The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has welcomed Mali’s recent adoption of a groundbreaking law aimed at protecting the rights of stateless individuals and offering them equal access to basic services and nationality.

In a statement, Georges Patrick Menze, UNHCR’s acting representative in Mali, said, “The adoption of this law marks a major step forward in human rights protection in Mali and clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to ending statelessness. It brings hope to thousands of vulnerable people.”

The new legislation, which defines statelessness and outlines the rights and obligations of stateless persons, ensures they receive the same access to healthcare, education, employment, housing, and justice as Malian citizens. It covers both stateless migrants and individuals born in Mali.

Crucially, the law offers safeguards from penalties due to lack of legal documentation, limits expulsion to exceptional cases, and creates legal pathways for acquiring or confirming Malian nationality. This is particularly vital in a country where many—especially nomadic populations, refugees, and border communities—struggle with civil documentation and face the risk of statelessness.

UNHCR noted that since 2017, with its support, Mali has naturalised nearly 2,400 stateless people and provided civil documentation to more than 30,000 individuals.

The agency commended the Malian government for its progressive stance and urged the international community to continue supporting the implementation of this landmark legislation. UNHCR reaffirmed its commitment to work with national authorities to ensure the law is effectively enforced and that stateless persons are fully integrated into Malian society.