through access to a nationality, legal recognition and protection.
Croatia: Medina dreams of having papers
“More than going to Disneyland or having a pet lion, I would like to have papers”
Nine-year-old Medina dreams of travelling, going to school and becoming a police officer. But without documents proving her nationality, many of the opportunities other children take for granted remain out of reach.
Discover how a birth registration error left Medina at risk of statelessness and why, more than anything else, she wishes to have her own "papers".
Montenegro: Stateless family secures legal status after 25-year struggle
“This isn't just about receiving documents; it's about creating a world where my children have plenty opportunities to achieve their dreams.”
For more than 25 years, Sadik and his family lived without legal status after fleeing Kosovo in 1999. Without identity documents, everyday rights such as healthcare, education and social assistance remained out of reach, and Sadik worried that his children would face the same uncertain future.
Today, after years of struggle and with support from UNHCR, the family has finally secured legal recognition. Discover how obtaining legal status is opening new opportunities for Sadik's children and transforming the future of an entire family.
North Macedonia: Amida's story from statelessness to belonging
“To others who don’t have nationality, I would say: never lose hope. I was reborn when I became a citizen.”
Amida Demiri, 55, had spent more than five decades without a nationality in the country she called home. Without an ID or passport, she could not travel freely or access basic services, leaving her feeling as though she was standing still while everyone else moved forward. In 2025, Amida finally received her citizenship — a moment she described as being “born again”.
Sweden: Anna's story of statelessness
“My daughters deserve a future”
Anna* knows first-hand what it means to live without a nationality. Today, her greatest concern is that her daughters, who were also born stateless, will face the same barriers and uncertainty.
Discover how one mother in Sweden is fighting to secure a brighter future for her children.
*The name has been changed to ensure anonymity. .
READ ANNA'S STORY
Kosovo*: A story of statelessness and the document that says, "you belong"
“Now I can go to the doctor”
Born in Montenegro but never registered at birth, Azra spent much of her life without documents proving her identity or nationality. Invisible in the eyes of the law, she faced barriers to healthcare, employment, travel and even visiting family across the border. With support from UNHCR and its partner, Azra finally obtained a temporary residence card, her first official recognition and a crucial step towards the future she had long been denied.
*All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of UNSCR 1244 (1999)
Albania: From the shadows to citizenship, Alexander’s journey out of statelessness
“Statelessness feels like sitting in a dark room with no exit”
Growing up stateless meant Alexander was often treated as if he didn't exist. Without documents, even everyday activities such as studying, working or travelling felt out of reach.
Today, he has a job, a future and a nationality. Discover how determination, legal support and the power of citizenship helped Alexander step out of the shadows and build the life he had always dreamed of.
READ ALEXANDER'S STORY
