Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is an international organization established to facilitate the voices of unrepresented and marginalized nations and peoples worldwide. It was formed on 11 February 1991<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. Its members consist of indigenous peoples, minorities, and unrecognized or occupied territories.

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="An Anthropology of NGOs">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

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. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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 Template:Ill, 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.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref> 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.<ref name="UNPO">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.Template:Cn

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.

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 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.<ref name="UNPO"/>

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.<ref name="UNPO"/>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> UNPO members are required to be nonviolent.<ref name="Bob">Template:Cite book</ref>

Members

The following are listed as members by the UNPO.<ref name="current members">Template:Cite web</ref>

Original members are listed with pink background and in bold. 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 (*).

Member	Date joined	Represented by	Template:Abbr
Template:Flagicon image Aceh	Template:Dts	Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Annobón	Template:Dts	Ambô Legadu	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagdeco Afrikaners	Template:Dts	Freedom Front Plus	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Ahwazi	Template:Dts	Democratic Solidarity Party of Ahwaz	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Assyrians	Template:Dts	Assyrian Universal Alliance	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Balochistan	Template:Dts	Balochistan National Party (Mengal)	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Barotseland	Template:Dts	Barotse National Freedom Alliance	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Batwa	Template:Dts	African Initiative for Mankind Progress Organization	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Bellah	Template:Dts	Malian Association for the Preservation of Bellah Culture	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Biafra	Template:Dts	Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra/Biafra Independence Movement	<ref name=unpowelcomes5newmembers>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=guam>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Brittany	Template:Dts	Template:Ill	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Catalans	Template:Dts	Assemblea Nacional Catalana	<ref name = "ANC">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Chittagong Hill Tracts	Template:Dts	Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Crimean Tatars	Template:Dts	Milli Mejlis	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagdeco District of Columbia (Washington, DC)	Template:Dts	D.C. Statehood Congressional Delegation	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon East Turkestan	Template:Dts	World Uyghur Congress	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Gilgit Baltistan	Template:Dts	Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Guam	Template:Dts	Government of Guam	<ref name=unpowelcomes5newmembers/><ref name=guam/>
Template:Flagicon image Haratin	Template:Dts	Initiative de Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste en Mauritanie	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Hmong	Template:Dts	Congress of World Hmong People	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Iranian Kurds	Template:Dts	Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Kabylia	Template:Dts	MAK-Anavad	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Khmer Krom	Template:Dts	Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Nagalim	Template:Dts	National Socialist Council of Nagalim	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Niger Delta	Template:Dts	Niger Delta Peoples Movement	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Ogaden	Template:Dts	Ogaden National Liberation Front	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Ogoni	Template:Dts	Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Oromo	Template:Dts	Oromo Liberation Front	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Sindhis	Template:Dts	World Sindhi Congress	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Somaliland*	Template:Dts	Government of Somaliland	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon South Moluccas	Template:Dts	Republic of South Moluccas	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Southern Azerbaijanis	Template:Dts	South Azerbaijan Democratic Party	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Southern Mongolians	Template:Dts	Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Taiwan*	Template:Dts	Taiwan Foundation for Democracy	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Tibet	Template:Dts	Central Tibetan Administration	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image West Balochistan	Template:Dts	Balochistan People's Party	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Western Togolanders	Template:Dts	Homeland Study Group Foundation	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon West Papuans	Template:Dts	Free Papua Movement	<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Yoruba	Template:Dts	Yoruba World Congress	<ref name=unpowelcomes5newmembers/><ref name=guam/>
Template:Flagicon image Zambesia	Template:Dts	Movement for the Survival of the River Races of Zambesia	<ref name=unpowelcomes5newmembers/><ref name=guam/>

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.<ref name="current 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.

Former member	Date joined	Date withdrew	Note	Template:Abbr
Template:Flagdeco Abkhazians*	Template:Dts	2020	Represented by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Aboriginals of Australia	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by National Committee to Defend Black Rights	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Albanians in North Macedonia	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Reached agreement on wider rights with North Macedonia in 2001	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Amazigh	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by World Amazigh Congress	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Ambazonia	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by the Southern Cameroons National Council and Ambazonia Governing Council (from September 2018).	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:ARM	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Became member of the UN in 1992	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Bashkortostan	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Bougainville	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Reached an agreement with Papua New Guinea in 2021, in which Bougainville will be independent by 2027.	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by National Council of the Union of Burma. The Myanmar military junta was dissolved in 2011.	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Buryatia	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by All-Buryat Association for the Development of Culture	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Cabinda	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Chechen Republic of Ichkeria*	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Government-in-exile in London.	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Chin	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Chin National Front	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Chuvash	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by the Chuvash National Congress	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Circassia	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Template:Visible anchor	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Cordillera	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Cordillera Peoples' Alliance	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Degar-Montagnards	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Montagnard Foundation, Inc.	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Became member of the UN in 2002	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Became member of the UN in 1991	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Gagauzia	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Reached autonomy agreement with Moldova in 1994	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Became member of the UN in 1992	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Republic of Northern Epirus	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Omonoia	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Hungarian minority in Romania	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Ingushetia	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Inkeri	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Iraqi Kurdistan	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iraq and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Iraqi Turkmen	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Iraqi Turkmen Front, Turkmen Nationalist Movement, Turkmen Wafa Movement, and Islamic Union of Iraqi Turkmens	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Kalahui Hawaii	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Ka Lahui Hawaii	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Karenni State	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Karenni National Progressive PartyTemplate:Failed verification	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Khalistan	Template:Dts<ref name="SAGE_Downing">Template:Cite book</ref>	4 August 1993	Membership suspended on 4 August 1993 and suspension made permanent 22 January 1995.<ref name="UNPO_yearbook_Khalistan">Template:Cite book</ref>	<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Template:Flagicon Komi	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Kosovo*	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Democratic League of Kosovo	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Kumyk	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Lakota Nation	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Followed by the declaration of the Republic of Lakotah	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Latin American Indigenous Peoples (Project)	2016	?		<ref name="current members"/>
Template:LAT	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Became member of the UN in 1991	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Lezghin	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Federal Lezgian National and Cultural Autonomy	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Maasai	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Maasai Women for Education and Economic Development	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Maohi	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Hiti Tau	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Madhesh	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Alliance for Independent Madhesh	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Mapuche	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Template:Visible anchor	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Mari	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Mon	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Mon Unity League	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Moro	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, autonomy and peace deal with the government in 2014	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Nahua Del Alto Balsas	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Nuxalk Nation	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:PLW (Belau)	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Became member of the UN in 1994	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Rusyn	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Sakha	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Sanjak	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by the Bosnian National Council of Sanjak	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Savoy	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Scania (Skåneland)	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Membership suspended on 18 September 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Rehoboth Basters	Template:Dts	Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Represented by Captains Council
Template:Flagicon image Shan	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image South Arabia	Template:Dts		Represented by the Southern Democratic Assembly for Self-Determination for South Arabia's People	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Sulu	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Sulu Foundation of Nine Ethnic Tribes	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Talysh	Template:Dts		National Talysh Movement	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Tatarstan	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Trieste (Free Territory of Trieste)	Template:Dts		Represented by TRIEST NGO	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Tsimshian	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Tuva	Template:Dts	Template:Dts		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Udmurt	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Template:Visible anchor	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Vhavenda	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Dabalorivhuwa Patriotic Front	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flagicon Zanzibar	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	Represented by Template:Visible anchor, in cooperation with the Civic United Front	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Suspensions

UNPO's representing nations may become suspended from the Organization if they fail to follow its covenant.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Scania was also suspended on 18 September 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Leadership

Secretaries general<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Name	Term
Template:Flagicon Template:Ill (Netherlands)	1991–1998
Template:Flagicon Template:Ill (Tibet)	1997–1998
File:Australian Aboriginal Flag.svg Helen S. Corbett (Australian Aboriginals)	1998–1999
Template:Flagicon Erkin Alptekin (Uyghurs)	1999–2003
Template:Flagicon Marino Busdachin (Italy)	2003–2018
Template:Flagicon Ralph J. Bunche III (USA)	2018–2023
Template:Flagicon Mercè Monje Cano (Spain)	2023–current

Chair/Presidents of the General Assembly

• 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) since 2022

Special Executive Director

• Karl Habsburg-Lothringen – (Austria) 19 January 2002 – 31 December 2002
• Mercè Monje Cano – (Catalonia) 1 October 2021 – current (acting as Interim Secretary General since 2023)

See also

• Federal Union of European Nationalities
• Micronation
• League for Small and Subject Nationalities
• United Nations list of non-self-governing territories
• Universal Declaration of the Rights of Peoples
• List of active separatist movements recognized by intergovernmental organizations
• European Free Alliance
• Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum
• Stateless nation

Further reading

• Template:Cite journal

External links

• Template:Official website