“My Nationality My dignity” Campaign
What is “My Nationality, My Dignity” Campaign?
MISSION:
The “My Nationality, My Dignity” campaign was initiated, advocating for the constitutional recognition of Lebanese women’s right to pass on nationality and seeking to address the plight of stateless individuals in Lebanon.
History and background:
In Lebanon, Lebanese women are unable to transmit their nationality to their families, resulting in children of Lebanese mothers married to non-Lebanese partners being treated as foreigners in their own birthplace, despite being educated there and living there. Consequently, their rights within Lebanon are limited to holding a renewable residency permit every three years. Over 100,000 stateless individuals reside in the country, facing an escalating number due to their lack of nationality, documentation, and essential rights such as work opportunities, healthcare access, and educational pursuits. They endure widespread discrimination and are denied fundamental rights in Lebanon.
Achievements:
- Offering free residency to families of Lebanese women married to non-Lebanese spouses.
- Exempting these families from public security fines for late residency renewal.
- Securing Ministry of Health permits for nursing practice for children of Lebanese mothers married to non-Lebanese partners.
- Treating non-Lebanese or stateless children of Lebanese women in official schools and universities at Lebanese cost levels.
- Advocating for changes to the Nationality Law through proposals by political blocs and the National Authority for Lebanese Women.
- Ensuring continuous attention to the issue in public discourse, reflected in ministerial statements and electoral programs.
- Providing in-kind assistance to over 3,000 registered Lebanese families with non-Lebanese or stateless members.
- Offering legal consultations in more than 1,000 cases to guide Lebanese families facing paperwork challenges with non-Lebanese or stateless members.