Belgium-based international organization formed in 1991
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UNPO works to develop the understanding of and respect for the right toself-determination, provides advice and support related to questions ofinternational recognition andpolitical autonomy, trains groups on how to advocate for their causes effectively, and directly advocates for an international response tohuman 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 theUnited Nations (UN) includeArmenia,East Timor,Estonia,Latvia,Georgia, Somaliland andPalau.[5][6]
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, onlinecybersecurity training, a cybersecurity training in person for theBaloch 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 theCouncil of Europe, emphasizing the importance of acquiring and improving necessary skills for advocacy within marginalized communities.[7]
UNPO chose for its founding headquarters in 1991The Hague in the Netherlands because the city aimed at becoming the International City of Peace and Justice and hosts international courts like theInternational Court of Justice (ICJ) andInternational 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.[citation needed]
UNPO’s aim is to uphold the fundamental right to autonomy andself-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.
To achieve this, UNPO fosters solidarity and knowledge exchange among unrepresented peoples through a unique global platform. By strengthening cross-regional projects and engaging in dialogue with the international community, UNPO contributes to building a peaceful, democratic, equitable, and sustainable world. The platform ensures that the voices of unrepresented peoples are not only heard but valued in global forums, empowering nations and peoples to fully realize their potential within a just and inclusive society.
UNPO’s work emphasizes the necessity ofnon-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 ofGandhian 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.[9]
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 theUnited Nations (UN). As a result, their ability to have their concerns addressed by the global bodies mandated toprotect human rights and address conflict is limited.[9]
UNPO is dedicated to the five principles enshrined in itsCovenant:
1) The equal right toself-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 acceptedhuman rights standards as laid down in theVienna 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 ofdemocratic pluralism and rejection oftotalitarianism 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 ofnon-violence and the rejection ofterrorism 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 thenatural 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.[11] UNPO members are required to benonviolent.[12]
UNPO's representing nations may become suspended from the Organization if they fail to follow its covenant.[118]
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.[119][120]
Scania was also suspended on 18 September 2011.[121]
^abSimmons, Mary Kate, ed. (1996).Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization Yearbook 1995. Kluwer Law International. pp. 1–3.ISBN90-411-0223-X.OCLC36779050.
