Mapping in Sweden Was Conducted by an Independent Consultant, Ms Anne Laakko, Working Under the Supervision of UNHCR RRNE
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#IBELONG Mapping STATELESSNESS in Sweden UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe Stockholm, 2nd edition, December 2016 Mapping STATELESSNESS in Sweden UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe Stockholm, 2nd edition, December 2016 Consultant: Ms Anne Laakko Cover photos: © UNHCR This document is for general distribution. All rights reserved. Reproduction and translation is authorized, except for commercial purposes, provided that UNHCR is acknowledged as the source. Layout and design: BakOS DESIGN Contents List of abbreviations ...............................................................................................................................................6 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................7 1.1 Statelessness across the globe ......................................................................................................................8 1.1.1 Defining a “stateless person” .........................................................................................................................8 1.1.2 Causes of statelessness ...................................................................................................................................9 1.1.3 Consequences of statelessness ................................................................................................................. 10 1.2 The international and regional legal framework .................................................................................. 11 2. The face of statelessness in Sweden ...................................................................................................... 13 2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 2.1.1 Historical background .................................................................................................................................. 14 2.1.2 National legal framework ............................................................................................................................ 16 2.2 A statistical overview of the stateless population in Sweden ........................................................... 17 2.2.1 Specifics of the data used ............................................................................................................................ 17 2.2.2 The target population .................................................................................................................................. 20 2.2.2.1 Populations covered by administrative data ................................................................................. 20 2.2.2.2 Groups not covered by administrative data .................................................................................. 24 2.3 Qualitative analysis of stateless persons ................................................................................................ 25 2.3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 25 2.3.2 Profile of stateless asylum-seekers ........................................................................................................... 26 2.3.3 The human face of statelessness .............................................................................................................. 29 2.4 Conclusions and recommendations.......................................................................................................... 29 3. Determination of statelessness and rights attached to the status ...................................... 31 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 31 3.2 National legal framework ............................................................................................................................ 32 3.3 Statelessness determination procedure or other procedures in which statelessness is determined .......................................................................................................................................................... 33 3.3.1 Competent authority .................................................................................................................................... 34 3.3.2 Procedural aspects ........................................................................................................................................ 34 3.3.2.1 Initiating the procedure ..................................................................................................................... 34 3.3.2.2 Questions of proof ............................................................................................................................... 37 3.3.2.3 Access to courts ................................................................................................................................... 42 4 MAPPING STATELESSNESS IN SWEDEN 3.4 Rights of applicants and recognized stateless persons ...................................................................... 43 3.4.1 Rights of applicants during the statelessness determination procedure ........................................ 43 3.4.1.1 Detention ............................................................................................................................................... 43 3.4.1.2 Expulsion ................................................................................................................................................ 44 3.4.2 Rights of persons recognized as stateless ............................................................................................... 48 3.4.2.1 The right of residence ......................................................................................................................... 48 3.4.2.2 The right to work .................................................................................................................................. 50 3.4.2.3 The right to public relief ..................................................................................................................... 52 3.4.2.4 Identification and travel documents............................................................................................... 53 3.5 Conclusions and recommendations.......................................................................................................... 54 4. Reduction and prevention of statelessness ....................................................................................... 56 4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 56 4.2 National legal framework ............................................................................................................................ 57 4.3 Acquisition and loss of nationality under the national legal framework and the compatibility with international standards ................................................................................... 58 4.3.1 Avoidance of statelessness at birth ........................................................................................................... 58 4.3.1.1 Birth on the State’s territory .............................................................................................................. 58 4.3.1.2 Birth outside the State’s territory ..................................................................................................... 66 4.3.1.3 Foundlings ............................................................................................................................................. 66 4.3.1.4 Birth on a ship or aircraft.................................................................................................................... 66 4.3.2 Avoidance of statelessness in the context of renunciation, loss or deprivation of nationality .............................................................................................................................................................. 67 4.3.3 Reduction of statelessness .......................................................................................................................... 69 4.3.3.1 Naturalization ....................................................................................................................................... 69 4.4 Conclusions and recommendations.......................................................................................................... 72 5. Concluding remarks and recommendations ...................................................................................... 74 Identification and registration of statelessness ......................................................................................... 76 Determination of stateless persons and the rights attached to the status ..................................... 77 Prevention and reduction of statelessness .................................................................................................. 78 UNHCR STOCKHOLM, 2016 5 List of abbreviations CAT Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading