The European Network on Statelessness has published today the Statelessness Index, which assesses how countries in Europe protect stateless people and what they are doing to prevent and reduce statelessness.

The Index allows for a simple and quick overview of positive solutions in the legislation and practice of individual countries, along with the regulations and practices that should be changed or improved in order to fulfil their international obligations and ensure the necessary protection to stateless people. The special feature provided by the Statelessness Index is the option of simultaneously reviewing and comparing the situation with regard to specific statelessness-related themes across different countries.

Serbia is one of the 12 European countries covered by the Index, and therefore it is possible to see to what extent Serbia has been successful in preventing statelessness and protecting stateless people, both in relation to relevant international standards and in comparison with other countries. As regards the ratification of relevant international treaties, the situation in Serbia has been assessed as very positive, but when it comes to the fulfilment of undertaken obligations, the situation has not always been assessed as positive. For example, the situation regarding the timely registration of children in registry books and the prevention of statelessness among persons born in Serbia has been assessed as poor.

The Index is expected to be a valuable tool for the organisations dealing with the problem of statelessness and advocating for the improvement of the situation in this area, as well as for the state officials who are looking for the examples of good solutions in the process of drafting new regulations and strategies. In addition, this tool could benefit all those who are conducting research in this area as well as stateless persons who seek information about their rights.