The Problem
Unrepresented peoples face immense challenges due to their lack of equal representation in the countries where they reside. Often, these governments not only ignore their concerns and demands but actively work to silence them. As civic space shrinks, it becomes increasingly more difficult for these communities to raise their voices at a national level, forcing them to seek support and recognition at regional and international forums. Representatives of Peoples and Nations attempting to engage regionally or internationally to defend their rights they face severe challenges not only at national level, but nowadays, is becoming more and more difficult to engage at regional and international level.
Acts of intimidation and reprisals taking place within authoritarian countries, do not stop at the borders of any country, but instead they become transnational repression. Governments like those of Iran, China, Russia, and Pakistan among others, increasingly target diaspora communities abroad with surveillance, harassment, or intimidation to the point that they could engage in acts of violence in order to silence and repress any dissidents or dissident ideas. At the UN, Member States employ blocking tactics to prevent NGOs from obtaining ECOSOC status and use government-affiliated NGOs (GONGOs) to drown out genuine voices with state propaganda increasing the additional obstacles for unrepresented Nations and Peoples to have their voices heard.
What We Are Doing About It
The UNPO, in collaboration with like minded partners is actively documenting these abuses and supporting unrepresented nations in their fight for recognition. We assist these communities in applying for ECOSOC status, advocate for their acceptance, and respond to reprisals through appropriate UN procedures.
We are also dedicated to raising awareness about transnational repression and providing a safe space for our members to speak out. By documenting these acts and pushing for stronger international protections, we aim to ensure that the voices of unrepresented peoples are heard and respected on the global stage. In the face of shrinking civic spaces and increasing geopolitical challenges, our work is more crucial than ever to safeguard the rights and dignity of these communities.
Taking Action
- Documenting Abuses: We are actively collecting evidence and recording instances of repression to bring these issues to light.
- Advocating for change : Analyzing the data and issuing concrete policy recommendations that can bring a change
- Advocating for Recognition: We assist unrepresented communities in safely engaging for their rights while advocating forand work tirelessly to advocate for their acceptance.
- Supporting Safe Spaces: We provide platforms for unrepresented peoples to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Raising Awareness: We are committed to educating the public and policymakers about the realities of transnational repression.
- Collaborating with Partners: By working with organizations like the University of Oxford and the Tibet Justice Center and many others, we amplify our efforts to protect these communities.
