UNPO is proud to celebrate the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize nominations of two exceptional human rights defenders from our member communities: Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a courageous advocate for women’s rights, social justice, and human rights in Balochistan, and Mr. Hada, a steadfast champion for the rights of the Southern Mongolian people, alongside Campaign for Uyghurs, a dedicated organization advocating for human rights and democratic freedoms in East Turkestan.
These nominations shine a global spotlight on the relentless struggles of unrepresented nations and peoples for justice, dignity, and self-determination. For decades, UNPO has stood in solidarity with those who peacefully resist oppression, and these nominations reaffirm that both our members and our mission continue to lead the charge in the global movement for human rights and peace.
Honoring Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s Leadership in Championing Baloch Rights
Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s nomination recognizes her unwavering commitment to challenging systemic oppression and amplifying the voices of the Baloch people on the global stage, with a particular focus on advocating for the rights of Baloch women. As a passionate human rights and women’s rights activist, and as the director of the Baloch Yakjheti Committee, an organization dedicated to supporting political prisoners, victims of state repression, enforced disappearances, and families affected by structural discrimination in Balochistan, Dr. Mahrang Baloch has been a tireless and inspirational force for change
In a post on X on March 6, Dr. Mahrang Baloch confirmed her nomination but redirected the focus, stating:
“This is not about me. It is about the thousands of Baloch people who have been forcibly disappeared and the families seeking justice. The fight for human rights in Balochistan must not be ignored by global civil society and civilized nations.”
Her nomination follows her recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Emerging Leaders of 2024 and one of BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women of 2024. Dr. Baloch also participated in UNPO’s webinar on August 30, 2024, marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, where she shared her experiences of peaceful protest against state repression in Balochistan.
As one of UNPO’s key programs focuses on empowering unrepresented women, we take immense pride in celebrating the strength of women who stand up against oppression, with this nomination serving as a powerful testament to the transformative force of female activists and peaceful resistance for change.
Recognizing Mr. Hada’s Lifelong Commitment to Southern Mongolia’s Rights
The nomination of Mr. Hada, President of the Southern Mongolian Democratic Alliance, is a powerful acknowledgment of his tireless advocacy for the rights of the Southern Mongolian people. Despite decades of imprisonment, house arrest, and persecution, he has remained steadfast in his peaceful fight for self-determination and human rights.
His nomination, put forward by four members of Japan’s National Diet, highlights the urgency of addressing the oppression of Southern Mongolians. Often referred to as the “Nelson Mandela of Southern Mongolia”, Mr. Hada’s resilience and commitment to justice make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.
Commending the Campaign for Uyghurs’ Work and Advocacy in Defending Human Rights in East Turkestan
The nomination of Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) recognizes its pivotal role in advocating for the human rights and democratic freedoms of the Uyghur people in East Turkestan. Founded in 2017 by Rushan Abbas, CFU has played a key role in raising global awareness of the systematic repression faced by Uyghurs under the Chinese government. Through grassroots advocacy, global mobilization, and compelling testimonies, CFU has brought attention to atrocities such as forced labor, religious persecution, and cultural erasure, ensuring that the voices of Uyghur victims are heard on the international stage.
This nomination is a testament to the significant impact CFU has made in its ongoing campaign to expose the atrocities occurring in East Turkestan and hold the Chinese government accountable for its crimes against humanity. It highlights the urgent need for global solidarity in addressing one of the most pressing human rights crises of our time and reinforces CFU’s call for a united international response to protect the rights and dignity of the Uyghur people. Rushan Abbas asserts: “We hope this recognition brings overdue attention to the Uyghur plight. The Chinese government’s crimes are not just a regional issue; they constitute a global human rights crisis that demands immediate action.”
Nominations Reflect UNPO’s Core Force of Peaceful Resistance
The nominations of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Mr. Hada, and Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) serve as a powerful testament that the voices of unrepresented nations and peoples cannot and will not be silenced. Through their unwavering commitment to peaceful resistance, key activists and organizations within our member communities continue to challenge oppression and demand justice on the international stage.
These nominations are not simply acknowledgments of individuals or organizations, but of the entire movements and the methodologies they embody, the relentless, peaceful pursuit of justice, dignity, and the fundamental rights of their peoples. UNPO is immensely proud to see these central figures and organizations in the struggle for self-determination and justice within our member communities recognized globally. This also echoes the past recognition of UNPO itself, along with other member representatives, who have been nominated in previous years for their ongoing advocacy for the rights of unrepresented peoples. These nominations reaffirm that peaceful resistance is not only a powerful force but a vital catalyst for achieving a just and equitable world.
