Mr. Hansson brought his many years of experience within UNPO to the podium, looking briefly towards the past, but pointing also towards the future. His opening statement emphasised the bounds of progress he has seen our world make over the course of his career, but noted also the continued exclusion of some Peoples, Nations, and Minorities from these achievements, reminding the General Assembly that work and mission of UNPO remains as important, necessary and urgent as ever.

These words were well chosen at a time when UNPO stands on the verge of a new chapter in its history, aware both its potential, and the necessity of reforming to meet the new challenges of an ever-changing world. The full text of his opening statement can be found below. 

The VIII UNPO General Assembly also marked the end of Mr. Hansson’s term as Chairman of UNPO, and though the necessity of continued renewal is recognised by all, the entire General Assembly will undoubtedly miss his stewardship during the coming months. Mr. Hansson’s efforts as Chairman have been unsurpassed, attending countless UNPO meetings and events across the globe, and continuously and relentlessly campaigning both on behalf of the UNPO as an organisation, as well as on behalf of each and every one of the Members he represented as Chairman.

Thankfully Mr. Hanson’s enthusiasm and dedication will not be lost, as he will continue to serve UNPO and its Members as part of the newly elected Presidency, under the leadership of Mr. Ledum Mitee from the Ogoni.  

By Göran Hansson, Chairman of the UNPO

27-29 October 2006

Taipei, Taiwan 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the UNPO General Assembly 2006. First I would like to give you a little bit of the background of the UNPO. The organisation was formally formed in 1991 as a way to give the world’s many nations and peoples an opportunity to speak out in matters concerning their situation in their respective homelands. As a way to give the voiceless a voice – to give the unrepresented a way to become represented. 

Since then the UNPO has held seven general assemblies – this is number eight. I have been privileged to participate in most of them. But I feel particularly privileged to be able to participate in the UNPO meeting that took place here in Taiwan in the late nineties. I will never forget the generosity and the hospitality extended to the members of the UNPO on that occasion.

Let’s look at the situation for the nations and peoples of the world. On the average and on the global scale – some regions sadly excluded – in some areas of life things are getting better and life conditions are improving. On the average the health and medical situation is getting better. On the average life expectancy is improving. On the average the number of people who can’t read or write is decreasing. Income, purchasing power and living standards is moving upwards. 

But in other areas of life it is getting worse. Languages disappear at the rate of two per month. Some scientists estimate that as many as 5-6000 languages will have disappeared at the end of this century. Discrimination and maltreatment of the world’s nations and peoples is going on every day and show little signs of decreasing.

For instance, the human rights issues have been a part of the United Nation’s agenda for 25 years and yet many of the Khmer Krom people of Vietnam cannot go home to visit their parents or say goodbye to their grandparents because of political reasons. Former members of the UNPO who has obtained independence are again in trouble. 

Why is it so difficult for the state leaders to ensure that nations and peoples have a right to – and deserve – basic human qualities such as: dignity, respect, self-confidence and pride in whom they are? Why is it so difficult for the state leaders to ensure that nations and peoples need and deserve recognition and some level of self-government and autonomy? In fact, I firmly believe that the former cannot exist without the latter.

It is the UNPO mission to remind the world community that these qualities are necessary for all the nations and peoples to possess if we are to make the world a better place for all – and just not for a few. 

Many people in the world have fallen victim to human rights abuses since the last General Assembly. Since then wives have lost their husbands. Husbands have lost their wives. Children have lost their parent and parents have lost their children. All to various forms of Human Rights abuses. Some of the victims belong to nations and peoples of the UNPO some are not.

I propose that you all join me standing and hold a minute of silence for those who have suffered because of Human Rights abuses for the last year and a half.