health and rights – and children, who may also then suffer denial of education and other fundamental rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the core principle that human beings should enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms without discrimination. The right to a nationality, which forms part of those rights, is so fundamental that it is recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in numerous other core international human rights instruments. We need States to take positive steps to combat statelessness for everyone, but notably minorities. There are very good ways to do this, including through ensuring access, without discrimination, to birth registration and key documentation for acquiring nationality. I hope this Forum will shed light on this vital, but often overlooked, issue. I regret that I cannot participate in your discussions over the next two days, but I look forward to reviewing your ideas and recommendations on how all stakeholders – including my Office – can act to prevent and combat statelessness affecting minorities, and to ensure the right to a nationality for all. Thank you