Futures Denied

The goal of this report, which is dedicated to the promise and potential of all children, is increased recognition of every child?s right to a nationality and the actions that can be taken to give them a brighter future. Statelessness has innumerable consequences on children and there are few agencies addressing their plight. Unlike refugees, stateless children receive neither international recognition nor aid, and they don?t have the option of returning to a country of origin like migrants do. The situation can lead to poor home environments and family separation. Birth registration establishes a child?s legal identity and the state?s responsibility for that child. But without a permanent identity, children will have limited access to health care and to primary education; and are almost universally restricted from receiving public secondary education.Unable to prove their true age, stateless children may be susceptible to exploitation or to punishment as adults. Statelessness may lead to forced or early marriage, harassment, sexual and physical violence, and trafficking.Stateless children are also frequently unable to obtain passports, to travel freely, or acquire jobs in the formal sector as they get older. Some resort to the use of smugglers to remove themselves from difficult situations or in hopes of supporting themselves and their families.