On Monday 7th Oct 2019, governments and regional institutions from across the globe gathered in Geneva for UNHCR’s High-Level Segment on Statelessness (HLS) which took place during the 70th annual plenary session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme (EXCOM).

This important event will mark the midway point of UNHCR’s decade-long #IBelong campaign, which sought to eradicate statelessness by 2024. The purpose  was to celebrate the achievements of the campaign so far, as well as to encourage states and other actors to make new pledges in support of its goals. 

However, one day after Mr. Samer Haddadin the head of UNHCR office in Kuwait appeated on national TV channel, contradicting all the #IBelong vision and mission and advising government of Kuwait how to avoid recognizing Bidoon as stateless persons! He also added that proving Statelessness is the responsibility of Bidoon not the government, which totally contradicts the UNHCR's Statelessness identification recommendation to member states! 

Mr. Samer Haddadin refuses to meet with Stateless persons despite frequent requests and side with the government's aspect of the story, which makes him subjective, unjust and not aligned with #IBelong campaign.

Hence, we urge Refugees Chief Mr. Filippo Grandi, to investigate the practices of Mr. Samer Haddadin in Kuwait regarding stateless persons (Bidoons), and demand the replacement with objective manager who is at least aligned with #IBelong campaign to eredicate Statelessness.

Replacing him would assure that UNHCR is neutral, objective and works for the cause of victims (stateless) not against them.

If you believe in my message, kindly sign the petition and spread it until we fulfill our mission.

Best regards,

Naqem Alnaqem

Stateless Human Rights Defender