Article 15 - Right To A Nationality

Under the Citizenship Act of Canada, if someone has either one parent a Canadian they are Canadian, however if either parent is a foreign diplomat, which Brian's father is, they are not a citizen, and thus not a national. So Brian does not have a Canadian nationality.

Article 15 - Human Rights

History

In Roman times slaves were not considered nationals by the government of the state. In the Third Reich (Nazi Germany) are the Jewish population treated as nationals, despite some being born and being a citizen of Germany? Even today there are people who are stateless perhaps because of a succeeding country, and another not recognizing the other. In the 2012 olympics people without a citizenship would play under the olympic flag.

Right To A Nationality

Obstacle 3

What is a Nationality

Obstacle 2

How do we solve the problems of conflicting

nationalities and statelessness people?

A nationality is the relationship between a country and an individual. It provides someone with citizenship of the country and all of the benefits of the country (ie. education, healthcare, social benefits etc.).

Goal

United Nations

Being in Brian's case is horrible. One way to fix this issue could be to create an international treaty in the United Nations to solve conflicting citizenship. Another way, even simpler, is for both governments to contact each other, and maybe reach a dual citizenship. If someone is stateless perhaps they could get an international citizenship, or just get a citizenship where they currently live. Once all the countries of the world work together they can solve any problem, including nationality problems.

Rights

Stateless

United Nations Article 15: "Everyone has the right to a nationality.

No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality."

Basically, everyone has the right to a nationality along with all the benefits tied to it and no one can not be dined one without justed reason. Anyone who has a nationality, has the right to revoke or change theirs without being denied or harassed.

After World War II, there was a gross population of refugees. Most people were stateless, or did not now of which nationality they were. 3 years after the end of World War II, 1948, the Declaration of Human Rights was ratified, putting it into a declaration. The declaration set out to determine: What is a nationality; What are the rights to such; and Are there rights to revoke such.

Brian is stateless. This is because he is not a citizen of both Canada and China. Under the laws of both countries Brian is not entitled to any benefits because legally, he is not a national of any country. You probably wouldn't think this is of any significance, but when you think hard it is. Imagine having no right to transportation, not having a right to public education, not being able to vote, or leave the country.

The goal to solve the problem is for the countries to work together, for the United Nations to take a bigger role in the citizenship of the world. There will now be a short quiz to see if you were paying attention. Thanks, Jack.

Issues Today

Along side with Brian's issue, today there are a number of issues caused by having a nationality. For example, in Northern Ireland (U.K.) some people feel that they are British, whilst others feel that they are Irish. Under both Irish and British law, any resident of Northern Ireland has the right to be a British citizen, or likewise under Irish law, right to be an Irish citizen. This leaves it under to the individual to choose whom they want to be. They are fights in Northern Ireland caused by this issue. Another issue is one of the Romani people and their culture (gypsy). Because of their culture, the Romani people, following their own belief, laws, and ways of life, are considered by most to not be nationals of a country, even though supported by the law. Lastly, a British newspaper, The Guardian, reported this July, after a year of the Republic of South Sudan gaining independence, over 8 million, of the over 10 and half million residents in South Sudan,are awaiting citizenship. What's more, more than half of million people are in a bad situation. People in the bad situation have revoked of their Sudanese (North) citizenship, and they are ineligible to become citizens of South Sudan. This is where the matter of nationalization plays a big role. As The Guardian reported, people are awaiting citizenship to receive the priviliges of employment, a bank account, and justice in the courts among other privileges.

Along side with Brian's issue, today there are a number of issues caused by having a nationality. For example, in Northern Ireland (U.K.) some people feel that they are British, whilst others feel that they are Irish. Under both Irish and British law, any resident of Northern Ireland has the right to be a British citizen, or likewise under Irish law, right to be an Irish citizen.

Start

This is Brian. He was born in the People's Republic of China (mainland), and has a Chinese mother and a Canadian father. Brian lives currently in Canada, but when goes to China has complications. His father is a Minister for the government of China Of what nationality is Brian; let's find out!

Chinese Nationality

Under Chinese law, if someone has either parent with `Chinese' blood, they are considered a Chinese national (citizen). However, this is only if they haven't settled in another country, which in this case is true with Brian living in Canada.

Obstacle 1

Sources