Activity under preparation Strengthening asylum systems and addressing statelessness Over the last few years, there has been a sharp increase in forced displacement due to a resurgence of violence, persecution, and conflicts worldwide, combined with environmental disasters and degradation, and the impact of climate change. The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide stands at 110 million people, which is expected to rise further in the coming years. Moreover, globally, an estimated 4.4 million people were stateless or of undetermined nationality as of mid-2023, but their actual number is likely to be much higher. The principal causes of statelessness thus include both gaps in the laws establishing entitlement to nationality and problems with the secondary rules on implementation of these laws, as well as the capacity of the state and the interpretation and application in practice of both laws and procedures by officials. While not necessarily linked to forced displacement, statelessness can be both a cause and a consequence of forced displacement.This action aims to contribute to address rights violations and discrimination experienced by asylum seekers, refugees, stateless persons and persons with undetermined nationality, with a particular focus on women and girls, persons with a disability and LGBTIQ people.The 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol provide crucial protection for refugees worldwide, but many countries are not party to them, leading to gaps in legal frameworks and support. Even among signatory states, implementation varies widely, resulting in inconsistencies and challenges in ensuring refugees' rights and assistance. The same goes for the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the risks for stateless people or people of undetermined nationality. Advocacy is needed to strengthen the protection framework for asylum seekers, refugees and stateless people or persons of an undetermined nationality, and in instances where authorities demonstrate political willingness to extend more comprehensive protection to these caseloads, there is a need for support.In line with the New European Consensus on Development, this action aims at supporting the implementation of the external dimension of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and at strengthening international protection for asylum seekers, refugees and stateless persons in a selection of priority countries.By focusing on the inclusion and protection of women and girls in asylum processes and addressing gender-specific barriers in the field of asylum and statelessness, the action will align with the objectives of the EU gender action plan 2021-2025 (GAP III), specifically with the Key Thematic Areas of 'Integrating the Women, Peace and Security agenda', 'Promoting economic and social rights and empowering girls and women' and 'Promoting equal participation and leadership'. The action will also, to the extent possible, contribute to the implementation of EU LGBTIQ strategy 2020-2025 in EU external relations by promoting non-discriminatory laws and enhancing protection for all asylum seekers and refugees, regardless of their sexual orientation, and gender identity/expression.This action is implemented through two different components:strengthening legal and institutional frameworks on international protection and statelessness, including adoption and review of asylum and statelessness-related legislation using a human rights-based approach.reinforcing governance structures, processes/procedures and national capacities to provide gender-responsive services to asylum-seekers, refugees, stateless people and those at risk of statelessness.