Madagascar

Address from the President of Madagascar's National Assembly on Reforming Madagascar's Nationality Law

Address from the President of Madagascar's National Assembly concerning the reform of Madagascar's Nationality Law which discriminates against women in the ability to transfer citizenship onto their children. The address was given during an Assembly session from 3 - 4 November, after the Equal Rights Trust and partners including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Focus Development Association and the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights advocated on the necessity of reform. 

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.

New Report Launched on How and Why States Must Reform Gender Discriminatory Nationality Laws

Geneva, 22 September 2015

Today, a report which focuses on the devastating impact of discriminatory nationality laws in Madagascar and Nepal has been launched by the Equal Rights Trust. It outlines how, in some countries with such laws, women are not able to pass on citizenship to their children and identifies the myriad problems that result from this.

My Children's Future: Ending Gender Discrimination in Nationality Laws

A report from the Equal Rights Trust which assesses the negative impact of gender discriminatory laws in Madagascar and Nepal which affect families lives as they are unable to access housing, jobs, education and healthcare alongside other basic human rights. The report also looks at countries which have reformed their laws - sharing their experiences and lessons. It serves to raise awareness on the issue and to encourage the remaining 27 countries around the world who implement such laws to enact reform and improve the lives of families affected. 

Madagascar

The Madagascan Nationality Code denies women equality with men in respect of the right to nationality. Our work is focused on documenting the impact of this gender discrimination in the country’s nationality law and advocating for its reform. 
 
In early 2015, we conducted more than 25 in-depth interviews with women who have experienced gender discrimination in nationality laws, and a further 13 with government officials and other key stakeholders, as part of a comparative study involving research in several countries.