1961konvensjonen

The 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness is a United Nations treaty designed to prevent statelessness and to provide nationality to persons who would otherwise be stateless. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1961 and entered into force in 1975 after the required number of ratifications.

The Convention obliges states to take measures to reduce and prevent statelessness. Core provisions include granting nationality at birth to persons born on the territory who would otherwise be stateless, in a manner not contrary to the state's laws; facilitating naturalization for individuals who would otherwise be stateless; and preserving existing nationalities so as not to render a person stateless through loss of nationality. It also addresses the status of foundlings, ensuring they are granted nationality by the state in whose territory they are found, and provides safeguards against arbitrary loss or deprivation of nationality, in line with international law and due process.

The treaty complements the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons by addressing the prevention and reduction of statelessness in addition to the protection of stateless persons. It has been signed and ratified by a substantial number of states, influencing national laws and policies related to citizenship, naturalization, and the protection of individuals at risk of statelessness.