GENEVA: A stateless child is born every 10 minutes, the United Nations today, warning that the problem has intensified as the conflict in Syria has sparked a global migrant and refugee crisis.

A new report by the UN refugee agency highlights the long-term consequences of statelessness for children such as being deprived of medical care, education and future access to employment.

Several million children are watching their childhoods slip away without the sense of belonging and protection that comes with a nationality.

The problem is particularly severe among migrants and refugees affected by conflict, said the report, which is to be launched by UNHCR chief Antonio Guterres at UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday.