Vulnerable among the most vulnerable: the victimization of stateless minors

Abstract

This contribution proposes a discussion about citizenship, intended as the aspi-ration to have borders, and the opportunity to seek protection from violence and abuse. Longing to have borders means claiming community through citizenship and nationality rights. Securing rights, however, is not a linear endeavour as legal loopholes in the current available legislation make problematic if not impossible to claim the legal safety that comes with having borders. Supported by the experi-ences of stateless young women in diverse geographical and legal settings, namely Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, this contribution highlights means of negotiating citi-zenship for those who have experienced violence and abuse. It reflects on data that have explored the personal, social and structural level challenges that stateless minors face when seeking help as a consequence of victimization.