Birthing Statelessness: Sectarianism and Sexism in Lebanese Citizenship Law

Alexandra Airey
Vol. 24
March 2018
Page 99

The configuration of Lebanese citizenship law, in violation of international law, prevents women from passing citizenship to their children. If a Lebanese woman has a child with a refugee, there is a high likelihood that the child will be left stateless. Due to the recent influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, increasing the already problematic amount of refugees in the country, this overlooked problem has been exacerbated. The issue of law-created statelessness in Lebanon is a cross-section of the complex social, political and religious systems within the country. This study finds that the existence of this citizenship law is primarily due to the patriarchal social environment, political power balances, and gender roles reinforced by religious doctrine. These conclusions are based on an examination of Lebanon’s historical development, sectarian divides, political environment, and cultural background. This study is limited, as population data is estimated and issues relating to stateless populations are still developing. Through personal interviews, existing scholarship, UN and NGO reports, this study aims to outline the main causes of this international human rights issue and the obstacles to change.

View Full Article