DOCUMENT: UNPO.TXT U N P O UNREPRESENTED NATIONS AND PEOPLES ORGANIZATION "UNPO...Hope for a just and tolerant future" citation, PRIZE FOR TOLERANCE, 1991 SUMMARY ~~~~~~~ Throughout the world, many nations and peoples struggle to regain their lost countries, maintain their cultural identity, and establish basic human rights. Some of these groups live under occupation or have been dispossessed of their countries, while others are ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples who exist as second-class citizens in the land of their ancestors. Most of these nations and peoples feel isolated in their struggle and have no international forum in which to be heard. Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is an organization of nations and peoples not adequately represented in the international community. It was set up by these nations and peoples themselves to promote their own aspirations through peaceful means. A non-aligned organization dedicated to non-violent programs and solutions, UNPO offers an international forum as well as much needed services for those nations and peoples whose causes and needs are not adequately addressed in existing international bodies. UNPO believes that by providing professional assistance to its member nations and peoples to promote aspirations in legitimate forums and through nonviolent means, it can reduce the motivation for violence and improve chances of finding solutions. In addition, UNPO provides a community of support for those nations and peoples who have long felt alone in their struggle. The term "unrepresented nations and peoples" covers a broad spectrum. The term may include occupied countries, federated states, indigenous peoples, ethnic or cultural majorities or minorities, or colonies. MEMBERSHIP ~~~~~~~~~~ Just as membership in the United Nations does not mean agreement among member states on each other's objectives, policies, or alliances, participation in UNPO does not signify any form of alliance or common purpose except in the promotion of respect for human rights of all peoples. IT IS UNPO's POSITION, SUPPORTED BY INTERNATIONAL LAW, THAT HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION, ARE NOT ISSUES EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE DOMESTIC JURISDICTION OF STATES. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNPO provides a range of services for UNPO Members: * International Forum * Media and Information Services * United Nations Representation * Training programs in Diplomacy, Non-Violence, and Democracy * Conflict Resolution * Urgent Action Council * Strategic Planning * Election/Referendum Monitoring * Promotion of Human Rights * Cultural Preservation and Promotion * Protection of the Natural Environment * Research Services CHARTER PRINCIPLES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNPO is dedicated to the following principles enshrined in its Charter: NON-VIOLENCE Development and implementation of strategies and policies alternative to violence. HUMAN RIGHTS Compliance with internationally accepted Human Rights Standards. SELF-DETERMINATION AND DEMOCRACY The equal right to self-determination of all peoples and the promotion of democracy. ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION The protection of nature and the environment TOLERANCE UNPO rejects intolerance. It does not advocate one economic or political system over another, and bears no favoritism whatsoever for any religion, ideology, or race. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND STATUS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * GENERAL ASSEMBLY The General Assembly of representatives of all member nations and peoples is held annually. The General Assembly is the highest decision-making organ of UNPO. * STEERING COMMITTEE The Steering Committee consists of five to fifteen Members elected by the General Assembly. It oversees the execution of decisions of the General Assembly. * SECRETARIAT The General Secretariat is elected by the General Assembly. He/She heads the Secretariat headquartered at The Hague. Regional Coordination Offices exist in San Francisco (U.S.A.) and Tartu (Estonia). Additional offices are planned for Latin America (Costa Rica), Asia, and Africa. UNPO OFFICES ~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Office of the General Secretariat Javastraat 40A / 2585 AP The Hague Mailing Address: Postbox 85878 / 2508 CN The Hague / The Netherlands Tel: (070) 360 33 18 Fax: (070) 360 33 46 * San Francisco Coordination Office 347 Dolores Street, Suite 206 San Francisco, California 94110, U.S.A. Tel: (415) 626 0995 Fax: (415) 626 0865 * Tartu Coordination Office Raekoja Platz 8 / 202400 Tartu / Estonia Tel: (01434) 3 39 44 HOW TO HELP ~~~~~~~~~~~ Yes, I want to become a Member of FRIENDS OF UNPO ___ I make my membership payment of $30 (or equivalent) to: ___ I am a student and make my membership payment of $15 (or equivalent) to: ___ I am enclosing a donation of $__________ to: FRIENDS OF UNPO Stichting UNPO Javastraat 40 A 2585 AP The Hague the Netherlands Post Giro: 62 69 591 Bank: ABN/AMRO acc.no.:50 05 02 145 or FRIENDS OF UNPO San Francisco Coordination Office 347 Dolores Street, Suite 206 San Francisco, California 94110, U.S.A. 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