The Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training (LOST), with the support of UNHCR, executed a five-month project which was aimed at resolving the situation of 19 stateless individuals in Northern Bekaa, by helping them obtain Lebanese nationality through legal procedures. These individuals will no longer be stateless and will not face the limitations linked to the lack of legal status and documentation.
The 19 stateless individuals face a number of challenges, due to their status, in accessing basic services, studying, employment, marriage… etc. They do not have the required documentation, which results in their inability to move freely- an intolerable kind of detention.
In order to resolve their situation, several steps had to be taken, such as: obtaining proof of kinship from the religious court, conducting DNA testing, and other legal procedures. With the help of UNHCR, legal court procedures were initiated, in an effort to resolve the statelessness of these individuals. LOST held several consultation and coordination meetings with UNHCR, to discuss the progress of the project. As a result, these 19 stateless individuals are on route to resolving their stateless status.
It can be said that the duration of five months is enough to free 19 children from being neglected or marginalized, in terms of their identity. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that with more funding, there is a greater opportunity for more individuals to regain their identity, and to live freely in their society. This initiative paves the way for hundreds of cases to be resolved in a short period of time.
