The problem of risk of statelessness in Bosnia and Herzegovina was brought to a manageable number. In order to hand over the responsibility towards this population by the end of 2017, based on an agreement to be reached with the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees and a solid ground for a sustainable mechanism for identification and response to risk of statelessness in 2016, the office will monitor the progress and provide technical expertise and legal aid where needed, advocate for removal of remaining legal gaps, simplifying the statelessness status determination procedure and ensuring full rights for people recognized as stateless.
In the fYR of Macedonia, the number of people at risk of statelessness stood at 667, by end of 2015. UNHCR verified main causes of statelessness and unregulated civil status, lack of ID of parents (mother in particular) is reason for lack of birth/personal name registration of children; unawareness of obligations, procedures and documentary evidence for timely registration and fear of fines after expiry of deadline stipulated by law and lack of finances. There is need for continued support by UNHCR in providing legal and financial assistance to a limited number of individuals in the process of confirming their nationality.
In Montenegro, there is a need to further strengthen cross-border cooperation of the national authorities, UNHCR offices and partners’ agencies in the provision of documentation necessary for confirming or acquiring nationality. Procedures for late birth and citizenship registration are cumbersome and very complex.
Serbia still lacks a Law on Free Legal Aid and people of concern rely on UNHCR assistance in provision of free legal aid. Continued aid in 200 administrative procedures for registeration at birth and obtaining 2,500 identity cards will ensure further reduction of number of people at risk of statelessness. Advocacy and work on systemic solutions within the agreements signed with the Government will enable handing over issues to line institutions. Outreach and information campaign towards Roma community will ensure understanding and proactive approach of Roma in this area.