Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization
International organization formed in 1991
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Through International organization, Nation and Indigenous peoples
UNPO works to develop the understanding of and respect for the right to self-determination, provides advice and support related to questions of international recognition and political autonomy, trains groups on how to advocate for their causes effectively, and directly advocates for an international response to human rights violations perpetrated against UNPO member groups. Since its foundation in 1991, UNPO’s membership has grown steadily from its original founders, now representing more than 45 peoples worldwide, comprising over 300 million people lacking true representation in domestic or international forums. Over the years, many members have achieved their movement’s goals and gained formal recognition at the national or international level, leading them to leave the organization as their peoples are no longer considered “unrepresented.” Former members who have left the organization after gaining full independence and joining the United Nations (UN) include Armenia, East Timor, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, and Palau.
Throughout 2024, UNPO conducted several training sessions aimed at helping its members and activists. Sessions included in-person training for Asia Pacific members in Geneva, online cybersecurity training, a cybersecurity training in person for the Baloch community in Stockholm, an in-person training in Brussels on the principles and practical applications of non-violent resistance and a youth study session supported by the Council of Europe, emphasizing the importance of acquiring and improving necessary skills for advocacy within marginalized communities.
History
The UNPO was conceived of by leaders of self-determination movements such as Linnart Mäll of the Congress of Estonia, Erkin Alptekin of East Turkestan, and Lodi Gyari of Tibet, together with Michael van Walt van Praag, along with the international law adviser of the 14th Dalai Lama. The founders were representatives of national movements of Estonia, Latvia, Tibet, Crimean Tatars, Armenia, Georgia, Tatarstan, East Turkestan, East Timor, Australian Aboriginals, the Cordillera in the Philippines, the Greek minority in Albania, Kurdistan, Palau, Taiwan, and West Papua. A key UNPO goal was, and remains, to replicate the powerful message of nonviolence and interethnic tolerance in the face of oppression exhibited by the Tibetan people and championed by the 14th Dalai Lama and to provide a forum in which others are encouraged and supported to adopt similar approaches.
UNPO chose for its founding headquarters in 1991 The Hague in the Netherlands because the city aimed at becoming the International City of Peace and Justice and hosts international courts like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC). A Foundation was established in the Netherlands to provide secretarial support to the UNPO General Assembly and to carry out research and educational activities related to unrepresented peoples worldwide. The Foundation maintains a permanent presence before the European Union, United States and United Nations. It is funded by a combination of member contributions, donations from individuals, and project-based grants from foundations.
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Aims
UNPO’s aim is to uphold the fundamental right to autonomy and self-determination for all peoples, striving for a world where every nation and people is heard, valued, and respected. It envisions a future where fundamental rights, including the freedom to determine political status and pursue economic, social, and cultural development, are guaranteed for all.
UNPO facilitates knowledge exchange among unrepresented peoples through its international platform. UNPO supports cross-regional projects and dialogue with international organizations and communities. The organization provides opportunities for unrepresented peoples to participate in international forums and advocate for their interests.
UNPO’s work emphasizes the necessity of non-violent resistance against oppression, while also focusing on the inclusion of underrepresented groups, particularly youth and women, in decision-making processes. By strengthening democratic values, spreading the principles of Gandhian non-violence, and advocating for human rights, the organization empowers members to preserve their cultural identities and contribute to global discussions on pressing environmental and geopolitical challenges. Through strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, academia, and international actors, UNPO raises awareness of human rights abuses and supports members in having their voices heard on the world stage.
Although UNPO members often have different goals, they have one thing in common: they are generally not represented diplomatically (or only with a minor status, such as observer) in major international institutions, such as the United Nations (UN). As a result, their ability to have their concerns addressed by the global bodies mandated to protect human rights and address conflict is limited.
UNPO is dedicated to the five principles enshrined in its Covenant:
1) The equal right to self-determination: Self-determination is a fundamental human right, allowing peoples to shape their own political, cultural, and social future, ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
2) Adherence to the internationally accepted human rights standards as laid down in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and other international instruments: Human rights are universal norms designed to protect all people from political, legal, and social abuses, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or legal status.
3) Adherence to the principles of democratic pluralism and rejection of totalitarianism and religious intolerance: Democratic pluralism is an inclusive, participatory system where governance is accountable, transparent, and responsive to the people. It embraces diversity, celebrates different cultures, and promotes political inclusion through knowledge, freedom of thought, and openness to differing viewpoints.
4) Promotion of non-violence and the rejection of terrorism as an instrument of policy: Non-violence is the rejection of violent actions to achieve political goals. UNPO encourages members to adopt peaceful resistance and promote inter-ethnic tolerance in response to oppression.
5) Protection of the natural environment: Environmental protection is about preserving habitats and resources that protect cultures. Indigenous and local communities, as guardians of traditional ecological knowledge, are best positioned to safeguard their environment and way of life.
All members are required to sign and abide by the UNPO Covenant. UNPO members are required to be nonviolent.
Members
The following are listed as 44 members by the UNPO.
Original members are listed with pink background and in bold. Members who are recognised as independent countries by at least one UN member or by other countries recognised by at least one UN member are marked by asterisk (*).
Former members
Some members of the UNPO have left because of United Nations (UN) recognition, autonomy agreements, or for other reasons.
The following lists former and suspended members.
Former members who became part of the UN are highlighted with a blue background and italics. Original members (from 11 February 1991) are listed with pink background and in bold. Former members who are recognised as independent countries by at least 1 UN member or by other countries recognised by at least 1 UN member are marked by asterisk (*). Suspended members are marked by yellow background.
Suspensions
UNPO's representing nations may become suspended from the Organization if they fail to follow its covenant.
In 24 January 1993, Khalistan was briefly admitted in the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, but was suspended a few months after its admission. The membership suspension was made permanent on 22 January 1995, as there was no mechanism to expel Khalistan or force it to withdraw.
Scania was also suspended on 18 September 2011.
Timeline
Here is a timeline on events throughout the UNPO:
1991
February 11 - The UNPO was founded.
Leadership
Secretaries-general
According to World Statesmen.org:
Chairmen/Presidents of the General Assembly
According to World Statesmen.org:
- Linnart Mäll – (Estonia) 1991–1993
- Erkin Alptekin – (Uyghurs) 1993–1997
- Seif Sharif Hamad – (Zanzibar) 1997–2001
- John J. Nimrod – (Assyrians) 2001–2005
- Göran Hansson – (Scania) 2005–2006
- Ledum Mitee – (Ogoni) 2006–2010
- Ngawang Choephel Drakmargyapon – (Tibet) 2010–2015
- Nasser Boladai – (West Balochistan) 2015–2022
- Edna Adan Ismail - (Somaliland) 2022–2024
- Rubina Greenwood - (Sindh) 2024–current
Executive Directors
According to World Statesmen.org:
- Karl von Habsburg – (Austria) 19 January 2002 – 31 December 2002
- Mercè Monje Cano – (Catalonia) 1 October 2021 – 21 April 2023 (concurrently acting General Secretary from January to 21 April 2023)