BAMAKO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) welcomed Mali's recent adoption of an innovative law aimed at protecting the rights of stateless persons and improving their situation, according to a statement released Monday.

"The adoption of this law marks a major step forward in human rights protection in Mali and clearly demonstrates the government's commitment to ending statelessness. It brings hope to thousands of vulnerable people," said Georges Patrick Menze, UNHCR acting representative in Mali.

According to UNHCR, the legislation defines statelessness, specifies the rights and duties of stateless persons, and proposes sustainable solutions. It covers stateless migrants and people born in Mali, guaranteeing equal rights to health, education, employment, housing and justice alongside Malian nationals.

The law also protects stateless persons from penalties due to lack of legal documents, prohibits their expulsion except in certain cases, and allows them to acquire or confirm Malian nationality.

Many in Mali, especially nomadic groups, refugees and remote border communities, face statelessness due to lack of civil documentation. Since 2017, with UNHCR support, Mali has naturalized nearly 2,400 people and provided civil documents to over 30,000 people.

UNHCR pledged continued support for implementing the law and urged ongoing international backing. ■