Madagascar moves closer to reforming gender discriminatory nationality law
Over the last two days Madagascar has taken significant steps towards eradicating gender discrimination in its nationality law and eliminating statelessness. If a reformed law is implemented it would ensure, amongst other things, that women are no longer discriminated against in their ability to confer nationality on their children – a change that would benefit many families across the country.
Commitments to reform were made during a session of Madagascar’s National Assembly where organisations including the Equal Rights Trust, UNHCR, the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights and Focus Development Association advocated on the necessity of reform.
Nationality laws in 27 countries prevent mothers from passing their nationality to their children on an equal basis with fathers. This discrimination results in a range of other significant human rights violations and suffering for individuals and families, contributing to myriad problems, including: statelessness; lack of access to public education, health care and other social services; child marriage; gender-based violence; unemployment and poverty. 