#IBELONG Mapping STATELESSNESS in Lithuania UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe Stockholm, May 2016 Mapping STATELESSNESS in Lithuania UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe Stockholm, May 2016 Consultant: Ms. Gintarė Eidimtaitė 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 Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................................................7 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................8 1.1 Executive summary ...........................................................................................................................................9 1.2 Statelessness across the globe ................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.1 Defining “a stateless person” ...................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.2 Causes of statelessness ................................................................................................................................ 11 1.2.3 Consequences of statelessness ................................................................................................................. 12 1.3 The international and regional legal framework .................................................................................. 12 2. The face of statelessness in Lithuania .................................................................................................. 14 2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 2.1.1 Historical background .................................................................................................................................. 15 2.1.2 National legal framework ............................................................................................................................ 18 2.2 An overview of the stateless population in Lithuania ......................................................................... 19 2.2.1 Introduction (specifics on the data used) ................................................................................................ 19 2.2.2 The target population .................................................................................................................................. 19 2.2.2.1 Groups covered by administrative data .......................................................................................... 22 2.2.2.2 Groups not covered by administrative data .................................................................................. 29 2.3 Qualitative analysis of the situation of stateless persons ................................................................. 30 2.3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 30 2.3.2 Procedural issues ........................................................................................................................................... 32 2.3.3 Obstacles to travel ......................................................................................................................................... 35 2.3.4 Stateless persons’ wishes to acquire Lithuanian citizenship .............................................................. 36 2.3.5 The situation of children born in Lithuania with a lack of nationality .............................................. 38 2.3.6 Hopes and expectations for the future .................................................................................................... 39 2.4 Conclusions and recommendations.......................................................................................................... 40 3. Determination of statelessness and rights attached to the status ...................................... 42 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 42 3.2 National legal framework ............................................................................................................................ 43 3.3 Statelessness determination procedure or other procedures in which statelessness status can be determined ............................................................................................................................ 44 4 MAPPING STATELESSNESS IN LITHUANIA 3.3.1 Competent authority .................................................................................................................................... 45 3.3.2 Procedural aspects ........................................................................................................................................ 47 3.3.2.1 Initiation of the procedure ................................................................................................................. 47 3.3.2.2 Questions of proof ............................................................................................................................... 47 3.3.2.3 Access to courts ................................................................................................................................... 48 3.3.2.4 Other procedural aspects .................................................................................................................. 49 3.4 Rights of applicants and of stateless persons ....................................................................................... 50 3.4.1 Rights of applicants during the procedures in which statelessness can be determined ............. 50 3.4.1.1 Detention ............................................................................................................................................... 51 3.4.1.2 Expulsion ................................................................................................................................................ 55 3.4.2 Rights of persons recognized as stateless ............................................................................................... 56 3.4.2.1 The right to residence ......................................................................................................................... 57 3.4.2.2 The right to work .................................................................................................................................. 61 3.4.2.3 The right to public relief ..................................................................................................................... 62 3.4.2.4 Identification and travel documents............................................................................................... 64 3.4.2.5 Other rights guaranteed .................................................................................................................... 66 3.5 Conclusions and recommendations.......................................................................................................... 66 4. Reduction and prevention of statelessness ....................................................................................... 69 4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 69 4.2 National legal framework ............................................................................................................................ 70 4.3 Acquisition and loss of nationality under the national legal framework and compatibility with international standards ...................................................................................................................... 71 4.3.1 Avoidance of statelessness at birth ........................................................................................................... 72 4.3.1.1 Birth on the State’s territory .............................................................................................................. 72 4.3.1.2 Birth outside the State’s territory ..................................................................................................... 75 4.3.1.3 Foundlings ............................................................................................................................................. 75 4.3.1.4 Birth on a ship or aircraft.................................................................................................................... 76 4.3.2 Avoidance of statelessness upon change in civil status ...................................................................... 76 4.3.3 Avoidance of statelessness in the context of renunciation of nationality ....................................... 76 4.3.4 Avoidance of statelessness in the context of loss and deprivation of nationality