The Documentary Podcast

Young and stateless

Nov 30, 2025
Alexis Zivoszuk, founder of Apatrid Network, advocates for stateless individuals in the EU. Christiana Bucallot, from State Free, shares her battle with inherited statelessness in Germany. Albert Joffe recounts the struggles of being a non-citizen in Latvia. They explore the hidden figures behind statelessness, the bureaucratic nightmares faced by stateless youth, and the lifelong impacts on education, healthcare, and rights. The conversation highlights resilience, community building, and the urgent need for political action to secure nationality and justice.
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INSIGHT

Statelessness Is A Large Hidden Problem

  • Statelessness often remains invisible because it was long forgotten as a human rights issue.
  • Experts now estimate millions are affected but the true number is unknown and likely much higher.
INSIGHT

Registered Figures Understate Reality

  • Officially registered stateless people number about 4.5 million but many more are undocumented.
  • UNHCR and experts suggest the true figure could be 10–30 million worldwide.
INSIGHT

Political Will Determines Solutions

  • States often avoid addressing statelessness due to political fears and historical complexities.
  • Even when governments ratify international conventions, implementation remains uneven and sensitive.
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