New Toolkit for Easier Identification of Stateless Persons in the Czech Republic

The Organization for Aid to Refugees (OPU), in cooperation with the European Network on Statelessness (ENS), has issued the first expert publication focused on identifying and addressing the issues of stateless persons in the Czech Republic. This toolkit serves as a valuable resource of information for everyone who may come into contact with stateless individuals.

Why is this document important?

Stateless persons are individuals who are not recognised as citizens by any state. This often prevents them from obtaining documents, accessing basic rights, employment, or healthcare. Statelessness can result from administrative errors, the dissolution of states, or discriminatory laws.

The newly released publication:

– Makes it easier for professionals to identify stateless individuals.
– Simplifies the process of directing these individuals to relevant procedures leading to their legal protection.
-Draws attention to issues faced by stateless persons in the CR and provides suggestions for their resolution.

Who is the toolkit for?

The publication is primarily intended for civil servants, NGOs, lawyers, social workers, academics, and anyone who comes into contact with foreigners in the CR. It will help them recognise stateless individuals and ensure that they have access to legal protection and support.

Czech Republic as the first country to have this tool

The Czech Republic is the first ENS country to publish this toolkit. In the future, similar publications are expected to be produced in other European countries, which will help fulfill the objective of the ENS – to ensure that every stateless person in Europe has access to the rights to which they are entitled under international law.

Download the publication on the OPU website:

In Czech: Soubor nástrojů pro identifikaci a řešení problémů osob bez státní příslušnosti

In English: Toolkit to identify and address statelessness in Czechia