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There Thailand took a significant step towards recognizing the rights of stateless people by announcing a reform which aims to regularize nearly 500,000 refugees living on its territory. This initiative marks a historic turning point in the fight againststatelessness and could serve as a model for other nations facing this humanitarian challenge. The approach takes place in a context where many people, deprived of nationality, are excluded from fundamental rights, and it underlines Thailand’s desire to redefine the process of identity and belonging for these marginalized populations.
Thailand is embarking on an unprecedented initiative to regularize the status of nearly 500,000 stateless refugees. This ambitious measure, which should mark a significant change in the lives of these individuals, will provide them with access to permanent resident status and potentially to citizenship. A step towards the recognition and protection of the fundamental rights of people living without nationality.
The context of statelessness in Thailand
In Thailand, approximately 600,000 people live without nationality, and among these, an alarming number are children. This lack of legal status makes them invisible, deprives them of basic rights and places them on the margins of society. Deprived of a >legal identity, they cannot access essential services such as education, L’job or even health care.
The evolution of the rights of stateless people
The situation of stateless people in Thailand is often the result of conflict, discrimination or population displacement. Despite this, the Thai government has taken concrete steps to improve their living conditions. THE United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stressed that Thailand is a leader in eradicating statelessness, notably through its engagement at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum.
An ambitious legislative reform
On October 29, 2024, Thailand approved a reform that will facilitate the process of applying for permanent residence for 335,000 stateless people, as well as granting citizenship to 142,000 children of stateless people. This project was hailed as a historic breakthrough by experts and international organizations, because it represents an essential recognition of their rights.
Eligibility conditions and potential impact
To benefit from this reform, candidates will have to prove their loyalty to Thailand and demonstrate that they have no affiliation with other countries. Once permanent residence is obtained, they will be able to apply for nationality after a period of five years. This measure opens new perspectives for stateless people, allowing them to travel and access professional opportunities.
A commitment supported by the international community
This initiative, which aims to be a solution to a global problem, is the result of a partnership between the Thai government and the UNHCR. There international community actively supports this approach by providing technical assistance and financial resources. Thailand, through actions such as the creation of mobile identity registration services, shows its commitment to integrating stateless populations into society.
Recognition of ethnic minorities
Ethnic minorities, such as Moken, who traditionally live in the Mergui archipelago, are particularly affected by statelessness. Officially recognized since 2004, many of them have never registered their identity with the authorities. Thailand is breathing new life into these communities by facilitating their access to legal status, which could transform their daily lives.
This approach by Thailand represents a significant step forward in the fight against statelessness and constitutes a crucial step for the recognition of the rights of marginalized populations. It also demonstrates the country’s desire to proactively engage in the protection of human rights within its community.
Thailand’s initiatives for stateless refugees
- Permanent resident status : Facilitated access to residence for 484,000 stateless refugees.
- Identity recognition : Registration process to obtain legal status.
- Access to fundamental rights : Improved education and employment opportunities.
- International commitment : Participation in global efforts against statelessness.
- Specific measures for children : Acceleration of procedures for 142,000 stateless children.
- Collaboration with UNHCR : Technical and financial support for the implementation of measures.
- Naturalization process : Possibility of obtaining nationality after five years of permanent residence.
- Reduction of the stateless population : Initiative described as “historic progress” by international authorities.