The Continental Consultation Meeting, organized in collaboration with UNHCR, commenced today in Pretoria. This two-day event aims to engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including African Union organs, regional economic and development communities, experts on nationality, and civil society organizations from across Africa.
The meeting will focus on discussing the key provisions of the Model Law on the Right to Nationality and will invite recommendations for its improvement. Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat, Fourth Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, opened the session, emphasizing the importance of incorporating the views and contributions of various stakeholders into the Model Law.
This consultation also aims to strengthen networks and partnerships among African Union organs, regional parliaments, civil society organizations, legal experts, and international organizations engaged in nationality and statelessness issues.
“The adoption of a Model Law on the Right to Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness is a critical step towards ensuring that no one is left behind and that every individual in Africa has their right to nationality recognized and protected. These consultations represent a unique opportunity for the Pan-African Parliament to lead this important initiative, supported by key stakeholders across the continent,” said Hon. Mahamat.
The Pan-African Parliament and UNHCR share a long-standing collaboration focused on finding solutions to statelessness. UNHCR has previously engaged in interventions at the Pan-African Parliament on this issue. Following a series of workshops and consultations in 2024, the draft Model Law on the Right to Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness will be further refined based on the consultations.
