European Network on Statelessness - Para 89

Citizenship is the key way in which a person is able to act as a member of society. Citizenship is often needed for a person to work in their home country or to gain the right to work elsewhere. It is often through a person’s citizenship that they access basic rights like education, health care and social security. In the way that our world is currently organised, access to citizenship is needed for participation in sustainable development.

The annual High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) provides a vital moment of reflection on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda. In this context, two main considerations regarding access to citizenship arise:

(1) How to ensure that those without access to any citizenship can contribute to and benefit from global sustainable development efforts;

(2) How sustainable development efforts can produce new ways to ensure that everyone has access to citizenship.

In July this year, the HLPF is considering six Sustainable Development Goals in particular:

SDG 4

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SDG 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

SDG 10

Reduce inequality within and among countries

SDG 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and impacts

SDG 16

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

SDG 17

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Access to citizenship is relevant to all six of these goals. This document suggests how to start thinking about access to citizenship in the context of each goal. It also uses these goals to indicate ways in which access to citizenship could be considered across the Sustainable Development Agenda.