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“Values and principles should be at the backbone of any governance structure.” — Aleksejs Ivashuk
What does it mean to live without a nationality?
In this episode of Protection Leadership, Panos Moumtzis speaks with Aleksejs Ivashuk, founder of the Apatride Network and a leading advocate for stateless people across Europe.
Drawing from his own lived experience growing up without nationality, Aleksejs offers a powerful, firsthand account of the everyday realities of statelessness; from barriers to education and housing to unpredictable discrimination and the psychological toll of existing outside legal recognition.
Together, they explore how statelessness remains largely invisible within the global system, why current governance frameworks often fail those without citizenship, and how meaningful reform requires centering the voices of those directly affected.
This is a moving and thought-provoking conversation about identity, dignity, belonging, and the urgent need to put statelessness and protection firmly on the global agenda.
Key Takeaways
Statelessness Is Often Invisible, By Design
Many states do not properly identify or record stateless populations. As a result, millions remain excluded from public awareness, policy discussions, and reliable data collection.
Statelessness Means Constant Uncertainty
Without legal nationality, everyday activities (attending school, renting a home, opening a bank account) can become major obstacles. The lack of formal recognition creates systemic vulnerability and unpredictable discrimination.
Solutions Must Center Stateless Voices
Lasting reform requires meaningful participation of stateless individuals in decision-making spaces. As Aleksejs explains, inclusion must go beyond tokenism; those affected must have a seat at the table in shaping legal and policy solutions.
Timestamps
(02:19) Growing up without nationality
(10:52) What is the Apatride Network?
(14:37) Raising awareness of statelessness within the UN
(15:57) The lived experience of being stateless
(17:44) Common misconceptions about stateless people
(21:52) Political and structural obstacles
(23:37) Where humanitarian systems fall short
(28:18) Why principles and values matter in governance
(31:23) Global reforms needed to address statelessness
(34:03) A message to governments
Guest Bio: Aleksejs Ivashuk
Aleksejs Ivashuk is the founder of the Apatride Network, a coalition of stateless individuals and stateless-led organisations working to address statelessness across the European Union.
He is an associate member of the European Network on Statelessness and serves on UNHCR’s Advisory Board of organisations led by forcibly displaced and stateless people.
In 2024, he co-founded the Blockchain for Human Rights Consortium, bringing together stateless-led and exile-led coalitions to advocate for the responsible use of blockchain technology in the digitisation of identification systems.
Aleksejs is widely recognised for advancing stateless-led advocacy and pushing for governance reforms rooted in dignity, inclusion, and fundamental rights.
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