The Little Known Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation

Distinguishing identities 

There are many reasons why a group of people may feel that their specific identity distinguishes them from the national powers that dominate them. Or, as in the case of Taiwan, would like to dominate them. These sentiments are not always ethnic, cultural or noble. The Northern League in Italy, now part of the coalition government with the Five Star Movement, is a prime example. It wanted to break away from southern Italy for reasons of superiority and snobbery. Though their stance has somewhat changed in recent years, their extreme right wing views and xenophobia has not. This is clear in their policy towards immigrants and migrants. More often than not, however, the reasons are related to a cultural diversity that contrasts with others who would impose their will upon them.

Finding Representation

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO) is where many of these people find a voice in international fora. UNPO was founded in 1991. It introduces itself in its website as a democratic and nonviolent movement. 

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is an international, nonviolent and democratic membership organisation. Its Members are indigenous peoples, minorities, unrecognised States and occupied territories that have joined together to defend their political, social and cultural rights, to preserve their environments and to promote their right to self-determination.

Currently, UNPO has 44 members. Nevertheless, the chances are most people would not have heard of more than a very few of these. The reason for this is that mainstream media tends to ignore their issues. I will try to learn more about them myself and I will aim to write about them periodically. In the meantime here is some more information on the history and purpose of the organisation: