Article 15 is a fundamental right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and several international human rights treaties. It states that "everyone has the right to a nationality" and "no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality."
This means that every person has the right to belong to a particular country and enjoy the benefits and protections that come with citizenship, such as the right to vote, access to healthcare and education, and the ability to travel freely within and outside their country. Nationality also provides legal recognition and protection under the law.
However, some people may be arbitrarily deprived of their nationality, which can leave them stateless and without legal protection or access to basic rights and services. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including discriminatory laws or practices, conflicts, displacement, and migration.
International human rights law prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of nationality and recognizes the right to a nationality as a key component of human dignity and self-determination. States have an obligation to ensure that their citizenship laws and practices are non-discriminatory and do not lead to statelessness, and to provide effective remedies for those who have been arbitrarily deprived of their nationality.
Article 15 serves as a reminder of the importance of nationality and the need to protect this fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status.