Disintegration and Statelessness

Abstract

In this article, the author focuses on the statelessness issue. He submits that in the aftermath of the disintegration of Unions and Federal Republics many an individual will end up empty handed, i.e. without a nationality. The article deals with: nation building, citizenship, citizens and non-citizens, non-citizens and foreigners, statelessness, the status of stateless persons and the UNHCR's involvement. Special attention has been paid to the Baltic countries. The author concludes, inter alia, that on the legal level one must make sure that all countries which (re-)gain their independence do follow international standards and do include in their municipal legislation a generous and liberal set of rules and regulations governing the status of the so-called non-nationals. He also advocates an early accession to the international instruments relating to statelessness.