Nationality of Foundlings [electronic resource] : Avoiding Statelessness Among Children of Unknown Parents Under International Nationality Law / by Mai Kaneko-Iwase.

Chapter 1 Introduction -- Chapter 2 Nationality, Statelessness, Family Relationships, Documentation and Foundlings -- Chapter 3 Defining a 'Foundling' -- Chapter 4 Defining 'Unknown-ness' of Parentage -- Chapter 5 Burden and Standard of Proof in Determining Unknown-ness of Parentage -- Chapter 6 Age of a Foundling, and Being 'Found' in the Territory -- Chapter 7 'Proof to the Contrary' and Conditions for Nationality Withdrawal -- Chapter 8 Recommendations - Model Foundling Provision -- Annex 1 Comparative Table of Legislation on the Nationality of Foundlings of 193 UN Member States -- Annex 2 Foundling Provisions as of 1953 (non-exhaustive) -- Bibliography. .

This is the first book dedicated to clarifying the concept of "foundlings" and how to best prevent their statelessness in light of the object and purpose of Article 2 of the 1961 UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and equivalent nationality law provisions. Among other features, the book defines the terms "foundling," including the maximum age limit of the child to be considered a "foundling"; "unknown parents"; being "found" in a territory; and "proof to the contrary"; as well as the procedural issues such as the appropriate burden and standard of proof. In doing so, the book draws upon a comparative analysis of national legislation on "foundlings" covering 193 states, case law, and precedents in some states as well as international human rights law norms including the best interests of the child. As its conclusion, the book proposes an inclusive model "foundling provision" and a commentary to inform legislative efforts and interpretation of the existing provisions. Its findings are useful not only to state parties to the 1961 Convention but also to non-state parties, particularly in countries lacking systematic civil documentation or experiencing the effects of armed conflicts, migration, trafficking, and displacement.