May 12th 2024 –UNPO members had the opportunity to present their resolutions at the UNPO XIX General Assembly hosted by the World Uyghur Congress in Munich. In these brief statements, members highlighted the key challenges that their communities are facing and how they hope to work with the UNPO to address these and advocate for the human rights of their peoples. This was a crucial moment for the General Assembly as these formal statements are important tools for guiding the direction and activities of the organization. We are pleased to announce that all of the members’ resolutions were approved during the Assembly.
World Uyghur Congress: The representative from the World Uyghur Congress of East Turkestan highlighted the ongoing genocide against the Uyghur people, emphasizing that conditions have not improved. Forced sterilizations, family separations, and the operation of boarding schools that strip Uyghur children of their identities continue unabated. Forced labor also remains a significant issue. On a positive note, the representative announced that the first batch of Uyghur refugees is expected to be welcomed in Canada this year, providing a glimmer of hope for those seeking refuge.
Freedom Front Plus: The Afrikaner member representing the Freedom Front Plus expressed concerns over the deteriorating economic situation and the challenges in maintaining law and order in South Africa. She urged the UNPO to report official statistics on the plight of farmers and to pressure the South African government to secure minority rights. The representative called for increased intervention to protect the rights of minorities in South Africa, particularly farmers who face significant threats.
Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia-Anavad: Addressing the assembly, the Kabylian representative called for a peaceful approach to fighting for self-determination. He condemned the repressive actions of the Algerian government, citing Article 87b of the Algerian constitution, which criminalizes opposition to the state or government. The representative also raised concerns about a large mine built by Chinese companies, which has led to forced displacement and other issues for the local population. He urged the assembly to condemn Algeria’s oppressive behavior.
Assyrian Universal Alliance: The representative from the Assyrian Universal Alliance emphasized that Assyrians are the only indigenous people of Iraq and highlighted their struggle for recognition and rights. He called on the Iraqi government to recognize Assyrians’ right to vote and urged the UNPO to pass a resolution supporting Assyrian rights in Iraq. This recognition, he noted, is crucial for the protection and empowerment of the Assyrian community.
Balochistan People’s Party: The representative from West Balochistan brought to the members attention what he described as a “secret” genocide against the Baluch people, who are being killed simply because of their ethnic identity. He stressed the urgency of international intervention and support to stop the violence and ensure the safety and rights of the Baluch community.
Assemblea Nacional Catalana: The resolution of this member highlighted the prevalence of hate speech targeting the Catalan language and religious beliefs, as well as discrimination against Catalonians. It calls for the establishment of data collection mechanisms to report instances of linguistic and cultural discrimination, including hate speech. Additionally, it urges states to review their legal frameworks to combat hate speech directed at stateless nations and minority groups. Catalonia’s resolution also opposed the use of counter-terrorism tools in legislation aimed at suppressing Catalonians’ right to self-determination.
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS): The resolution expressed concern over human rights violations in the Chittagong Hill Tracks region due to military law enforcement. The member’s statement highlighted instances of abuses such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of movement. By calling for international attention and action on these violations, the resolution aims to raise awareness and pressure relevant authorities to uphold human rights standards and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The Republic of Annobon: The Annobon member expressed its commitment to collaborating with other members to address these issues collectively. By seeking support and solidarity from fellow UNPO members, Annobon aims to amplify its voice on the global stage and garner assistance in overcoming the obstacles it faces. The resolution emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual aid among UNPO members in advancing the cause of marginalized and oppressed communities worldwide. The unanimous acceptance of this resolution underscores the solidarity and support extended to the Republic of Annobon by the UNPO General Assembly.
Balochistan National Party: East Baluchistan’s resolution underscored the long-standing struggle for self-determination endured by the Baluch people over decades, emphasizing the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated against them. This includes the targeted killing of journalists as a means of silencing dissent and intimidating the Baluch population, as well as the arbitrary arrest and detention of Baluch individuals. Furthermore, the resolution brings attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Baluchistan, including issues such as the lack of access to clean drinking water juxtaposed with the construction of infrastructure projects like airports. Ultimately, the resolution calls for an end to military oppression in Baluchistan and the liberation of Baluch individuals who have been arbitrarily detained.
The Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front: The resolution presented by the Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front highlighted the pressing issues of economic disparities and environmental degradation, in particular land grabbing and resource extraction through mining, faced by the Acheh-Sumatra region. It draws attention to the entrenched power dynamics where the elite prioritize maintaining their power over addressing the needs of the population and how such practices have detrimental impacts on local livelihoods. The resolution calls for international intervention to address the root causes of economic inequality and environmental degradation in the region.
Movement for the Survival of the River Races in Zambesia: The resolution from the member of Zambesia called for increased support from the UNPO regarding the arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of their members. This indicates that Zambesia seeks solidarity and assistance from the UNPO in addressing human rights violations and protecting the rights of its members who have been unlawfully detained. The resolution received 18 votes of support from the members during the UNPO General Assembly.
Kelc’h An Dael: the Brittany delegation highlighted the ongoing struggle for the recognition and preservation of the Breton language and culture. The resolution emphasized the French government’s insufficient support for regional languages and the detrimental impact this has on Breton identity. The resolution called for the implementation of stronger protections for linguistic rights and urged the UNPO to advocate for the promotion of Breton culture and language. It also announced the upcoming launch of a cultural initiative aimed at revitalizing traditional Breton music and festivals, offering a beacon of hope for cultural preservation.
Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI): the member from Iranian Kurdistan highlighted the systematic oppression and discrimination faced by non-Persian nations, including Kurds, Baluchs, Ahwazi Arabs, Azerbaijani Turks, and Turkmens. The document reported a sharp increase in executions and emphasized the harassment, arbitrary arrest, and prosecution of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists. The resolution reaffirmed the UNPO’s support for the people of Iranian Kurdistan and other nationalities in their struggle for self-determination and freedom. It condemned Iran’s executions of activists and called for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience and journalists detained for exercising their rights.
Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF): the ONLF emphasized critical unresolved issues affecting the Somali people in the Somali State of Ethiopia. Despite progress towards stability, the resolution highlighted breaches of electoral integrity, suppression of media freedom, economic disenfranchisement, and unfulfilled components of the peace agreement. It called for the immediate and complete implementation of the peace agreement, an end to the confiscation of goods and violence against civilians, and the provision of war reparations and reconstruction. The resolution condemned the harassment of ONLF members, demanded media freedom, and advocated for the peaceful resolution of inter-clan disputes.
National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN): The resolution called for an honorable political agreement respecting Nagalim’s unique history, sovereignty, and the recognition of its national flag and constitution. It condemned the divide and rule policies of India and Myanmar, the disintegration of Nagalim territory, and state terrorism by both nations. The resolution highlighted forced conscription under Myanmar’s People Military Service Law and political assassinations in India. It urged the international community to support Nagalim’s sovereign rights, recognize the ongoing genocidal human rights violations, and hold India and Myanmar accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF): this resolution highlighted the escalating human rights crisis faced by the Khmer-Krom people in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The resolution condemned the Vietnamese government’s systematic violations, including recent arrests and detentions of Buddhist monks and activists. It called for the immediate release of all unjustly detained individuals and urged Vietnam to recognize the Khmer-Krom as indigenous, uphold their rights, and cease all human rights abuses. The KKF also called for genuine dialogue with the Vietnamese government to address grievances.
World Sindhi Congress: The resolution reported an alarming rise in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings of Sindhi activists, and violence against Sindhi Hindus, Christians, and other minorities. It condemned land grabbing by the Pakistan military and its proxies, displacing indigenous Sindhis. The resolution called for an immediate cessation of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, a judicial inquiry into these incidents, and the return of indigenous lands. It urged international recognition of Sindhis’ right to self-determination and called for the suspension of Pakistan’s GSP+ status by European nations until human rights are restored. The resolution also appealed for conditional international aid based on Pakistan’s human rights compliance.
Niger Delta Peoples Movement: Emphasizing the urgent need for action, the resolution calls upon the Federal Government to prioritize sustainable economic empowerment and infrastructural development, address ongoing insecurity, combat environmental degradation, implement robust environmental remediation efforts, and ensure meaningful stakeholder engagement. The resolution underscores the imperative for immediate governmental intervention to foster sustainable development, peace, and prosperity for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole, in alignment with international standards of equality and non-discrimination.
Barotse National Freedom Alliance (BNFA): Barotseland’s member resolution emphasizes the historical and legal basis of Barotseland’s claim for self-determination and self-rule, rooted in the abrogation of the Barotseland Agreement 1964 by the Zambian government. Despite efforts for dialogue, the political and human rights situation in Barotseland continues to deteriorate, with arrests of activists and attempts to control land and resources. UNPO condemns Zambia’s suppression of Barotse freedoms and urges the government to respect Barotseland’s right to self-determination, including through signing the Permanent Court of Arbitration Submission Agreement for a peaceful resolution. The international community is called upon to support Barotseland’s quest for self-rule and to advocate for its rights.
The UNPO General Assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to advocate for the rights of unrepresented and marginalized peoples. The resolutions adopted will guide the organization’s efforts to promote self-determination, human rights, and democratic representation for all its member communities.
