Mali Adopts Landmark Law to Protect Stateless People and Confirm Nationality

For the first time in Malian legal history, the new law formally defines who qualifies as stateless and codifies their rights and duties.

In a historic move applauded by human rights advocates, the Government of Mali has adopted groundbreaking legislation aimed at protecting the rights of stateless people and providing a clear path toward nationality and legal identity. The new law, which comprises 28 articles, builds on Mali’s 2016 ratification of the 1954 and 1961 UN Conventions on Statelessness and represents a significant step in global efforts to eradicate statelessness.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) welcomed the development, calling it a “beacon of hope” for thousands of people in Mali who have long lived without legal nationality, and thus without access to fundamental rights and protections.

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Defining the Rights of Stateless Persons

For the first time in Malian legal history, the new law formally defines who qualifies as stateless and codifies their rights and duties. It applies to both:

• Migrants who are stateless, and

• Individuals born in Mali who lack documentation to prove their nationality.

Key provisions of the law include:

• Equal access to essential services, including health care, education, employment, housing, and justice.

• Protection from punitive measures for not possessing legal documents.

• Prohibition of expulsion, except under specific, justified circumstances.

• Legal avenues to acquire or confirm Malian nationality, offering a long-term solution to statelessness.

This law not only brings national legislation in line with international standards but also helps fulfill Mali’s obligations under global human rights and refugee protection frameworks.

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Addressing a Deep-Rooted Problem

Statelessness in Mali is a complex issue affecting various populations:

• Undocumented residents, often from generations of unregistered families.

• Nomadic and pastoralist groups, such as the Tuareg, whose mobile lifestyles complicate access to civil registration.

• Long-term refugees and migrants with unclear or disputed nationality status.

• People in remote border communities, often isolated from government infrastructure.

For many of these groups, a lack of legal documentation leads to:

• Inability to attend school or access health services.

• Barriers to employment or land ownership.

• Marginalization and increased risk of poverty and exploitation.

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Progress Already Underway

Mali has been steadily addressing statelessness in partnership with UNHCR since 2017. Notable achievements include:

• The naturalization of nearly 2,400 people at risk of statelessness.

• Issuance of over 30,000 civil documents, such as birth certificates.

• Implementation of awareness campaigns to promote civil registration.

• Mobile outreach programs to bring legal services to remote areas.

These initiatives, supported by international donors and civil society partners, laid the groundwork for the adoption of the new law and demonstrated Mali’s commitment to inclusive governance and human rights.

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A Milestone for Human Rights in West Africa

“The adoption of this law is a major step forward in the protection of human rights in Mali and a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to end statelessness,” said Georges Patrick Menze, acting UNHCR Representative in Mali.

The move places Mali among the few countries in West Africa with comprehensive legislation focused on statelessness, setting a model for the region and aligning with the UNHCR’s global #IBelong Campaign, which aims to end statelessness by 2024.

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The Road Ahead: Implementation and Support

While the legislation provides a strong legal framework, effective implementation will be key. UNHCR has pledged continued support to:

• Assist in the development of legal procedures to identify and register stateless individuals.

• Support training for legal and civil registry personnel.

• Help build institutional capacity to ensure the law reaches those who need it most.

• Advocate for sustained international funding and technical assistance to help Mali uphold its commitments.

“We are proud of our partnership with the Government of Mali and will continue supporting its efforts to ensure that everyone has the right to a nationality,” said Menze.

 

Mali’s adoption of this historic law is more than a legislative success—it is a lifeline for people who, until now, have existed on the margins of society. By enshrining the rights of stateless individuals and committing to their legal inclusion, Mali is taking a bold step toward justice, equality, and national unity. The world will now watch as Mali transitions from promise to practice—proving that no one should be invisible in the eyes of the law.