Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders

The Global Movement Against Statelessness (GMAS), in joint collaboration with the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion (ISI), is proud to contribute to the upcoming thematic report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. This joint submission builds on ISI’s previous submission to the Special Rapporteur on the role of human rights defenders in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‎Our contribution highlights the essential role of both impacted and non-impacted human rights defenders (HRDs) working to promote the right to a nationality and the rights of stateless people worldwide, including organisations and initiatives led by stateless HRDs or those from stateless communities.

‎Statelessness continues to obstruct access to fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, and work. Yet across the world, HRDs are driving change, challenging discrimination, and creating pathways toward justice and belonging. GMAS and ISI call for greater recognition and protection of these defenders, particularly those directly affected by statelessness, whose courage and lived experiences advance progress toward a future where no one is left behind