EHNA
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 15: EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO A NATIONALITY.NO ONE SHALL BE ARBITRARILY DEPRIVED OF HIS NATIONALITY NOR DENIED THE RIGHT TO CHANGE HIS NATIONALITY. Although nationality is a right of citizens everywhere, this right has been denied to Basques. Instead of having the right to declare our membership of the Basque nation, we are given French or Spanish nationality, despite the fact that everyone is entitled to choose his or her own nationality. In view of this denial, in 1999 the popular initiative Bai Euskal Herriari (Yes to the Basque Country) as part of their demand for civil and political rights, began a campaign in favour of the right to nationality and proceeded to collect signatures in favour of the Basque national identity. Over 125,000 people asked Udalbiltza to create an official document expressing Basque Nationality. In response to these citizens' request, during its II General Assembly held in March 2001, Udalbiltza decided to channel the Basque Declaration of Nationality and began the process of issuing the said document. Bearing the right to feel part of a nation in mind, and therefore, the right to a nationality, Udalbiltza prepared a declaration based on the freely expressed will of citizens: DECLARATION:As a citizen of the Basque Country, I declare the following: The Basque Country is a nation made up of the following provinces: Araba, Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, Nafarroa Beherea, Nafarroa Garaia, Lapurdi and Zuberoa. Euskara is the language of the Basque Country; it deserves respect and must have official status throughout the Basque Country. The Basque Country is a sovereign, independent and free nation, and has the right to democratically decide its future. DECLARATION:I am a Basque citizen and a holder of Basque nationality. In full possession of my conscience, free will and powers of decision, I am part of life in the Basque Country and fully recognise its nature and its desire to live in sovereignty at present and in the future. The Basque Declaration of Nationality comprises two documents publicly expressing the national identity of the holder (both a declaration and a card). As well as including these declarations, it contains the citizen's photograph and data. It is up to Udalbiltza to guarantee the veracity of the data provided by the individual declaring his or her nationality. Because the card contains the holder's photograph and data, it may serve to reliably identify the holder if so required. The initiative promoted by Udalbiltza in 2001 is moving forward. Processing of the Basque Declaration of nationality has become increasingly widespread and currently many town halls and elected representatives have taken on the responsibility to process the document certifying and expressing nationality. Throughout 2005, this public service has become a reality in all seven Basque provinces. |