1 November 2013

Dear UNPO Members and Friends,

As the last couple of months of the year 2013 are fast approaching, UNPO is busier than ever advocating for our Members. By organizing activities and events we aim to provide opportunities, ensuring that these are beneficial to our Members.

Several of our Members have been very active this month, celebrating anniversaries and traditional holidays. On the 10th of October, Taiwan celebrated its 102nd anniversary since the founding of the Republic of China. In line with the topic of celebration, traditional Oromo communities around the world celebrated Irreecha, the Oromo Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, traditional Buddhists in the Chittagong Hill Tracts celebrated Probarana and Kathin Chibar Dan.

Some of our Members have been busy this month creating positive outcomes. Iraqi Kurdistan announced long-term plans in order to stimulate tourism in the region. In Somaliland, the president is leading an initiative to combat the spread of polio by becoming the first person to be vaccinated against polio. Meanwhile, Abkhazia met with the Russian foreign ministry for another round of talks concerning the stability and security of the Southern Caucasus. After three more countries recognized the state of Kosova last month, this month sees Kosova open talks with several more countries in the hope of formal recognition. The Haratin have been busy this month raising awareness of slavery in Mauritania by addressing the Panafrican Congress  in Munich and the European Parliament.

Despite the celebratory mood and positive outcomes of some of our Members, many are still suffering human rights violations. This month, some of our Members have been particularly vulnerable to oppressive policies from China. In East Turkestan, Uyghurs continue to be arrested, detained and killed by the Chinese authorities. In Tibet, China has increased its crackdown on independent Tibetan news providers. Chinese authorities launched an ‘anti-terror’ campaign in Inner Mongolia, in order to clampdown on the Mongolian rights movement. Meanwhile, in Pretoria, the Ogaden held a conference, denouncing human rights violations faced by the Ogaden under Ethiopian rule.

UNPO itself has continued to be very active in raising awareness of human rights violations faced by its Members. First UNPO celebrated the International Day of Nonviolence. On this day, UNPO called to remember all non-violent activists who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom. October also saw UNPO mark the 11th World Day Against the Death Penalty, during which, UNPO highlighted the countries still practicing the death penalty and the Members affected. Secondly, UNPO organized and took part in four conferences at the European Parliament. These include a conference on Federalism in the Middle East as a means for stability in the region. This coincided with the visit of delegates from the Congress of Nationalities for a Federal Iran who were present to meet with EU policy makers and to speak at the event.  At the second conference, Mr. Marino Busdachin, General Secretary of UNPO, spoke on the subject of extractive industries and their effect on indigenous populations at a conference on raw materials organized by the Socialist & Democrats political group in the European Parliament. The third conference this month focused on the Azeri Elections, the current political climate and Baku’s relations with the EU. The final conference was organized with The International Institute for Law and Human Rights, No Peace Without Justice and the office of Mrs. Ana Gomes MEP surrounding the launch of a book on Iraqi Minorities entitled “Iraq’s Minorities and Other Vulnerable Groups: Legal Framework, Documentation and Human Rights”.

The next few months are set to be even busier with several activities planned. UNPO will host a workshop on diplomatic cultures in The Hague at the end of next week, gathering academics and diplomatic practitioners. UNPO will also hold its Presidency in South Africa towards the end of the month, where, amongst other things, UNPO will decide on admittance of new Members. In addition, UNPO plans to hold a human rights training session one day prior to the 6th Forum on Minority Issues. On this occasion UNPO will coordinate a delegation of UNPO Member representatives at the 6th UN Forum on Minority Issues, where representatives of States, UN bodies, human rights organizations and other groups will discuss the rights of minorities, specifically regarding "Beyond freedom of religion or belief: Guaranteeing the rights of religious minorities". UNPO highly encourages its Members to be present at this UN Forum. Finally, UNPO will be holding a seminar on media and communication for human rights defenders in its Secretariat office, so as to further help our Members and activists to work together towards peace.

Through these actions, UNPO will continue working for a better world for its members, where they can fully enjoy their human right to self-determination.

Sincerely,

Marino Busdachin

UNPO General Secretary 

October Activities & Events

1st October

Brussels, Belgium

Book Launch on Iraqi Minorities

The International Institute for Law and Human Rights (IILHR), No Peace Without Justice (NPWJ), UNPO and the office of Mrs. Ana Gomes MEP launched a legal handbook entitled "Iraq's Minorities and Other Vulnerable Groups: Legal Framework, Documentation and Human Rights" in the European Parliament. 

1st-3rd October

Brussels, Belgium

CNFI Advocacy Visit

Delegates from the Congress of Nationalities for a Federal Iran, were present in Brussels prior to UNPO’s conference “Exploring the Path of Federalism in the Middle East” at which some of the delegates were participating. They were in Brussels in order to meet with key EU policy makers and MEPs. Advocating for a federal Iran, raising awareness of human rights issues, as well as sharing their views on Iran’s new leader, were some of the issues discussed at the meeting.  

2nd October

Brussels, Belgium

Conference: “Exploring the Path of Federalism in the Middle East”

UNPO, in coordination with the office of Mr. Tunne Kelam MEP, convened a conference in the European Parliament in order to explore the opportunities for developing federalism, as a means of enhancing democracy and stability in the Middle East.

Worldwide

International Day of Nonviolence

On the 2nd October 1869 Mahatma Gandhi was born. A UN General Assembly resolution of 2007 established the 2nd of October as the International Day of Non-violence and affirmed "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence". On this occasion we celebrated the philosophy of non-violence, to which Gandhi has much contributed during India’s liberation movement.

On this day, UNPO called for all to remember non-violent activists everywhere in the world, some of whom lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom, justice and peace. Their sacrifice illustrates how every single person can engage in non-violent activism. As non-violence is one of UNPO’s main principles, we encouraged everyone to show compassion and solidarity with those who are suffering, imprisoned or oppressed on grounds of their political opinions, religious beliefs and the assertion of their rights to self-determination and democracy.

3rd October

Brussels, Belgium

Conference: “Raw Materials: A Raw Deal For Developing Countries?”

On the occasion of the conference on Raw Materials, organized by the Socialist & Democrats political group in the European Parliament, Mr. Marino Busdachin, General Secretary of UNPO, spoke on the subject of extractive industries and their effect on indigenous populations. The conference assembled a wide range of experts and guest speakers who gave an in-depth look at the international scope of raw materials. 

Brussels, Belgium

Conference on the Upcoming Elections in Azerbaijan: “What Future for the Land of Fire?”

UNPO organized a half-day conference in tandem with Mr Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy MEP on  the recent presidential elections in Azerbaijan, the current Azeri political climate and Baku’s relations with the European Union. An FLNKA delegation, representing UNPO’s Lezghin member, was present for the occasion. A report of the conference, with a detailed account of all speeches, is available for download on the UNPO website.

5th-12th October

Kigali, Rwanda

Mission to Rwanda

Two UNPO delegates participated in a mission to Rwanda in order to organise a workshop on Gender Based Violence and Economic Empowerment for women from Batwa communities throughout the country. The workshop was ideated as part of the Earth, Exploitation and Survival Project, kindly funded by the Nando Peretti Foundation. The successful event was organised in collaboration with two Rwandan organisations COPORWA and YWCA. UNPO delegates also visited several Batwa communities to gather evidence in order to compile a report and develop future projects to aid these communities.

6 th -16 thOctober

Armenia

Study Visit to Armenia

UNPO participated in a study visit to Armenia. The visit focused on human rights violations in Armenia. Participants met with NGOs, participated in workshops and interviewed the local population to determine the status of human rights in the region. The narrative of the visit will soon be available on the UNPO blog.

7 th October

The Hague, the Netherlands

Taipei Representative Office in the Netherlands Reception

On the 10th of October, Taiwan celebrated its 102nd year anniversary since the founding of the Republic of China. UNPO attended a celebration hosted by the Taipei Representative Office in the Netherlands, in order to mark the event. The event included speeches from the Ambassador and Dutch politician Mr. René Leegte. 

10th October

Worldwide

11th World Day against the Death Penalty

On the 10th of October, UNPO celebrated the 11th World Day against the Death Penalty, held every year on this day since the launch of the campaign in 2003. Its aim is to achieve the abolition of the death penalty, a cruel and degrading punishment, incompatible with fundamental human rights. UNPO notes that the death penalty is still being practiced against Nations and Peoples that it represents. UNPO calls to abolish the death penalty in all countries and in all circumstances.

Press Release on Elections in Azerbaijan

Brussels, Belgium

UNPO issued a press release on the recent presidential elections in Azerbaijan, concluding that President Aliyev’s re-election leaves little hope for democracy in the country. The press release was the occasion to remind readers of UNPO’s recent Conference ‘Azerbaijan’s Presidential Elections: What Future for the Land of Fire?’ and provided an additional platform to disseminate a recent report Human Rights and Democracy in Azerbaijan which is a result of a UNPO field visit to Azerbaijan.

14th October

Brussels, Belgium

European Parliament Hearing on Slavery in the Sahel

The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) held a hearing on Slavery in the Sahel, in the wake of several IRA lobby meetings and UNPO’s activities and presence in the European Parliament. Biram Abeid of IRA Mauritania, representing the Haratin community, participated as a speaker in the event and pursued his work through several advocacy meetings in Brussels.

15th October

Brussels, Belgium

Conference: “Baluchistan: Destiny Denied”

The European Conservatives and Reformists and Baluchistan House organized a conference in the European Parliament in order to discuss the plight of the Baloch people, an ethnic group living in Baluchistan (Pakistan). The conference focused on raising awareness of the oppression of the Pakistani authorities against the Baloch people. The conference included speeches from politicians and Baloch speakers, and stressed the need for urgent aid to recent earthquake victims to which aid has still not been delivered.

24th October

Munich, Germany

Biram Dah Abeid Addresses Panafrican Congress

The President of the IRA-Mauritania visited Europe in order to highlight the case of slavery in Mauritania. Mr. Abeid gave a powerful speech at the Panafrican Congress in Munich condemning the Mauritania state.

Brussels, Belgium

Expert Seminar: "The Role of the Prosecutor in the Emerging Practice of the International Criminal Court"

UNPO attended a seminar at the Institute for European Studies (IES) and the Fundamental Rights and Constitutionalism Research Group (FRC) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. During the expert seminar, leading experts and practitioners in the field of International Criminal Justice, including ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda herself, gave an overview and critically assessed the role of the ICC Prosecutor and the challenges her Office are currently facing.

24 th October- 2ndNovember

Georgia

Study Visit to Georgia

UNPO participated in a study visit to Georgia, with a focus on exploring the issue of ethics in the context of youth work. The narrative of the visit will soon be available on the UNPO blog.

26 th October

The Hague, the Netherlands

Papua Cultural Festival

UNPO attended a cultural festival organized by the Nationaal Papoea Vereniging ’95 West Nieuw Guinea. The event focused on showcasing the unique culture of West-Papua by performing traditional dance and theatre. UNPO had a stall at the event, enabling us to raise awareness of many of our Members’ plights. 

28th October

Brussels, Belgium 

97th Tibet Intergroup Meeting

In collaboration with the International Campaign for Tibet Brussels Office, MEP Thomas Mann convened a Tibet Intergroup meeting at the European Parliament. This 97th meeting was the occasion for author Gabriel Lafitte to present his newly released book "Spoiling Tibet: China and Resource Nationalism on the Roof of the World". An interesting talk took place regarding Chinese mining operations and extractive industries in Tibet and their grave consequences for Tibetans living on the plateau as well as for the environment (water and air pollution, land erosion, deforestation, agriculture...).

Upcoming activities and events

6th November

Brussels, Belgium

Abkhaz Chamber of Commerce Visit

Delegates from the Abkhaz chamber of commerce will be present in Brussels in order to meet with the Belgian Chamber of Commerce and the Taiwanese representation in order to discuss future collaborations.

8th-9th November

The Hague, the Netherlands

Workshop on Diplomatic Cultures

UNPO will be hosting a workshop on diplomatic cultures, which will gather academics and diplomatic practitioners to discuss diplomatic structures outside of the State system.

18th-26th November

Washington DC, USA 

West Balochistan Advocacy Meetings

UNPO is currently organising advocacy meetings for Mr. Nasser Boladai, who will be in Washington from the 18th to the 26th of November. Mr. Nasser Boladai is the President of the Balochistan Peoples Party (BPP) and a member of the International Committee of the Congress of Nationalities for a Federal Iran (CNFI). He advocates for human rights and federalism in Iran. In Washington, Mr. Nasser Boladai will meet with US Congressmen, US Senators and members of various organizations. 

22nd-23rd  November

South-Africa

UNPO Presidency

UNPO will hold its presidency on 22nd-23rd November in South-Africa. The presidency will discuss the overall performance of the organization as well as come up with new fundraising ideas. The presidency will also decide on the admittance of new Members. 

21-23 rd November

The Hague, the Netherlands

Media and Communication for Human Rights Defenders Training Program

UNPO will hold another training session, following the success and feedback of SpeakOut! 2013. This training will have a specific focus on media and communication in the context of human rights defenders. Participants will have the chance to engage in simulations and participate in workshops throughout the training. More information is available here.

25th November

Worldwide

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Since December 1999, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is held annually on the 25th of November. On this day the United Nations invites governments international organizations and NGO’s to organize activities raising awareness of the problem. On this day, UNPO hopes to highlight the problems of women in the world with a particular focus on its Members.

Geneva, Switzerland

Human Rights Training

UNPO plans to hold a one day training session, one day prior to the forum of minority issues. The training event will focus on giving young people the necessary skills to advocate for their objectives. The training will focus on communication and negotiation strategies. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in simulations and participate in workshops. 

26-27th November

Geneva, Switzerland

6th Forum on Minority Issues

UNPO will coordinate a delegation of UNPO Member representatives at the 6th UN Forum on Minority Issues, where representatives of States, UN bodies, human rights organizations and other groups will discuss the rights of minorities, specifically regarding "Beyond freedom of religion or belief: Guaranteeing the rights of religious minorities". UNPO encourages its Members to be present at this UN Forum.

27th November 2013 

DROI Hearing on Minorities in Iraq

Brussels  

A forthcoming DROI Hearing to be held on the 27th of November will focus on the situation of minorities in Iraq. Mr. Marino Busdachin, General Secretary of UNPO will participate in the event as a speaker, leading a discussion which will focus specifically on the current situation of the Iraqi Turkmen. 

UNPO Publications

UNPO launched its report on ‘Democracy and Minority Rights in Azerbaijan in light of the presidential elections: the plight of the Lezghin’, further to the fact-finding mission that was organised to Dagestan and Azerbaijan. The report was presented to the public in the European Parliament during an official launch. 

Donations

We rely on financial support from our Members and friends to continue our work each year. Such donations are crucial to ensure the continued full participation and engagement of a great number of unrepresented communities, indigenous peoples, minorities and occupied or unrecognized territories. The recently published 2010-2012 Secretary General’s Activity Report provides an overview of the activities we have been working on over the past years with the help of our partners and supporters. As an alternative to direct financial contributions, you can always spread the word about UNPO or offer our cookbook to your family or friends.

Next Month’s Newsletter

Please send us your agendas for the coming months for inclusion in our diary. If you have any questions or queries please feel free to contact the UNPO Secretariat at unpo@unpo.org