Research project Citizenship Deprivation:

Over 70 years ago, the right to a nationality was acknowledged by the international community. Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that “everyone has the right to a nationality” and “no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality.” Although it is a mere statement, without a binding force, it was a victory for human rights activists at a time when war and ethnic hatred wreaked havoc on individuals’ right to a nationality.

Decades later, nationality is under fire again. What was declared to be a universal right in the early fifties, has become, in several countries, a conditional right that is guaranteed only to those who deserve it. The same countries that, enthusiastically, committed themselves to protect the individual’s right to a nationality, are currently expressing their remorse by sharpening their Nationality Acts. 

The revival of citizenship deprivation raises numerous normative, legal and practical concerns. While citizenship deprivation is not new, it has become crucial to further discuss this with regard the recent law amendments and practices on citizenship deprivation by many democratic states. The PhD project examines whether citizenship deprivation, based on national security grounds, comply with EU and international law on human rights.

Supervisors:
Pål Wrange, Stockholm university
Mark Klamberg, Stockholm university