You are on page 1of 32

20 YEARS OF PROMOTING NONVIOLENCE, HUMAN

RIGHTS AND SELF-DETERMINATION

THE UNREPRESENTED NATIONS AND PEOPLES ORGANIZATION


THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS
11 FEBRUARY 1991—11 FEBRUARY 2011

UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY PUBLICATION


11 FEBRUARY 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM UNPO GENERAL SECRETARY MR. MARINO BUSDACHIN . . . 3

MESSAGE FROM UNPO PRESIDENT MR. NGAWANG CHOEPHEL . . . 4

MESSAGE FROM FIRST UNPO GENERAL SECRETARY, MR. MICHAEL VAN WALT VAN PRAAG . . . 5

ABOUT UNPO: A VISION FOR PEACE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SELF-DETERMINATION . . . 6

UNPO TIMELINE . . . 12

A MESSAGE FROM MR. ERKIN ALPTEKIN, FORMER UNPO PRESIDENT . . . 15

UNPO MEMBER MAP . . . 16

UNPO ACTIVITIES . . . 18

MESSAGE FROM MR. LODI G. GYARI, SPECIAL ENVOY TO H.H. THE DALAI LAMA . . . 23

SUCCESS STORIES: UNPO MEMBERS BUILDING PEACE AND GAINING PROMINENCE . . . 24

THE CHALLENGES AHEAD . . . 26

MESSAGE FROM HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA . . . 27

MESSAGE FROM FORMER UNPO PRESIDENT MR. LEDUM MITEE . . . 28

MESSAGE FROM FORMER UNPO PRESIDENTAND CURRENT VICE PRESIDENT OF ZANZIBAR, MR.
SEIF SHARIF HAMAD . . . 29

OUR SUPPORTERS . . . 31

2 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


A MESSAGE FROM UNPO GENERAL SECRETARY, MR. MARINO BUSDACHIN

UNPO is undoubtedly one of the most original and articulate organizations


around the world. Its mere existence has been a challenge. But others have
repeatedly underlined the serious need for an organisation such as UNPO in
today’s world.

During the time of its twenty years of existence, UNPO has faced one of the
most cruel and violent periods of recent history. Genocide and terrorism
became the central point of the International community of States and of
the United Nations – they became a routine part of life.

Questions regarding the implementation of the UN Charter; from respect for human rights to the right of
self-determination never arise at the top of the UN agenda nor have any regulated guidelines for the ma-
jor powers and States been established.

Despite this dramatic and unfavorable scenario UNPO has not been overcome by adverse conditions but,
time by time it is becoming a success story.

The UNPO story has always been inspired by the political lives of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King,
Ken Saro-Wiva (executed while UNPO vice President), and by HH the Dalai Lama who is honoring UNPO
with an important message for our forthcoming 20th anniversary.

There is a long line of Presidents and General Secretaries that have run the organisation; some Members
reached their goals while many others are still suffering severe oppression; all of them contributed at the
best to UNPO. Partners like International Campaign for Tibet, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the
Nonviolent Radical Party help UNPO in its more critical moments.

UNPO is no longer the organisation established in 1991. Its evolution has been marked by the relevant
reforms adopted in 2006 in Taipei with a new Covenant. A new vision of the goals of UNPO has been set
for the new millennium to affirm democracy as a fundamental human right, to implement human, civil
and political rights at all levels and everywhere; to affirm the right of autonomy, federalism and self-
determination in any country; to advance non-violent methodology as a real alternative to a violent and
unfair world.

What has been done is a lot, but very little in face of the reasons and aspirations that led to the UNPO’s
foundation. Our vision obliges us to exist; our members see UNPO as a major need.

But only commitment and determination will consent to give life to our dreams and to be for real in the
needs of the oppressed peoples.

Marino Busdachin

UNPO General Secretary

FEBRUARY | 2011 3
A MESSAGE FROM UNPO PRESIDENT MR. NGAWANG CHOEPHEL

On behalf of the entire UNPO Membership, I wish to congratulate


all concerned on the celebrations of the 20th Anniversary of the
organization which is an achievement of the unrepresentation Na-
tions and Peoples we represent, especially at time when the geo-
politics of the world has changed dramatically when the great vi-
sion of UNPO was spearhead by the Founding Fathers in 1991.

During these past 20 years, UNPO contributed towards the realiza-


tion of political solutions to many Members, including Aceh, Bou-
ganville, East Timor, Kosovo, Abkhazia and Zanzibar and at the same time alert the world about new
situations like that of Somaliland, Khmer Krom, Hmong and Montagnard peoples.

UNPO Presidency believes that a responsible and substantive contribution by Members to uphold the
core principles our organization can make UNPO more effective in achieving an end to gross and system-
atic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms inflicted upon our peoples, including the de-
nial of right to autonomy and self-determination.

UNPO Presidency also believes that we have to now look to the future success of our unique family in the
next decade by further bridging a closer relationship amongst our Members so that we all have the com-
plete understanding of each other's freedom struggles that will strengthen UNPO's global network.

On behalf of UNPO Members, on this occasion of the 20th Anniversary we once again pledge to the world
of our total commitment to the principles of non-violence, human rights, self-determination, reconcilia-
tion and environment.

Happy 20th Anniversary

Ngawang Choephel

UNPO President

4 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


A MESSAGE FROM FIRST GENERAL SECRETARY OF UNPO, MR. MICHAEL VAN
WALT VAN PRAAG

As UNPO was being created in an undisclosed location


across from the KGB headquarters in Tartu, Estonia in a se-
ries of secret meetings in 1989 and 1990, only very few peo-
ple understood that the world was on the verge of monu-
mental changes. By the time UNPO was officially inaugu-
rated at the Peace Palace in the Hague the breakup of the
Soviet Union was imminent, and with it the prospect of free-
dom for many captive peoples. They were exciting times,
and UNPO was in the middle of the changes that swept
across the world. Over the past 20 years many of UNPO’s members have gained independence and others
have achieved new degrees of self‐government, of democracy, or human rights that have greatly im‐
proved the people’s lives and in some cases satisfied their current political needs. Others are involved in
peace and negotiation processes to achieve greater freedom for their peoples, while others are making
progress within the political systems they form a part of. Despite this undeniable progress, too many
peoples and minorities are still unrecognised and their rights denied in all parts of the world. Many are
immersed in painful conflicts the world pays little attention to. UNPO’s mission ‐‐to be the platform of he
unrepresented nations and peoples of the world and to promote the democratic and self‐determination
rights of all its member peoples through non‐ violent means—is more crucial than ever.

This is especially true as we find ourselves in a more polarised and more violent world once again. The
enormous hope we experienced for positive change in the 1990’s has been replaced by a climate of fear,
intolerance, big‐power competition and hostility. One consequence is the increased repression inflicted
upon many peoples under the guise of combating terrorism. Another is the destruction of the way of life
of indigenous and other peoples in the race for the extraction of the remaining mineral, carbohydrate
and forest resources of our planet. UNPO’s task is not an easy one. I wish to take this opportunity to con‐
gratulate the Presidency of UNPO, its General Secretary and the Secretariat staff, as well as all of the or-
ganisation’s Members for the tremendous work you are undertaking and the impact you are making in
the world. It is my fervent hope that the dreams and aspirations that led to the creation of UNPO will
some day become reality, so that the organisation may no longer be needed. Inshallah!

Michael van Walt van Praag

FEBRUARY | 2011 5
ABOUT UNPO
A VISION FOR PEACE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SELF-DETERMINATION

On 11 February 1991, representatives of 15 nations and peoples 1 came together at the seat of interna-
tional law, the Peace Palace in The Hague, with a revolutionary idea. Representing occupied nations, in-
digenous peoples, minorities and other vulnerable or disenfranchised populations, their aim was to cre-
ate an international forum where unrepresented nations and peoples could air their legitimate griev-
ances. In pursuit of peace for their peoples and respect for human rights, these representatives joined
together on the steps of the International Court of Justice in a pact for world peace. The result of this
meeting was the establishment of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), a body

6 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


whose existence is as crucial today as
it was twenty years ago.

The UNPO members meeting at The


Hague served as the first general as-
sembly of members, drafting and
agreeing to the covenant that serves
as the organization’s founding char‐
ter. This treaty binds Members to-
gether in an agreement to work for
human rights for all peoples, in rec-
ognition of the interconnected nature
of their struggles. It also offers an
avenue of hope, suggesting specific
paths for peace. The covenant contains five core principals which all Members must vow to uphold: 1)
the equal right to self-determination of all nations and peoples; 2) adherence to the internationally ac-
cepted human rights standards as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other in-
ternational instruments; 3) adherence to the principles of democratic pluralism and rejection of totali-
tarianism and religious intolerance; 4) promotion of nonviolence and the rejection of terrorism as an in-
strument of policy; and 5) protection of the natural environment.

The founders of UNPO were engaged in a common struggle to preserve their cultural identities, protect
the basic human rights of their peoples and advocate for a rights-based approach to international rela-
tions. A significant aspiration of these representatives was to regain recognition for their peoples as ac-
tive participants in global politics. Too often, their peoples faced extermination at the hands of colonizing
powers and invisibility in interna-
tional institutions. Rather than ac-
cepting this fate, UNPO members
banded together to secure the right
of self-determination for all peoples.
As noted in its covenant, UNPO is not
an organization for unrepresented
peoples; it is an organization of these
peoples, serving as a forum for shar-
ing experiences and developing non-
violent strategies for addressing
their problems.

THE CONTEXT

UNPO’s entrance into the interna‐


tional arena occurred at an impor-
Founding Members of UNPO, February 1991
tant moment in history. Reporter
Sarah Lambert observed that “[t]he roll-call of founding Members embraces most of the world’s flash‐
points and conjures up powerful images of peoples that one thought belonged to another era.” 2 The idea
of UNPO was a significant step in the dawn of the post-Cold War period. Indeed, the establishment of

FEBRUARY | 2011 7
UNPO occurred as part of an
emerging global human rights
movement which followed the end
of the Cold War. As journalist
Frank Viviano noted, “[t]he trend is
being encouraged not only by wid-
ening access to the media but also
by the end of the Cold War, which
has made it easier for national
groups to assert themselves and
for outsiders to take up their cause
without being accused of further-
UNPO Members with flags at 1995 General Assembly ing the interests of rival power or
threatening the security of the host state. The end of the ideological rigidity is also creating a climate in
which there can be more sympathy for political, religious and cultural diversity.”3

Even before the founders came together in The Hague to sign the covenant, UNPO attracted global atten-
tion and gained recognition as a groundbreaking parallel political experiment in global governance. One
headline, a week before signing of the covenant, read, “Unrepresented Peoples Plan to Set Up Alternative
U.N.”4 The UNPO membership wanted to assure the world that it wasn’t creating a coalition to incite fur‐
ther conflict. The aim of UNPO’s Members is to be included in the family of nations as equals, not as a
competing entity. As drafted in the preamble, the organization is not intended to create an alliance of
participating Nations and Peoples against established States or against any individual State or groups of
States. Rather, as Menelzos Tzelios, a founding Member, said, “This organization gives us and many other
nations and peoples a chance to express our feelings, to voice our concerns. Other international organiza-
tions are not open to us. This gives us hope.”5

Two decades later, a steady stream of indigenous, minority and unrecognized peoples continues to ap-
proach UNPO for membership. Founded by just fifteen groups, the organization has experienced as-
tounding growth in its last twenty years and currently boasts 53 official Members. After more than two
decades worth of work in world politics, UNPO has seen a number of successes. Since the founding of
UNPO, six Members have been admitted to the UN: Estonia, Latvia, Armenia, Georgia, Palau and East
Timor (Timor-Leste). Nevertheless, the initial purpose of UNPO remains, as evidenced by the significant
and continuous growth in groups seeking representation through UNPO membership. This growth
clearly demonstrates the real need being fulfilled by the organization.

The driving force for the UNPO existence is summarized by its founding General Secretary, “I find it abso‐
lutely unbelievable that people like Tibetans, the Kurds and the elected leaders of Burma are not in-
cluded in international discussions about their own fates. Each nation should have the right to decide its
own destiny and to manage its own environment.”6

PROMOTING NONVIOLENCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION

One of the principal objectives of UNPO is the prevention of violence and the peaceful resolution of dis-
putes. UNPO employs a number of methods, both direct and indirect, to achieve this goal.

One of UNPO’s methods for the prevention of disputes is the use of its unique early warning capabilities.

8 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


A MESSAGE FROM MR. HARRY VAN BOMMEL, MEMBER OF THE DUTCH PARLIAMENT FOR
THE SOCIALIST PARTY

UNPO provides the necessary assistance to peoples without a voice in in-


ternational organizations as the UN and the EU. In my parliamentary ac-
tivities I closely work together with UNPO to serve the interests of these
peoples. The Kurds, the Uyghurs, the Tibetans, the Palestinians and all the
other unrepresented peoples find their ways to UNPO and through UNPO
they can be heard. Their fundamental freedoms are often neglected in
their country of origin. I see it as my mission to support their struggle for
freedom and respect. Human rights are universal and the UN Declaration
of Human Rights provides a solid basis fort his struggle. Together with
UNPO I wish to promote these rights wherever and whenever needed.

Harry van Bommel, MP for the Socialist Party in the Netherlands

UNPO works with Members to identify instances of increased imbalance in an area and reduce the possi-
bility of violence through preventive practices and diplomatic efforts. UNPO is a grassroots organization,
maintaining close contact with Members who have direct lines of communication with the peoples they
represent. This allows UNPO to gather timely and vital information about emerging conflicts. It is also a
global movement, sending this vital information to capitols and centers for conflict resolution. Recogniz-
ing the importance of open and direct communication in preventive diplomacy, UNPO facilitates meet-
ings between its Members and representatives of state governments, international organizations, NGOs
and the media. This early warning and action system allows for timely global action, supplementing in-
ternational bodies that lack either the strength or the speed necessary to anticipate and act on crises in a
timely manner. Chechnya, Ogoni (Nigeria), East Timor, Kosova and Aceh are just a few examples in which
UNPO has sounded an early warning prior to the outbreak of severe violence and loss of life. Unfortu-
nately, UNPO’s warnings have often gone unheeded by the international community, which continues to
give very little weight to the legitimate grievances expressed by such nations and peoples.

In support of this early warning and action program,


UNPO undertakes field missions to regions of conflict.
Such missions provide important third party mediation
and support to conflict resolution mechanisms, promot-
ing de-escalation of emerging conflicts while advocating
for changes in the context that produced the conflict.
Such changes include the democratization of governance
and the respect for human rights. UNPO’s field work sup‐
plements and supports efforts by international NGOs and
the UN, and provides assistance to indigenous, minority UNPO Mission to Hawaii, 1996
and unrecognized peoples from election monitoring to me-
diation between segments of society.

In addition to directly acting to quell potential and ongoing outbreaks of violence, UNPO offers alterna-
tive paths for Members to secure fundamental freedoms. UNPO offers training and support for nonvio-
lent methods of activism. Where these nonviolent struggles are met with violent repression, UNPO serves
as a witness and advocate, protecting vulnerable peoples by bringing these instances to the attention of
the international community and bringing international pressure to bear on the offending parties.
FEBRUARY | 2011 9
The promotion of the concept of self-
determination is another important
part of UNPO’s work for peace. While
international law recognizes the
right of nations to freely determine
their own form of governance and
political representation, this legal
principle is silent on what consti-
tutes a nation, and how nations
should go about making such deci-
sions. While the concept of self-
determination has been inconsis-
tently and ambiguously interpreted
within the realm of international
Ogoni protest in the Niger Delta, November 2007
power politics and international
law,7 UNPO asserts that all peoples
have the right to self-determination, and that only through the recognition of this right can stability be
established. As noted by scholars, “unresolved disputes over self-determination have formed the basis
for the vast majority of violent conflicts in the world since 1945.” 8 Indeed, civil conflict accounted for all
but three of the wars that broke out in the twelve year period beginning in 1990, and accounted for 90
percent of civilian and combatant battle deaths during this period.9

When Mr. van Walt van Praag became the first foreigner to be granted a visa to Estonia as an independ-
ent nation, he commented on the cause of conflict and the possible remedies for peace, arguing that in-
stability is not a result of movements for freedom but rather the long periods of oppression which the
people involved in such movements have faced. Stability requires that individual nations and peoples be
allowed to develop varying forms of self-determination. When such voluntary processes are denied, in-
stability is introduced. UNPO strongly believes that lasting stability is only possible where equality, free
choice and mutual benefit underlie the relations among the world’s peoples. Mr. van Walt van Praag
sums up this view with the following statement:

We must move away from the misguided view of stability premised on immediate
or short-term economic and political considerations to a long-term perspective
which will ensure the peaceful co-existence of all peoples. Universal recognition
and support for peoples right to self-determination is the cornerstone of a truly
peaceful and stable world.10

Contrary to popular perception, self-determination does not necessarily imply secession, separate na-
tionhood, or even autonomy; this term simply refers to the right of all peoples to freely determine their
political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. The exercise of this
right can result in a variety of outcomes, ranging from political independence to full integration within an
existing state.

Since 1991 the non-violent methods by which UNPO achieves its goals have been recognized throughout
the world. UNPO has been awarded the 1991 Tolerance Award, 1992 Social Innovation Award (The Body

10 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


Shop), 1998 Petra Kelly Peace Award (Heinrich Böll Foundation) and nominated for 1993 Nobel Peace
Prize and 1994 Right Livelihood Award.

HOW UNPO WORKS

UNPO provides an avenue for advocacy at the international level for nations and peoples that have been
excluded, and in extreme cases exterminated, through centuries of slave labor and state-sanctioned legis-
lation. UNPO provides services to assist Members at the UN and regional mechanisms. It also provides
conflict resolution services, assistance and advocacy in strategic planning for peace and justice efforts,
election and referendum monitoring in democracy building, as well as trainings which enhance empow-
erment and allow for cultural preservation and promotion through capacity building.

UNPO builds on this important element of indigenous advocacy through training programs in diplomacy,
legal activism and continued consultation and advice, human rights protection and promotion, democ-
ratic principles and practice, media relations and nonviolence skills and strategies. The skills developed
and strategies designed in such trainings are applied to advocacy through international mechanisms.
UNPO Members, with the assistance and support provided by UNPO, engage in the vast and complex
processes of the United Nations. Through these and other efforts, Members develop the diplomatic and
negotiation skills necessary to navigate among the intricate international political balances.

As a core channel of communication between the peoples in their communities and global civil society,
the UNPO secretariat aims to keep international organizations, governments, NGOs and the media in-
formed, providing a unique perspective to the global discussion. UNPO serves as catalyst among parties
involved in seeking solutions to conflicts, and is also involved on the ground, serving as an intermediary
between parties in conflict. The organization is uniquely capable of carrying out this role, as “it has the
trust and confidence of its Member nations and peoples and at the same time it enjoys a level of recogni-
tion in the international community which provides access to expertise and credibility.”11

Notes:
(1) Present at this founding meeting were representatives from Tibet, Taiwan, Kurdistan, East Turkestan, Latvia, Tatarstan,
Palau (Belau), Australian Aboriginals, Cordillera, West Papua, Estonia, Armenia, Georgia, the Greek Minority in Albania and
the Crimean Tatars.
(2) Sarah Lambert, “World’s minorities seek a voice,” The Independent, 7 August 1991, p. 16.
(3) Frank Viviano, “World’s Wannabe Nations Sound Off,” San Francisco Chronicle, 31 January 1995, p. A6.
(4) “Unrepresented Peoples Plan to Set Up Alternative U.N.”, The Wall Street Journal Europe, February 5, 1991.
(5) George de Lama, “Stateless peoples seek to state their cause,” Chicago Tribune, 14 February, 1993, p. 23
(6) Jeff Greenwald, “Getting the World to Listen,” Los Angeles Times, 23 April 1992, p. E1, E6.
(7) FitzGerald, Valpy, Frances Stewart and Rajesh Venugopal (2006). Globalization, Self-Determination and Violent Conflict
Palgrave Macmillan. 2006, Hampshire. p. 3.
(8) FitzGerald, Valpy, Frances Stewart and Rajesh Venugopal (2006). Globalization, Self-Determination and Violent Conflict
Palgrave Macmillan. 2006, Hampshire. p. 6.
(9) Lacina, Bethany (2006). “Explaining the Severity of Civil Wars” Journal of Conflict Resolution. Vol. 50 No. 2, pp. 276 – 289. p.
276.
(10) The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization: The First Decade,
(The Netherlands: Drukkerij Brummelkamp, 2001), p. 9.
(11) The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization: The First Decade,
(The Netherlands: Drukkerij Brummelkamp, 2001), p. 7.

FEBRUARY | 2011 11
UNPO TIMELINE

1991: UNPO Founding Assembly and Second General Assembly.

1992: Mission to Kosova


Mission to Abkhazia, Georgia and the Northern Caucuses

1993: Third General Assembly, The Hague.


Mission to Abkhazia and Georgian
Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Cordillera, the Philippines,
June.
Report on the National and Human Rights Situation of the Albanians in
Kosova

1994: Report on Trial of Leaders of Greek Minority in Albanian Second General Assembly 1991
Mission to Greek Minority in Albanian
Mission to Taiwan

1995: Fourth General Assembly, The Hague.


Report on Yakutsk, Sakha Republic
Report on Republic of Ingushetia and Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
Mission to Rwanda (Batwa)
Mission to Ogoniland
Mission to Zanzibar Batwa mission 1995
1996: Mission to Abkhazia/Georgia
Mission to the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)
Mission to Sanjak
Mission to Hawai’i

1997: Fifth General Assembly, Otteppaa, Estonia.


Mission to Chechen Republic Ichkeria for Presidential & Primary Elections
Mission to Tibet
Report on Peace Action Council Mission to Tanzania

1998: Sixth General Assembly (Extraordinary Session), Geneva, Switzerland.


The late Ken Saro Wiwa
Barcelona UNESCO Conference, ‘The Implementation of the Right to Self-
Determination as a Contribution to Conflict Prevention’

1999: Universal Declaration on the Rights of People drafted after three


meetings; adopted at the Seventh GA.

2000: Ten Years of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization and
the Rights of Peoples; conference organized in Tallinn, Estonia
Chechnya mission 1995
2001: Seventh General Assembly, Tallinn, Estonia.
Report on Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan and Magistrate Elections

2002: Round Table Discussion on the Decolonization held at Secretariat office


with the participation of ten UNPO Members

2003: UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, 21st Session

2004: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 3rd Session


UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, 22nd Session Tibet Mission 1997

12 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


2005: UN Commission on Human Rights, 61st Session
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 4th Session,
Seventh General Assembly, The Hague, the Netherlands
UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, 23rd Session
Election Monitoring Mission to Zanzibar
Nonviolence sculpture at UN Conference on “Peace, Stability and Security in East Asia: The Question
of China – Taiwan”, The Hague, the Netherlands

2006: UN Commission on Human Rights, 62nd Session


UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 5th Session
UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, 24th Session
UN Human Rights Council, 1st Session
Eight General Assembly, Taipei, Taiwan

2007: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 6th Session


Maasai at UNPFII 2006
UN Human Rights Council, 5th Session
Democracy and Human Rights: Leadership Seminar for Uyghurs
International Day of Non-Violence
Iraqi Turkmen: The Human Rights Situation and Crisis in Kerkuk,
European Parliament

2008: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 7th Session


UN Human Rights Council, 8th Session
Speak Out! Human Rights Training, Belgium and the Netherlands
Khmer Krom March 2006
De Facto States Conference, European Parliament
Kerkuk Problem and Article 140:Defining Alternatives, European Par
liament
Population Transfer: The Baltic States and the Tibetan Experience,
Estonia
Uyghur Leadership Training Seminar, Berlin

2009: Earth Exploitation and Survival Campaign


Iraqi Provincial Elections Observation Mission, Iraq
Human Rights and the Question of Democratization and Federalism in
Iran, European Parliament, Brussels
Peace & Security and the de facto State Conference, European Parlia
ment
East Turkestan: 60 Years Under the PRC, Washington UN Permanent
Forum on Indigenous Issues, 7th Session
Promoting a Culture of Non-Violence with Mr. Arun Gandhi, The
Khmer Krom Rally Hague
5th Session of the UPR Working Group, UN Human Rights Council,
large demonstration outside UN with Khmer-Krom.
Balochistan Side Event at 11th Session of the UN Human Rights Coun
cil
Liberation from the Legacy of Colonialism: An Indigenous Voice for
Self-Determination in Asia-Pacific, Khmer Krom Conference, Paris
Uyghur Delegation Meeting at the European Parliament following July
5 unrest in Urumqi, Brussels
Palais des Nations, Geneva, 2010 Kurdistan Election Monitoring Mission
World Uyghur Congress Hearing in the European Parliament

FEBRUARY | 2011 13
Visit to Mapucheland, Chile
2nd session of the Forum on Minority Issues
5th Parliamentary Assembly on Tibet, Rome
International Day of Human Rights event,Manifesto Presented to Dutch Parliament, The Hague
Tibet: Autonomy v Independence’ Turin, Italy
Rebiya Kadeer visit to the Netherlands

2010:
Visit to Ogoniland, Human Rights Training and Fielf Visits, Nigeria
8th Presidency, Rome. Conference on the principle of non-refoulement
7th Session of the Working Group on the UPR – Iran under review. Lobbying Mission and parallel event
76th session on the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Cambodia
Conference on human rights in Pakistan, demonstration, UN, Geneva
Conference on Dialogue in the Situation of Human Rights of Minorities in South Asia, UN, Geneva
Interventions during the 13th Session of the Human Rights Council
Hearing on Human Rights in Ogaden, European Parliament, Brussels
Crimean Tatar European Parliament Conference
Movies That Matter Film Festival- Rebiya Kadeer in the Netherlands United Nations Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues New York, USA
Khmer Krom youth conference, Philadelphia
Uyghur Training and Conference, European Parliament, Brussels
Conference: Democratic Movement in Iran: Pitfalls and Potential, Italian Parliament, Rome
Hearing at the Italian Senate on minorities in Iran, Rome
Speak Out! Indigenous Voices, Human Rights Training for Youth, The Hague
UNPO Training on Human Rights and Activism for Degar-Montagnard
Members, South Carolina, USA
UNPO “Digital Democracy” Side Event at 15h Session of UN Human Rights
Council, UN, Geneva
CEDAW Pre-Sessional Working Group: Ethiopia, UN, Geneva
CAT review of Ethiopia, UN, Geneva
Gilgit-Baltistan Conference, European Parliament, Brussels
15th Anniversary of the Execution of former UNPO Vice Chair, Ken Saro Wiwa, public event and commemo-
rative concert The Hague,.
Working visit to investigate situation of the Batwa, Rwanda
UNPO Delegation to the UN Forum on Minority Issues, Geneva

2011: Visit to Mapucheland, Chile


Rebiya Kadeer visit to Europe; meetings in Dutch and European Parliaments
10th Session of the UPR Working Group, Rwanda
Kashgar conference, European Parliament, Brussels

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: THE DALAI LAMA VISITS UNPO IN THE HAGUE (2009); NNEKA PERFORMS AT A 2010 ME-
MORIAL CONCERT COMMEMORATING THE DEATH OF KEN SARO WIWA; 2010 UNPO MISSION TO BATWA
(RWANDA)

14 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


A MESSAGE FROM MR. ERKIN ALPTEKIN, FORMER UNPO GENERAL SECRETARY
As a Uyghur from East Turkestan, I was thrilled when the idea
was put forward to create an organization uniting peoples
and nations not represented in the United Nations during a
conference held in London in 1990. This idea led to the foun-
dation of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organiza-
tion (UNPO) in 1991. Our goal was to offer a platform to those
peoples that do not have the opportunity to be part of the es-
tablished international organizations.

It is estimated that there are 6,500 peoples and ethnic groups


in the world of which less than 200 are represented in the United Nations. Hence the necessity of provid-
ing marginalized peoples with a framework enabling them to help each other. UNPO gives a voice to
those who otherwise would never have one.

Some of our Members want full recognition in the form of a sovereign and independent state. Others
merely wish respect for their fundamental rights, especially in the cultural domain. It is the spirit of mu-
tual respect, where no one group tries to impose its objectives on the others, that allows peoples to co-
exist within UNPO. UNPO is, above all, a platform that each of us use to promote our issues. We share the
same pillow, even though we have different dreams.

Our Members adhere to non-violence, respect for human rights, self-determination and democracy, and
mutual tolerance. The criteria of non-violence may seem in contradiction with the reality that some of
our Members were engaged in an armed struggle. This is often purely in self-defense, in order to survive
as a people. I think our position can be summarized as follows: violence is unacceptable as long as there
are ways of making ourselves heard. Wherever the possibility exists, peoples should reaffirm their exis-
tence and pursue their objectives through peaceful ways of expression. In its 20th year of existence, UNPO
has accomplished much: the voices of more than 70 peoples are now heard. International recognition of
UNPO as a legitimate forum where peoples can address problems and open dialogue with governments is
growing. However, many challenges still lie ahead of us. Everywhere states are intensifying their politics
of oppression, cultural assimilation and economic exploitation by force. Perhaps the greatest threat to us
unrepresented peoples is the loss of our identity. We all have different dreams but our primary mutual
objective is to see our own culture and uniqueness flourish in our homelands. This wish is the same for
Uyghurs, Tibetans and the Inner Mongols, for the Mapuche of Chile, the Australian Aboriginals, the Batwa
of Rwanda and the Chechen people in Russia.

As one of the forefathers of the idea of UNPO, its former vice chairman and former interim General Secre-
tary, I would like to reiterate my commitment to our organization. I am sure that UNPO will lead us into a
new and brighter millennium and will continue to strive for peaceful realization of our dreams.

Erkin Alptekin

FEBRUARY | 2011 15
WORLD MAP OF UNPO MEMBERS (AS OF FEBURARY 2011)

ABKHAZIA

ABORIGINALS OF AUSTRALIA

AFRIKANER

AHWAZ

ASSYRIA

BALOCHISTAN

BATWA

BURMA

BURYATIA

CABINDA

CHIN

CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS

CIRCASSIA

CORDILLERA

CRIMEAN TATARS

DEGAR-MONTAGNARDS

EAST TURKESTAN

GILGIT BALTISTAN

GREEK MINORITY IN ALBANIA

HMONG CHAOFA

HUNGARIANS IN ROMANIA

INNER MONGOLIA

IRANIAN KURDISTAN

IRAQI KURDISTAN

IRAQI TURKMEN

KA LAHUI HAWAI’I

KARENNI

16 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


KHMER KROM

KOSOVA

MAASAI

MAPUCHE

MON

MORO

NAGALIM

OGADEN

OGONI

OROMO

REHOBOTH BASTERS

SANJAK

SCANIA

SINDH

SOMALILAND

SOUTHERN AZERBAIJAN

SOUTHERN CAMEROONS

SOUTH MOLUCCAS

TAIWAN

TIBET

TSIMSHIAN

TUVA

UDMURT

VHAVENDA

WEST BALOCHISTAN

ZANZIBAR

FEBRUARY | 2011 17
UNPO ACTIVITIES

UNPO AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Drawing attention to issues affecting marginalized groups at the United Nations has been a central focus
of UNPO’s work over the past 20 years. The aim of the organization is to ensure that UNPO Members are
able to effectively access and take part in discussions within the international bodies mandated to pro-
tect their rights. Members have participated in various sessions of the Human Rights Council, the Perma-
nent UN Forum on Minority Issues and the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues. UNPO has also
continued to contribute to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, an initiative launched in 2008 to
review the human rights records of UN Member States, both in terms of submitting reports and attending
sessions. Expanding its work to consider Treaty Body mechanisms, UNPO has also participated in the
Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimina-
tion Against Women, the Committee Against Torture and the Human Rights Committee. Over the past
two decades UNPO has vastly increased its capacity to help facilitate discussion on minority issues in in-
ternational arenas.

UNPO representatives in front of the Palais des Nations, headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva

UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW PROCESS


The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a state‐driven process involving the review of the human
rights records of all 192 UN Member States once every four years. UNPO has been contributing to
the UPR since its inception, having previously submitted reports to be considered as part of the
reviews of Argentina, Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, China, Ethiopia,
Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, South Africa,
Ukraine and Vietnam to be considered for several States’ Joint Stakeholders Reports; which con‐
tains the collective contributions from non‐governmental organizations on human rights concerns

18 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


and is presented to the State Under Review. UNPO
also attended sessions to advocate for these issues
to be included on the agenda. UNPO is frequently
and increasingly cited in UPR reports, demon-
strating not only a marked improvement in
UNPO’s capacity and influence, but also the value
of the information brought to light by UNPO.
UNPO also arranges for Members to attend the
sessions, allowing them to observe the process
and draw attention to important issues.

UN PERMANENT FORUM ON INDIGENOUS IS-


SUES

The UNPFII is an advisory body to the Economic


and Social Council that meets annually for two
weeks in New York to discuss indigenous issues
related to economic and social development, cul-
ture and human rights. UNPO assists its Members
in taking advantage of this important and rare op-
portunity for indigenous groups to directly ad-
dress the United Nations and its member states,
Above: Room XX at the Palais des Nations
and make their voices heard at the highest levels
Below: Representing Iranian Kurdistan, Mr. Logh-
of the international system.
man Ahmedi makes a statement to the UN Forum on
Minority Issues
HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY BODIES

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) coordinates nine
human rights treaty bodies which monitor the implementation of the core international human
rights treaties by signatory states. These include the Committee on Economic Social and Cultural
Rights (CESCR), the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Committee
on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Committee Against Torture
(CAT) & Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), and the Committee on En-
forced Disappearance (CED), which entered into force in 2010. UNPO is actively engaged with the
work of many of these treaty bodies as it relates to UNPO Members. This engagement includes the
submission of detailed reports prior to the meetings of the committees, the coordination of delega-
tions of UNPO staff and Member representatives to give testimony at the committee meetings, and
monitoring and follow-up on countries’ implementation of recommendations issued by the com‐
mittees. This work has been highly successful in recent years, gaining increasing recognition by the
committee members, and as a result, greater influence in the work of the committees and their re-
sulting recommendations.

UN FORUM ON MINORITY ISSUES

The Forum on Minority Issues was established to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and
cooperation on issues pertaining to national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. It also pro-

FEBRUARY | 2011 19
vides thematic input into the work of the Independent Expert on Minority Issues. The first session
of the Forum was convened in 2008; since that time, UNPO has coordinated two large delegations
of Member representatives to the Forum. These delegations were both highly successful in facili-
tating the participation of UNPO Members and building stronger connections with external com-
munities of minority groups, advocates, experts and United Nations officials.

UNPO DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE PROGRAM

Democracy is a central tenet of UNPO’s work. In support of this tenet, UNPO engages in election monitor‐
ing missions where appropriate. The documentation produced by these missions as well as its dissemi-
nation on an international scale strengthens democracy and good governance in the states involved. One
of UNPO’s first missions sent representatives to Abkhazia, Georgia and the Northern Caucasus to investi‐
gate the ongoing conflict in the region. One of the major aims of the mission was to research possible me-
diation and negotiation strategies involving the major parties. The mission met with elected officials, dip-
lomats, international humanitarian agencies, NGOs and victims of the violence, and it recorded wide-
spread violations of human rights from both sides. UNPO called for major parties to begin negotiating a
ceasefire, and for the newly appointed OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities to make an offi-
cial visit to the region. More recently, UNPO undertook an election-monitoring mission in Iraqi Kurdi-
stan. This mission was intended to examine the conduct of the 25 July 2009 parliamentary and presiden-
tial elections in the region's Erbil Governorate. UNPO issued a number of recommendations based on its
observations during the mission, including calls for improved voter education, better training for elec-
toral staff, encouragement of independent media coverage and support for civil society engagement.

UNPO AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

An expanding and dynamic European Union has increasingly become a forum within which issues affect-
ing UNPO Members are debated and where their presence and visibility has consequently become of
great importance. UNPO has dedicated considerable efforts to working with an expanding network of
partners within the European Parliament, ensuring that UNPO Members are able to make efficient and
effective use of its political instruments. UNPO Members are increasingly included in relevant high‐level
hearings, panels and conferences, and UNPO has arranged a number of meetings between MEPs and
Member representatives. The UNPO Secretariat has also been able to monitor and react to positions of
the European Parliament as never before, lobbying for the inclusion of Member issues in resolutions, re-
ports and circulated letters, and promoting this through an expanding international media network.

UNPO IN THE NETHERLANDS

Founded at the Peace Palace in The Hague, UNPO has always had close ties to the Netherlands and the
Municipality of The Hague. The city is the international home of peace and justice – themes which under-
pin the ethos of UNPO. A base in the Netherlands allows UNPO to make strong international links, con-
necting those suffering the consequences of exclusion and exploitation with appropriate mechanisms
under which these issues can be addressed. UNPO maintains a close relationship with the Dutch Parlia-
ment as well as the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Dutch government is often a leader in foreign
20 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY
policy related to human rights and situations of
armed conflict. UNPO Members are provided with
an opportunity to provide their input into debates
made by representatives of the Dutch government,
informing Dutch decision-making and raising the
profile of UNPO Members.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

UNPO organizes and takes part in conferences


Michael van Walt van Praag makes a statement at a public
around the globe. Such events are an important ele-
event in The Hague honoring the life of Ogoni activist and
former UNPO Vice President Ken Saro Wiwa ment of UNPO’s work. Conferences allow UNPO
Members to share their knowledge and insight into
their regions. The knowledge brought into and gen-
erated by conferences also plays an important role
in guiding the work of UNPO. Many conferences
take place in aptly chosen locations such as national
parliaments where other lobbying activities and
briefings can take place.

DEMONSTRATIONS AND EVENTS

UNPO regularly organizes and hosts demonstra-


tions and events by Member groups and associa-
tions of Member groups; the aim of these pro-
grams is to increase awareness and visibility of its
Members and their issues. Target groups of these
events include the general public, local and inter-
Conference on Iran, Italian Parliament, Rome
national media and influential public officials.

OUTREACH AND APPEALS

UNPO has made significant advancements over the


past 20 years in improving its visibility as well as
its communication with Members and interested
parties. UNPO is constantly seeking contacts
within the fields of journalism and advocacy, and
has made a number of advancements in this re-
gard. UNPO aims to improve the presence of its
Members in the news media; this is accomplished
Uyghur demonstration in The Hague, 2010
through the submission of op-eds and letters to ma-
jor newspapers, as well as cultivating a reputation

FEBRUARY | 2011 21
as a reliable source of first-hand
knowledge and information for
journalists and policy-makers.
UNPO reacts quickly to news af-
fecting Members by issuing urgent
appeals, campaigns and state-
ments of condemnation or con-
cern. Additionally, UNPO regularly
produces publications addressing
topics of concern to its Members
from their perspective, contribut-
ing valuable insight to a number of
highly relevant debates.
UNPO West Balochistan representative Monireh Sulemani speaks at a can-
dlelight vigil in Rome, 2010

EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION TRAINING


PROGRAM
UNPO is committed to helping Members be-
come more effectively involved in national,
regional and international mechanisms to as-
sert their opinions and concerns. While human
rights violations often require context-specific
action, a wide range of Members have gained
important knowledge of the options for action
through training programs provided by UNPO.
Trainings take place upon request by Mem-
bers, often in parallel to high‐level meetings at
the United Nations and the European Parlia-
Participants take part in a lively discussion at SpeakOut!, a
ment as well as in local Member communities. UNPO hosted training for indigenous youth activists
Continuity and transfer of knowledge and skills
to a younger generation is considered fundamental to the work of UNPO. These trainings utilize the train
‐the‐trainer technique, which has the benefit of significant multiplier effects. UNPO’s initiatives focus on
interactive training methods and problem-based learning, contributing and providing space for interac-
tive dialogue.

22 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


A MESSAGE FROM MR. LODI G. GYARI, SPECIAL ENVOY TO HIS HOLINESS, THE
DALAI LAMA

It is indeed a great honour as one of the Founding Fathers of UNPO


to contribute a few words to the UNPO Anniversary Publication as
we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Organisation It is also
heartening that many of the founding Members some of whom are
no longer associated with UNPO today achieved various form of po-
litical solutions to their freedom struggles and live with peace, hu-
man rights and democracy towards which UNPO made immense
contributions.
As UNPO comes to this age, it would be important for Members to
note that UNPO was inspired by the Allied Committee of the Peo-
ples of Eastern Turkestan, Innner Mongolia, Manchuria and Tibet
founded in 1985 as the concerned peoples decided to work in a coordinated manner to highlight their
cause at the international level.
As the Allied Committee worked, Tibetans and Uygurs, including Mr. Erkin Alptekin and his colleagues,
began to realise that unrepresented peoples and nations required a global platform that generates soli-
darity and collaboration with and from other oppressed peoples in order to make an impact on the global
geopolitics and multilateral avenues. With such objective we initially began outreach during the Sovient
Union regime with organisations and dissidents of the freedom struggles in Baltic countries, including
late Dr. Linnart Mall of Estonia. Dr. Michael van Walt van Praag, the founding General Secretary of UNPO
was also among us and helped conceptualizing the establishment of the UNPO and its programme of
work as the Organisation began to grow in terms of Membership.
Like the Allied Committee, the establishment of UNPO was deeply inspired by the principle of non-
violence with which His Holiness the Dalai Lama has guided the Tibetan freedom struggle for the past six
decades. I am, therefore, deeply grateful that the current leadership of UNPO and Membership which has
grown over the years continues to uphold non-violence as its core principle.
I was fortunate to be associated with the modest Tibetan contribution to UNPO during the past two dec-
ades despite our restraints in terms of human and financial resources and I assure UNPO that we will
continue to offer our suggestions to further strengthen your work in the future. In this respect, on behalf
of the Founding Fathers of UNPO, I wish to wholeheartedly thank the financial contributors towards the
execution of UNPO activities, including the City of Hague, Nonviolent Radical Party, Taiwan Foundation
for Democracy, International Campaign for Tibet-Europe and others who generously aided UNPO in the
recent years. I would like to conclude this message by thanking the dedicated staff and interns in the
UNPO Secretariat, especially the General Secretaries and Members for your continued support to His Ho-
liness the Dalai Lama and six million Tibetan people as we continue to strive for justice, peace and free-
dom on the Tibetan Plateau.
10 January, 2011
Washington, DC

FEBRUARY | 2011 23
SUCCESS STORIES
UNPO MEMBERS BUILDING PEACE AND GAINING PROMINENCE ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar, an autonomous state off


the coast of Tanzania, has been a
member of UNPO since August
1991. Zanzibar represents a UNPO
success story in its efforts to build
peace in a state which was prone to
intense violence surrounding its
elections. In 2009, following yet
another outbreak of political violen-
ce, the leaders of Zanzibar’s two ma‐
jor parties (CCM and CUF) met to
discuss how they could avoid future
political turmoil. Following this
meeting, the two parties introduced
a national unity motion, which would introduce a system of proportional representation into the pre-
viously winner-take-all system. On 31 July 2010 this proposal was passed by a peaceful popular referen-
dum.

KOSOVA

On 17 February 2008, members of


the Assembly of Kosovo, acting as
the elected leaders of the people of
Kosovo, unanimously declared
Kosovo’s independence from the
Serbian state. Later that year, Serbia
requested that the International
Court of Justice (ICJ) examine the
case and issue an opinion on the
legality of Kosovo’s declaration of
independence. On 22 July 2010, the
ICJ issued a ruling declaring that
Kosovo’s declaration was not a vio‐
lation of international law, stating further that international law contains no prohibitions against decla-
rations of independence. On the heels of this landmark ruling a number of powerful states have publicly
declared their recognition of Kosovo’s status as a fully independent state. At the time of this publication,
74 UN member states have officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state. The ICJ’s ruling has sin-
ce been used as a precedent by a number of states.

24 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


SOMALILAND
Somaliland formally declared independence from
the state of Somalia in 1991, and has been a UNPO
Member since 2004. The region has established a
strong and democratic system of governance,
which has managed to maintain relative peace
within its borders. Somaliland has been hailed as a
beacon of peace and stability in a region where
both are scarce. While the United States govern-
ment has not verbalized support of an indepen-
dent Somaliland, it did provide capacity-building support and democracy and governance training to
Somaliland’s government in advance of its 2010 elections, which were deemed free and fair by interna‐
tional observers. The success of Somaliland’s democracy is gaining increasingly widespread international
recognition and its government maintains informal ties to a number of foreign governments. However,
Somaliland has not yet been recognized as an independent state by any country or international organi-
zation.

FORMER MEMBERS AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Six former Members of UNPO have achieved full, internationally recognized statehood, and are
now members of the United Nations:
ESTONIA
Founding Member of UNPO.
Member of the United Nations since17 September 1991.

GEORGIA
Founding Member of UNPO.
Member of the United Nations since17 September 1991.

LATVIA
Founding Member of UNPO.
Member of the United Nations since 17 September 1991.

ARMENIA
Founding Member of UNPO
Member of the United Nations since 2 March 1992

BELAU (PALAU)
Founding Member of UNPO
Member of the United Nations since 15 December 1994

EAST TIMOR (TIMOR LESTE)


Member of UNPO from 17 January 1993
Member of the United Nations since 27 September 2002

FEBRUARY | 2011 25
THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
The work of UNPO, much like the world in which it operates, is increasingly complex. While the past 20
years have seen the success of several movements for statehood from nations formerly occupied by the
USSR, many more such movements have been violently suppressed, rejected by both state governments
individually and the international community as a whole.

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, governments have found a new weapon to use against
those who advocate for self-determination, the recognition of their rights and the survival of their cul-
ture. Accusations of terrorism are now routinely leveled against many peaceful advocacy groups. Such
accusations are meant to lend legitimacy to brutal crackdowns on groups working for their rights. UNPO
works to counter false charges against its Members, defending them in international institutions as well
as the court of public opinion.

The coming years present a daunting array of new challenges for the organization and its Members. Cli-
mate change, population growth and the continued effects of the global economic crisis have and will
continue to affect UNPO Members more acutely than much of the world. The effects of global climate
change and population growth are expected to drastically increase conflict over the control and distribu-
tion of increasingly scarce resources, particularly among groups such as UNPO’s Members, which are de‐
nied access to political institutions and systems of redress at both the local and international levels. The
effects of the global financial crisis are likewise felt most strongly among those groups that were already
economically vulnerable. UNPO aims to counter the negative effects of these trends, quelling the flames
of conflict by encouraging alternative methods of engagement for the peaceful resolution of conflict, and
addressing the root causes by promoting the right of all peoples to a peaceful and legitimate process of
self-determination.

UNPO looks to the future with the same sense of purpose that was present at the Peace Palace 20 years
ago. Just as its Members cannot step away from the struggles they face in their daily lives, UNPO will not
yield in its efforts to project their voices into the international arena.
26 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY
A MESSAGE FROM HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA

His Holiness the Dalai Lama visits UNPO in The Hague, the Netherlands, 1994

FEBRUARY | 2011 27
A MESSAGE FROM FORMER UNPO PRESIDENT, MR. LEDUM MITEE

When in 1991, representatives of 15 nations and peoples met at the


Peace Palace in The Hague to found the Unrepresented Nations and
Peoples Organization on the basis of the shared principles of non
violence, human rights, democracy, environmental protection and
self determination, they hardly envisaged that their humble efforts
would change the course of several events in many corners of the
globe.

That within even the first decade of its existence the UNPO mem-
bership quadrupled and spread across the globe is testament to the universality of its message and the
acceptance of its relevance to world peace. Its achievements, though at times understated, have been
phenomenal. Whilst several of the members who sought self determination are now self governing, oth-
ers are in peace processes whilst several others are increasingly attaining international visibility and ex-
posure. The case of the Ogoni people that I represent is distinctive. The profound sustained international
attention and support that our struggle has maintained sprang from our membership in the UNPO, which
not only exposed our cause internationally but also built our capacities for international engagements.
Our international campaign has been so successful that though it could not save the lives of Ken Saro-
Wiwa and my other colleagues, the fact that I and others were spared is testament to the extent of the
local and international pressure that it generated.

Realizing that the diverse membership of the UNPO easily represents some of the world’s trouble spots
(because of the injustices suffered by members), it is my fervent hope that the world recognizes that in
our diversity lies our strength, and that the universality of our valued principles inspires the hope for
world peace!

Ledum Mitee

28 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


MESSAGE FROM FORMER PRESIDENT OF UNPO AND CURRENT VICE PRESI-
DENT OF ZANZIBAR, MR. SEIF SHARIF HAMAD

In 1991, 15 unrepresented nations and peoples gathered in Peace Pal-


ace in the Hague to deliberate upon their future. The main focus in
that deliberation was to defend the rights of their peoples who remain
oppressed in the spirit of non-violence, human rights and democracy.
It is a well known proverb that unity is power. That is what made a
small group to decide to unite and fight for their primary rights. UNPO
was born as an instrument to carry the banner of the crying voices of
those deprived peoples.

The Founding members of UNPO set principles which were the navigation compass that provided direc-
tion on the kinds of activities required for achieving the set goals and mission. UNPO is dedicated to five
principles enshrined in its covenant: The right to self-determination; adherence to the internationally
accepted human rights standards as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other
international instruments; adherence to the principles of democratic pluralism and rejection of totalitari-
anism and religious intolerance; promotion of non-violence and the rejection of terrorism as an instru-
ment of policy and protection of the natural environment

UNPO principles lean on peaceful means of struggle. This means that, once rights desired are obtained,
they will not leave scars that vividly remind of the bitter past of struggle, and hence will not create room
for revenge. Instead they will establish consultation and consensus in future decision making, friendship
and forbearance among the once opposing factions, and green earth as habitat which all of humankind
and other living organisms dwell upon.

UNPO aimed at and, still aims at raising the awareness of the sufferings of its members to decision mak-
ing bodies of the word together with raising self-understanding and determination of its members and
readiness to peacefully fight against oppression of any sort. To achieve this aim UNPO has initiated and
carried out a number of activities, including special programs which aim at raising the awareness of its
members globally and assisting members to participate in international forums. UNPO organizes semi-
nars on issues of importance to its members especially in the areas of non-violent struggles against op-
pressions, the respect of human rights, the observance of international law, as well as the upholding of
the democratic principles and the right to self determination.

UNPO sets up missions for its members. It tasks such missions to investigate its members’ situations,
and also to assist in peaceful resolutions of disputes and conflicts that affect them. Reports collected are
disseminated to stakeholders worldwide.

One of the important UNPO activities is lobbying especially at the United Nations bodies, European Par-
liament and the European Commission, on issues of importance concerning its members. It acts as a liai-
son between the members and these international forums. It has defended cases of violations against its
members to the United Nations Commission for Human Rights and Human Rights Council to mention the
few.

UNPO participates in UN meetings and increases the exposure of its members to UN bodies, facilitates
understanding of its members on global issues and brings closer those who are suffering to the eyes of

FEBRUARY | 2011 29
world decision makers. Normally UNPO acts as a mediator between NGO’s and UN bodies. Recently it
has worked very closely to present members’ concerns in the Universal Periodic Review. Continuously it
assists in raising its members concerns to United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous People.

In these 20 years UNPO takes pride in its growth. Starting with only 15 members it has now grown to a
prominent forum with about 70 members distributed worldwide from Ka Lahui in Hawaii and Trimshian
in the west to South Mollucas in the east, from Inkeri and Dene Nation in the north to Mapuche and Afri-
caner in the south. As an organization it has received a number of awards, including: 1991 Tolerance
Award, 1992 Social Innovation Award (The Body Shop), 1998 Petra Kelly Peace Award (Heinrich Böll
Foundation) and was nominated for the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize and 1994 Right to Livelihood Award.

Through UNPO, members have opportunities to present their cases to international bodies such as: the
United Nations Human Rights Council, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and
European Union institutions as well as some regional institutions.

There are a number of vivid achievements of UNPO as an organization. Some of its members achieved
the desired end of their struggles. To mention a few, East Timor gained independence from Indonesia in
2002. Some former socialist republics of the Soviet Union gained either United Nations recognition or
autonomy agreements. These include Armenia, Estonia, Georgia and Latvia. Palau gained independence
in 1994. Albanians in Macedonia reached an agreement on wider rights with Macedonia in 2001. Bugain-
ville attained an autonomy agreement with Papua New Guinea in 2000. Gagauzia reached an autonomy
agreement with Moldova in 1994. Aceh arrived at an autonomy agreement with Indonesia in 2005; and
Lakotah Nation was declared as Republic of Lakotah in 2007. In Zanzibar, now there is a Government of
National Unity, and CUF, a member of UNPO, is an integeral part of it.

I, therefore, humbly urge all nations and peoples who are struggling for their rights to recognize the im-
portant role that UNPO can play in facilitating them to achieve their goals, only if they are prepared to
abide by the five covenants of UNPO, should they wish to join the forum. UNPO is an important instru-
ment in the promotion of the rights of, and the recognition of those in suffering, and hence encouraging
understanding regionally and globally and ultimately resolving the impasse.

I take this opportunity to congratulate UNPO for it’s good and commendable achievements attained so
far. Many sufferings have been brought to an end through UNPO activities, missions, deliberations and
interventions.

However the world still experiences a number of sufferings, human rights violations, dictatorship and
environmental degradation. UNPO still has a lot of work ahead. I hope with the conviction and determi-
nation of the UNPO Presidency and the General Secretariat, under the able leadership of the General Sec-
retary secretary much can be done and more sufferings will be ended.

UNPO is a success story. We are all proud of it. We are looking forward to witness a spirited UNPO scor-
ing more successes in the near future. All of us should support it spiritually, morally, materially, and fi-
nancially.

It can be done, if all of us shall play our parts.

Seif Sharif Hamad

30 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY


UNPO SUPPORTERS

Contributions from governments, foundations, NGOs and individuals, as well as annual fees from the
Members themselves, provide much-needed resources that enable UNPO to continue carrying out its
work. In addition to the contribution of funds, UNPO would not succeed without the tireless work of
countless volunteers and interns who donate their time to advance the organization’s work. Without the
support of its many contributors, UNPO would not be able to succeed. UNPO extends its thanks to the
following funders, past and present:

Andrew Wainwrights Reform Trust (UK) McKnight Foundation (US)


Beoordelingscommissie Milieu Defensie (the Netherlands)
Prioriteitenfounds (the Netherlands) Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Denmark)
Bilance (formerly Cebeno) (the Netherlands) MISEREOR (Germany)
City of the Hague (the Netherlands) Nando Peretti Foundation (Italy)
Cordaid (the Netherlands) Netherlands Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Embassy of South Africa (the Netherlands) Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs
European Human Rights Foundation NOVIB (the Netherlands)
European Commission Swedish International Development Coopera-
European Cultural Foundation tion Agency

Evangelische Kirsche Deutschland (Germany) Stichting Doen (the Netherlands)

Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Stichting Grote Berg (the Netherlands)

Ford Foundation (US) Swiss Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Friedrich Naumann Foundation (Germany) Taiwan Foundation for Democracy

Greenville Foundation (US) Taiwan Foreign Affairs Ministry

Haella Foundation (the Netherlands) Threshold Foundation (US)

Heinrich Böll Foundation (Germany) Transnational Radical Party (Italy)

HIVOS (the Netherlands) Winston Foundation for World Peace (US)

World Council of Churches (Switzerland)


Kerk in Actie (the Netherlands)
World Gratitude Day Foundation (US)
MacArthur Foundation (US)

Our thanks go out to the many other funders whose contributions, both large and small, have been in-
strumental in the UNPO’s work over the past twenty years. Our thanks also goes out to the extraordinary
efforts of UNPO staff and volunteers, past and present, which allow the organization to continue its ex-
traordinary work.

FEBRUARY | 2011 31
The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is a democratic, international
membership organization. Its Members are indigenous peoples, occupied nations, minorities and
independent states or territories who have joined together to protect their human and cultural
rights, preserve their environments and find non-violent solutions to conflicts which affect them.

The sustainability of UNPO is partly ensured through much valued donations. Your contribution is
crucial to ensuring the continued efforts of UNPO to guarantee participation in international fo-
rums of those whose voices are most often unheard. UNPO is a non-profit organization which re-
lies on membership fees, grants and donations, and your support is therefore highly appreciated.

Bank details:
Bank: ABN Amro Bank
Bank Address: Javastraat 1, P.O. Box 4,
2501 CA, The Hague,
The Netherlands
Beneficiary: Stichting UNPO
Account number: 50.05.02.145
BIC Code: ABNANL2A
IBAN Code: NL80ABNA0500502145
To donate online visit www.unpo.org and for further information or enquiries please contact the
UNPO Secretariat at unpo@unpo.org
Tel.: +31 (0)70 3646504
Fax: +31 (0)70 3646608

32 UNPO 20TH ANNIVERSARY

You might also like