Legislative Decree No. 49 relating to nationality for Syrian Kurds

This decree facilitated the registration, and acquisition of nationality, of many thousands of stateless Kurds in Syria who were registered in civil records.[1] Since 1962, Syrian Kurds, including children, have been deprived of a nationality, and thus state protection, as well as freedom of movement, access to humanitarian aid, basic services, and livelihoods.

While thousands of Syrian Kurds have regained their Syrian nationality under this law, many others did not and remain stateless. ‘Ajnabi’ who have not acquired Syrian nationality often possess a ‘red card,’ which is an identification document issued by authorities for this group of persons. ‘Maktoum’ (Kurds who are unregistered) in Syria (estimated to be around 10,000 – 15,000 people) typically possess identity certificates issued by mukhtars (tareef cards). Tareef cards can be used as basic proof of identity for ‘maktoum’ in their hometowns inside Syria, but the uses of the card are limited.

[1] For more information, see “UNHCR Submission for the Universal Periodic Review – Syrian Arab Republic,” Universal Periodic Review, Second Cycle, 26^th Session, 2016, https://www.refworld.org/policy/upr/unhcr/2016/en/119228.