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.

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 Göran Hansson, as well as outgoing Vice-Chairperson 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. 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.