The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), convened a Continental Consultation Meeting on the Draft Model Law on the Right to Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness from 10 to 11 November 2025 in Centurion, Pretoria.
The two-day consultation, held under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Eng. Sherif El Gabaly, Chairperson of the Committee, brought together parliamentarians, representatives of African Union organs and institutions, UNHCR officials, regional organisations, civil society, and academics. The meeting served as a platform to gather stakeholder input on the Draft Model Law to ensure that it reflects African realities and aspirations.
Refining the Draft Model Law
The consultation featured two expert panels addressing gaps in nationality laws, policies, and practices—such as gender discrimination, inadequate birth registration, and political barriers—and exploring the roles of key stakeholders in implementing the Model Law.
Participants reviewed and refined the draft text to ensure clarity, practicality, and adaptability across African legal systems. They provided technical inputs, identified challenges to domestication and implementation, and discussed strategies for accelerating adoption of the Model Law at national and regional levels.
The meeting also mapped out a roadmap for finalisation of the Model Law, which will integrate feedback from the consultation and undergo a technical review before being presented for final endorsement by the Committee and consideration by the PAP Plenary in May 2026.
Commitment to a Statelessness-Free Africa
In closing, Hon. Dr. Eng. Sherif El Gabaly commended all participants for their invaluable contributions and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to working closely with partners in finalising the Model Law. Participants expressed their appreciation to the PAP and UNHCR for ensuring inclusive consultation and pledged continued engagement in advancing the right to nationality and eradicating statelessness across Africa.
