Research Articles
On the Protection of Stateless Persons in Germany
Author:
Katia Bianchini
Researcher, University of York (UK), University of Hamburg (Germany); Visiting researcher, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity
Göttingen (Germany)
Abstract
This article analyses the legal framework for the protection of stateless persons in Germany. In particular, it explains the definition of a stateless person under German law, the availability of protection outside the context of asylum procedures, access to travel documents and naturalization. This work identifies the following major problems: gaps in the applicable laws, differences of treatment and implementation due to the decentralized system of adjudication, application of readmission agreements to stateless persons, restrictive naturalization requirements. As a consequence, stateless persons’ chances of obtaining protection and a long-term solution are reduced. It is argued that the adoption of specific determination procedures and recognition of stateless status as a protection ground at the Federal level are essential safeguards in this context and the German government should take additional steps in this regard.
Published on
01 Jan 2014.
Peer Reviewed
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