Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation
This organization represens interests of unrecognized nations on international stage. Some former members of the organization (such as Armenia, Georgia) have finally gained recognition and are members of the UN now.
http://www.unpo.org/
"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 Organisation (UNPO) is an organisation 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 organisation 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.
Founded in 1991 by 14 nations and peoples, today UNPO has 51 members representing over 100 million people throughout the world. Five former UNPO members have achieved full independence and have been admitted to the United Nations: Estonia, Latvia, Armenia, Georgia, and Belau.
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.
Organisational 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 Commitee
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 Secretary is elected by the General Assembly. He/She heads the Secretariat headquartered at The Hague (Netherlands). Regional Coordination Offices exist in Washington D.C. (USA) and Tartu (Estonia). "