# 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 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.
Throughout 2024, UNPO conducted several training sessions aimed at helping its members and activists. Sessions included in-person training for Asia Pacific members in Geneva, online cybersecurity training, a cybersecurity training in person for the Baloch community in Stockholm, an in-person training in Brussels on the principles and practical applications of non-violent resistance and a youth study session supported by the Council of Europe, emphasizing the importance of acquiring and improving necessary skills for advocacy within marginalized communities.

## History

The UNPO was conceived of by leaders of self-determination movements such as Linnart Mäll of the Congress of Estonia, Erkin Alptekin of East Turkestan, and Lodi Gyari of Tibet, together with Michael van Walt van Praag [nl], along with the international law adviser of the 14th Dalai Lama. The founders were representatives of national movements of Estonia, Latvia, Tibet, Crimean Tatars, Armenia, Georgia, Tatarstan, East Turkestan, East Timor, Australian Aboriginals, the Cordillera in the Philippines, the Greek minority in Albania, Kurdistan, Palau, Taiwan, and West Papua. A key UNPO goal was, and remains, to replicate the powerful message of nonviolence and interethnic tolerance in the face of oppression exhibited by the Tibetan people and championed by the 14th Dalai Lama and to provide a forum in which others are encouraged and supported to adopt similar approaches.
UNPO chose for its founding headquarters in 1991 The Hague in the Netherlands because the city aimed at becoming the International City of Peace and Justice and hosts international courts like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC). A Foundation was established in the Netherlands to provide secretarial support to the UNPO General Assembly and to carry out research and educational activities related to unrepresented peoples worldwide. The Foundation maintains a permanent presence before the European Union, United States and United Nations. It is funded by a combination of member contributions, donations from individuals, and project-based grants from foundations.

## 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.
Although UNPO members often have different goals, they have one thing in common: they are generally not represented diplomatically (or only with a minor status, such as observer) in major international institutions, such as the United Nations (UN). As a result, their ability to have their concerns addressed by the global bodies mandated to protect human rights and address conflict is limited.
UNPO is dedicated to the five principles enshrined in its Covenant:
1) The equal right to self-determination: Self-determination is a fundamental human right, allowing peoples to shape their own political, cultural, and social future, ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
2) Adherence to the internationally accepted human rights standards as laid down in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and other international instruments: Human rights are universal norms designed to protect all people from political, legal, and social abuses, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or legal status.
3) Adherence to the principles of democratic pluralism and rejection of totalitarianism and religious intolerance: Democratic pluralism is an inclusive, participatory system where governance is accountable, transparent, and responsive to the people. It embraces diversity, celebrates different cultures, and promotes political inclusion through knowledge, freedom of thought, and openness to differing viewpoints.
4) Promotion of non-violence and the rejection of terrorism as an instrument of policy: Non-violence is the rejection of violent actions to achieve political goals. UNPO encourages members to adopt peaceful resistance and promote inter-ethnic tolerance in response to oppression.
5) Protection of the natural environment: Environmental protection is about preserving habitats and resources that protect cultures. Indigenous and local communities, as guardians of traditional ecological knowledge, are best positioned to safeguard their environment and way of life.
All members are required to sign and abide by the UNPO Covenant. UNPO members are required to be nonviolent.

## Members

The following are listed as members by the UNPO.
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 |
| Aceh | 11 February 1991 | Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front |
| Annobón | 14 May 2024 | Ambô Legadu |
| Afrikaners | 15 May 2008 | Freedom Front Plus |
| Ahwazi | 14 November 2003 | Democratic Solidarity Party of Ahwaz |
| Assyrians | 6 August 1991 | Assyrian Universal Alliance |
| Balochistan | 1 March 2008 | Balochistan National Party (Mengal) |
| Barotseland | 23 November 2013 | Barotse National Freedom Alliance |
| Batwa | 17 January 1993 | African Initiative for Mankind Progress Organization |
| Bellah | 6 June 2017 | Malian Association for the Preservation of Bellah Culture |
| Biafra | 31 July 2020 | Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra/Biafra Independence Movement |
| Brittany | 8 June 2015 | Kelc’h An Dael [br] |
| Catalans | 14 December 2018 | Assemblea Nacional Catalana |
| Chittagong Hill Tracts | 6 August 1991 | Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti |
| Crimean Tatars | 11 February 1991 | Milli Mejlis |
| District of Columbia (Washington, DC) | 4 December 2015 | D.C. Statehood Congressional Delegation |
| East Turkestan | 11 February 1991 | World Uyghur Congress |
| Gilgit Baltistan | 20 September 2008 | Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance |
| Guam | 31 July 2020 | Government of Guam |
| Haratin | 18 September 2011 | Initiative de Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste en Mauritanie |
| Hmong | 2 February 2007 | Congress of World Hmong People |
| Iranian Kurds | 2 February 2007 | Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan |
| Kabylia | 6 June 2017 | MAK-Anavad |
| Khmer Krom | 15 July 2001 | Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation |
| Nagalim | 23 January 1993 | National Socialist Council of Nagalim |
| Niger Delta | 1 June 2023 | Niger Delta Peoples Movement |
| Ogaden | 6 February 2010 | Ogaden National Liberation Front |
| Ogoni | 19 January 1993 | Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People |
| Oromo | 19 December 2004 | Oromo Liberation Front |
| Sindhis | 19 January 2002 | World Sindhi Congress |
| Somaliland* | 19 December 2004 | Government of Somaliland |
| South Moluccas | 6 August 1991 | Republic of South Moluccas |
| Southern Azerbaijanis | 2 February 2007 | South Azerbaijan Democratic Party |
| Southern Mongolians | 2 February 2007 | Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center |
| Taiwan* | 11 February 1991 | Taiwan Foundation for Democracy |
| Tibet | 11 February 1991 | Central Tibetan Administration |
| West Balochistan | 26 June 2005 | Balochistan People's Party |
| Western Togolanders | 2017 | Homeland Study Group Foundation |
| West Papuans | 11 February 1991 | Free Papua Movement |
| Yoruba | 31 July 2020 | Yoruba World Congress |
| Zambesia | 31 July 2020 | Movement for the Survival of the River Races of Zambesia |

## Former members

Some members of the UNPO have left because of United Nations (UN) recognition, autonomy agreements, or for other reasons.
The following lists former and suspended members.
Former members who became part of the UN are highlighted with a blue background and italics. Original members (from 11 February 1991) are listed with pink background and in bold. Former members who are recognised as independent countries by at least 1 UN member or by other countries recognised by at least 1 UN member are marked by asterisk (*). Suspended members are marked by yellow background.
| Former member | Date joined | Date withdrew | Note |
| Abkhazians* | 6 August 1991 | 2020 | Represented by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia |
| Aboriginals of Australia | 11 February 1991 | 7 July 2012 | Represented by National Committee to Defend Black Rights |
| Albanians in North Macedonia | 16 April 1994 | 1 March 2008 | Reached agreement on wider rights with North Macedonia in 2001 |
| Amazigh | 28 November 2014 | 26 November 2016 | Represented by World Amazigh Congress |
| Ambazonia | 25 October 2006 | 7 June 2021 | Represented by the Southern Cameroons National Council and Ambazonia Governing Council (from September 2018). |
| Armenia | 11 February 1991 | 2 March 1992 | Became member of the UN in 1992 |
| Bashkortostan | 3 February 1996 | 30 June 1998 | |
| Bougainville | 6 August 1991 | 1 March 2008 | Reached an agreement with Papua New Guinea in 2021, in which Bougainville will be independent by 2027. |
| Buffalo River Dene Nation | 19 December 2004 | 9 October 2009 | |
| Burma | 15 May 2008 | 13 February 2010 | Represented by National Council of the Union of Burma. The Myanmar military junta was dissolved in 2011. |
| Buryatia | 3 February 1996 | 13 February 2010 | Represented by All-Buryat Association for the Development of Culture |
| Cabinda | 17 April 1997 | 18 September 2011 | Represented by the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda |
| Chameria | 8 June 2015 | December 2019 | Democratic Foundation of Chameria |
| Chechen Republic of Ichkeria* | 6 August 1991 | 10 September 2010 | Government-in-exile in London. |
| Chin | 15 July 2001 | 26 November 2016 | Represented by Chin National Front |
| Chuvash | 17 January 1993 | 1 March 2008 | Represented by the Chuvash National Congress |
| Circassia | 16 April 1994 | 6 November 2015 | Represented by International Circassian Association |
| Cordillera | 11 February 1991 | 6 November 2015 | Represented by Cordillera Peoples' Alliance |
| Degar-Montagnards | 14 November 2003 | 29 April 2016 | Represented by Montagnard Foundation, Inc. |
| East Timor | 17 January 1993 | 27 September 2002 | Became member of the UN in 2002 |
| Estonia | 11 February 1991 | 17 September 1991 | Became member of the UN in 1991 |
| Gagauzia | 16 April 1994 | 1 December 2007 | Reached autonomy agreement with Moldova in 1994 |
| Georgia | 11 February 1991 | 31 July 1992 | Became member of the UN in 1992 |
| Greek minority in Albania | 11 February 1991 | 7 July 2012 | Represented by Omonoia |
| Hungarian minority in Romania | 30 July 1994 | 2015 | Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania |
| Ingushetia | 30 July 1994 | 1 March 2008 | |
| Inkeri | 17 January 1993 | 9 October 2009 | |
| Iraqi Kurdistan | 11 February 1991 | 1 July 2015 | Represented by Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iraq and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan |
| Iraqi Turkmen | 6 August 1991 | 27 November 2016 | Represented by Iraqi Turkmen Front, Turkmen Nationalist Movement, Turkmen Wafa Movement, and Islamic Union of Iraqi Turkmens |
| Kalahui Hawaii | 3 August 1993 | 7 July 2012 | Represented by Ka Lahui Hawaii |
| Karenni State | 19 January 1993 | 7 July 2012 | Represented by Karenni National Progressive Party |
| Khalistan | 24 January 1993 | 4 August 1993 | Membership suspended on 4 August 1993 and suspension made permanent 22 January 1995. |
| Komi | 17 January 1993 | 9 October 2009 | |
| Kosovo* | 6 August 1991 | 24 March 2018 | Represented by Democratic League of Kosovo |
| Kumyk | 17 April 1997 | 1 March 2008 | |
| Lakota Nation | 30 July 1994 | 1 December 2007 | Followed by the declaration of the Republic of Lakotah |
| Latin American Indigenous Peoples (Project) | 2016 | ? | |
| Latvia | 11 February 1991 | 17 September 1991 | Became member of the UN in 1991 |
| Lezghin | 7 July 2012 | 30 October 2023 | Federal Lezgian National and Cultural Autonomy |
| Maasai | 19 December 2004 | 7 July 2012 | Represented by Maasai Women for Education and Economic Development |
| Maohi | 30 July 1994 | 1 December 2007 | Represented by Hiti Tau |
| Madhesh | 14 October 2017 | 30 October 2023 | Represented by Alliance for Independent Madhesh |
| Mapuche | 19 January 1993 | 26 April 2016 | Represented by Mapuche Inter-Regional Council |
| Mari | 6 August 1991 | 9 October 2009 | |
| Mon | 3 February 1996 | 7 July 2012 | Represented by Mon Unity League |
| Moro | 26 September 2010 | 28 November 2014 | Represented by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, autonomy and peace deal with the government in 2014 |
| Nahua Del Alto Balsas | 19 December 2004 | 20 September 2008 | |
| Nuxalk Nation | 23 September 1998 | 1 March 2008 | |
| Palau (Belau) | 11 February 1991 | 15 December 1994 | Became member of the UN in 1994 |
| Rusyn | 23 September 1998 | 1 December 2007 | |
| Sakha | 3 August 1993 | 30 June 1998 | |
| Sanjak | 17 January 1993 | 18 September 2011 | Represented by the Bosnian National Council of Sanjak |
| Savoy | 29 June 2014 | 30 October 2023 | |
| Scania (Skåneland) | 19 January 1993 | 18 September 2011 | Membership suspended on 18 September 2011. |
| Rehoboth Basters | 2 February 2007 | December 2019 | Represented by Captains Council |
| Shan | 17 April 1997 | 6 February 2010 | |
| South Arabia | 29 April 2016 | | Represented by the Southern Democratic Assembly for Self-Determination for South Arabia's People |
| Sulu | 5 January 2015 | 30 October 2023 | Sulu Foundation of Nine Ethnic Tribes |
| Talysh | 15 July 2014 | | National Talysh Movement |
| Tatarstan | 11 February 1991 | 1 March 2008 | |
| Trieste (Free Territory of Trieste) | 28 December 2014 | | Represented by TRIEST NGO |
| Tsimshian | 2 February 2007 | 18 September 2011 | |
| Tuva | 3 February 1996 | 13 February 2010 | |
| Udmurt | 17 January 1993 | 6 July 2013 | Represented by Udmurt Council |
| Vhavenda | 14 November 2003 | 1 July 2015 | Represented by Dabalorivhuwa Patriotic Front |
| Zanzibar | 6 August 1991 | 1 July 2015 | Represented by Zanzibar Democratic Alternative, in cooperation with the Civic United Front |

### Suspensions

UNPO's representing nations may become suspended from the Organization if they fail to follow its covenant.
In 24 January 1993, Khalistan was briefly admitted in the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, but was suspended a few months after its admission. The membership suspension was made permanent on 22 January 1995.
Scania was also suspended on 18 September 2011.

## Leadership

Secretaries general
| Name | Term |
| Michael van Walt van Praag [nl] (Netherlands) | 1991–1998 |
| Tsering Jampa [fr] (Tibet) | 1997–1998 |
| Helen S. Corbett (Australian Aboriginals) | 1998–1999 |
| Erkin Alptekin (Uyghurs) | 1999–2003 |
| Marino Busdachin (Italy) | 2003–2018 |
| Ralph J. Bunche III (USA) | 2018–2023 |
| 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)