UNHCR welcomes efforts to address statelessness among Kurdish communities in Syria
UNHCR welcomes efforts to address statelessness among Kurdish communities in Syria
4 June 2026. Damascus, Syria - UNHCR welcomes the efforts made to implement the Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026, which provides an opportunity for eligible members of the Syrian Kurdish population, including those whose records are unregistered (Maktum Al-Qayed), to obtain Syrian nationality after years of legal uncertainty linked to the lack of recognized citizenship and civil documentation.
On 22 May, the Syrian authorities announced receiving 2,892 family applications for the naturalization of 10,516 individuals since applications opened on 6 April 2026 through dedicated centers in Damascus, Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor. In response to continued demand, following the end of the initial one-month implementation period, the application period has been extended by an additional fifteen days in selected centers.
The decree represents far more than an administrative procedure. For decades, many affected by the 1962 Al-Hasakeh census individuals, who lost their citizenship overnight, have lived without a recognized citizenship, facing barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment, as well as other civil, political and cultural rights.
To support awareness of the application procedures, UNHCR, in coordination with the authorities, developed and disseminated information materials explaining the application procedures in Kurdish and Arabic languages. UNHCR’s legal partners have also provided counselling and assistance to applicants at the dedicated centers. UNHCR and its partners continue to engage with the authorities on arrangements to facilitate continued access and sustainability to the application process.
“The Ministry of Interior continues to implement the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026, issued by President Ahmad al‑Sharaa, to address the civil and legal status of Syrian Kurds citizens, within the broader framework of promoting equal citizenship, strengthening social stability, and safeguarding the civil rights of all citizens,” said the Minister of Interior, Anas Khattab.
“Addressing statelessness is critical to strengthening protection, fostering inclusion and promoting social cohesion,” said Aseer Al-Madaien, the acting UNHCR Representative in Syria. “UNHCR will continue working with the authorities and partners to support affected communities in accessing their rights and documentation.”
For further information, please contact:
- In Damascus, Vivian Toumeh: [email protected], +963 (0) 988 098 860