Oct 31, 2006

2006: A New UNPO for Challenges of a New Century


Within the framework of the title, “A New UNPO for Challenges of the New Century: Raising the Voice of the Unrepresented”, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) has held its VIII General Assembly (GA), and deliberated on organizational reform to strengthen UNPO and its upcoming activities around the world.

From 27 until 29 October 2006 in Taipei, Taiwan, the summit convened UNPO Members to discuss current activities and to map strategies for the future.

As outlined by the GA’s title, a key element of the gathering was to continue finding new arenas and best practices to advocate for the rights of unrepresented peoples and nations, such as Taiwan. Opposition to oppression and non-violent alternatives to conflicts were also be themes that resonated again throughout the Assembly.

Fifteen years after it was founded, now counting 63 Members and representing more than 250 million people across the world, UNPO continues to strive for improvement in the conditions of its Members worldwide. The GA brought together the diverse composition of UNPO Members in a unique display of unity in diversity with common aspirations of freedom and justice, bridging social, cultural and geopolitical fault lines.

The VIII UNPO General Assembly was held in collaboration and with the generous support of the:
Taiwan Foundation for Democracy
 

Programme 

Friday 27 October 2006

Opening Ceremony

Mr. Göran Hansson, Chairman, UNPO General Assembly
[Read Mr. Hansson’s Statement]

Mrs. Mary Simat, Vice-Chairperson, UNPO General Assembly

Ms. Maysing Yang, Vice President, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy

Mr. Ken-Marti Vaher, Former Minister of Justice, Estonia
[Read Mr. Vaher’s Statement]

Mr. Marino Busdachin, General Secretary, UNPO


Panel Discussion on “Identity, Democracy and Security”

Moderator:
Dr. Wen-Cheng Lin, President of Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Taiwan

Panellists:

Mr. Ranjit Singh Srai on behalf of: Lord Nazir Ahmed, Member British House of Lords

Mr. Ken-Marti Vaher, Former Minister of Justice, Estonia

Statement by Hon. Mr. Hans van Baalen, Member of the Dutch Parliament, Vice President Liberal International
[Read the Statement of Mr. van Baalen]

Dr. Parris Chang, President of Taiwan Institute for Political, Economic and Strategic Studies

Mr. Marco Perduca, Representative of Transnational Radical Party (TRP), Italy

Dr. tibusungu’e vayayana, Associate Professor of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University, and President, Cou People Cultural and Artistic Foundation

Q & A Session

Closing Remarks by Dr. Wen-Cheng-Lin, President of Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Taiwan   

Opening of UNPO VIII General Assembly

Opening Speech by Mr. Marino Busdachin, General Secretary, UNPO
[Read Mr. Busdachin’s Speech]


Saturday 28 October 2006

Report of the Organization & General Debate on the Organization

Report by the UNPO General Secretary

General Debate

Debate & Adoption of Reform of UNPO Covenant
 

Sunday 29 October 2006 

Presentation & Adoption of Member Resolutions
[Overview of Member Resolutions]

Presentation & Adoption of General Resolutions
[Read the General Resolution]

Elections incl. President, Vice-President, Presidency
[Overview of Election Results]
  

This General Assembly was destined to be an important occasion for the UNPO organisation, building on the resolve and commitment expressed at the VII General Assembly in The Hague, and continuing a programme of reforms aimed at enabling UNPO to face the range of new challenges before both it and its Members.

As General Secretary Marino Busdachin noted in his opening remarks to the Assembly, it was no coincidence that such an important moment was held in Taiwan – a Member that serves as a model for political and democratic freedom, yet remains emblematic of the injustices of an international community which excludes it from forums such as the United Nations.

A colourful and dynamic Opening Ceremony set the stage for lively and impassioned debate, and featured both Folk Songs and Spiritual Dances from the Ami and Puyuma Communities of Taiwan, as well as inspiring and encouraging words from UNPO Chairperson Mr. Göran Hansson, UNPO Vice-Chairperson Mrs. Mary Simat, Vice President of Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Ms. Maysing Yang, and the Former Minister of Justice of Estonia Mr. Ken-Marti Vaher.

The words and support of Mr. Vaher, representing a former UNPO Member and now a successful self-governing state, offered both hope and a poignant reminder of the potential of UNPO as an organisation.

Though this General Assembly focused thoroughly on the future, the General Secretary reminded Members that UNPO can no longer consider itself a young institution, and that as such, it is important to pay tribute to those whose support has sustained it on its journey. Mr. Erkin Alptekin, Dr. Parris Chang, Senator John Nimrod, and Ms. Tsering Jampa were presented to the Assembly as individuals whose tireless support, enthusiasm, and commitment to the cause of UNPO and its Members, makes them deserving of both the respect and gratitude of the entire organisation. As an expression of their appreciation, the entire General Assembly applauded and bestowed upon them honorary positions in the UNPO Presidency, where they will undoubtedly serve as valuable and inspiring role models.

The final day also featured the election of a new President and Vice President, as well as 9 other Members of the UNPO Presidency. Ogoni representative Mr. Ledum Mitee was elected as the new UNPO President, and the representative of Taiwan, Ms. Maysing Yang, was elected as the new UNPO Vice-President, serving until the IX General Assembly. Both the elected representatives have worked tirelessly on behalf of their respective communities, as well as the UNPO organisation and its Members, and expressed great honour at being granted the opportunity to serve UNPO Members at this exciting and crucial moment in the organisation’s history.

Praise was also abundant for the ceaseless dedication of outgoing Chairperson Mr. Göran Hansson, as well as outgoing Vice-Chairperson Ms. Mary Simat, both of whom have contributed a great deal to the successes of the preceding year.

Both will however continue to play a crucial role in further reform and development, seated amongst the 9 additional Presidency Members, elected along with: Mr. Maxim Gunija (Abkhazia), Dr.  Karim Abdian (Ahwazi), Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach (Khmer Krom), Mr. Reinaldo Mariqueo (Mapuche), Mr. Ngawang Choepel (Tibet), Mr. Dolkun Isa (Uyghur), and Mr. Seif Sharif Hamad (Zanzibar).

The VIII UNPO General Assembly will undoubtedly be remembered both as a great success and a central event in the history of the organisation as it turns to face a new century and a new series of challenges. The Assembly also addressed the situations and difficulties of its Members, passing a large number of Member Resolutions, detailing specific problems faced by their communities, and detailing the steps that might be taken towards a peaceful and equitable solution.

[Full Overview of Resolutions Adopted by the General Assembly]

In an effort to crystallise the product of long days of debate and discussion, and often even longer nights, the General Assembly resolved to adopt a General Resolution. This documents looks to the future, but reminds us at the same time of the challenges faced by UNPO Members every day, and so of the importance of continuing the work, and sustaining the enthusiasm, also beyond the General Assembly.  


General Resolution
UNPO VIII General Assembly

27 – 29 October 2006
Taipei, Taiwan  

The VIII General Assembly of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) held in Taipei, Taiwan from 27 to 29 October 2006; 

Expresses its most heartfelt gratitude to the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the government and people of Taiwan for the generous hospitality and assistance in convening the 8th General Assembly of UNPO;

Salutes the courage of and expresses solidarity with the members and other victims of oppression who are struggling for their basic rights and fundamental freedoms around the world;

Re-affirms our commitment to the rights of peoples to self-determination, and the assertion of democracy and good governance;

Recommits itself to the principles of freedom, justice, peace, non-violence and democracy, as enshrined in the Covenant of the UNPO, as amended.  

The VIII UNPO General Assembly hereby:

Resolves to declare 11 February, the founding day of UNPO, as the UNPO International Day of Action focused on specific themes to be decided from year to year by the Presidency;

Calls upon the UN General Assembly to adopt the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to establish a UN Expert Body on Indigenous Issues under the Human Rights Council;

Condemns the use of “national security” and the “war on terrorism” to undermine the just cause for freedom and democracy;

Condemns the increasing repression and extra-judicial execution that UNPO members continue to suffer to this day;

Supports the campaign for a total ban on anti-personnel landmines, and urges its members to commit itself to it;

Approves the ongoing reform process of the organization, as mandated by the VII General Assembly;

Adopts the reports of the Chairperson of the General Assembly and that of the General Secretary, including financial report;

Reviews the membership fees as mandated by the Covenant; and

Mandates the Presidency and General Secretary to elaborate a new Preamble and Plan of Action for UNPO common Vision to function as a Common Denominator for Members for the Next General Assembly.