Root causes and consequences of statelessness affecting minorities: preventing statelessness through a human rights approach. Madam chair, Special Rapporteur, Ladies and gentlemen, Statelessness is a global phenomenon affecting minorities around the world. That the defining characteristics of minorities - race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language – are also universally protected characteristics under anti-discrimination law, provides a clue as to the root causes of their statelessness. Discrimination – on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and language – is central to the story of statelessness and the stories of minorities. The intersection of such discrimination with discrimination on grounds of gender, disability, socio-economic disadvantage etc., further compounds the problem. If you are minority, your citizenship and belonging is more likely to be scrutinised, doubted and stripped off you. If you are also poor, a woman or disabled, you are likely to face additional barriers to asserting your nationality and accessing justice if deprived it. We are here today because we collectively recognise that the problem of statelessness and its impact on minorities cannot be ignored. It stands contrary to our affirmation of human rights and our vision for more equal and inclusive societies. In my intervention, I would like to offer 4 reflections in this regard. 1. That the root cause is discrimination, is evident. What is more interesting, is what lies beneath. Why are people, and minorities, discriminated against? I would like to request each delegate – to during this Forum - speak to any member of the many minority communities represented in this room. They will tell you. The same recurring challenges of patriarchy, racism, fundamentalism, nationalism and xenophobia (to name but some), which are at the heart of structures of power, are also at the heart of discrimination.