The following is a brief report about the General Assembly published by UNPO<\/a>: <\/p>\nOn the weekend of March 27-28 2022, the Unrepresented Nations and People’s Organization hosted their XVIth General Assembly in Washington, DC, United States of America. The GA was the first hybrid in person\/remote Assembly in UNPO history.<\/p>\n
The election of a new Presidency board and President was a key outcome of the latest General Assembly, showing UNPO’s commitment to democracy in its internal structures. Dr Edna Adan Ismail, the renowned Somaliland activist and midwife, was elected as the first woman President in UNPO history. She is also the first African President in 15 years and will provide extensive experience from her career in international health and peaceful advocacy for Somaliland’s cause for recognition.<\/p>\n
The event kicked off on Saturday 26 March with our outgoing President Nasser Boladai expressing his joy at seeing the UNPO members gathered in person and online again after 2 years of the pandemic impeding much of the in person contact between different activists. Our host, the Shadow Senator for the District of Columbia, Paul Strauss, welcomed the members to the US capital – that as a member of UNPO has fought for the right to statehood and representation in Congress with adequate voting rights. The Senator highlighted that the parallels between the events instigated under former President Donald Trump on January 6th 2021 were not dissimilar to the coups that disempowered some of our more unfortunate members who live in dictatorships. It showed the fragility of democratic norms in the current political context and the importance of making Unrepresented peoples’ voices heard.
\nThe General Secretary, Mr Ralph J. Bunche, gave his speech in the report of the Secretariat’s activities, outlining the change in advocacy strategies and the impact the Secretariat was having in multiple international fora. A moment’s silence was also held for all the members we had sadly lost over the last years. Special consideration was also reserved to the plight of Crimean Tatars given the brutal crackdown of their people following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this year.<\/p>\n
Members made their traditional statements updating the Assembly on the recent developments in their countries and the political struggles they face. Issues commonly raised by members included: the criminalization of self-determination movements and systematic persecution faced through state-sanctioned violence; the ongoing impacts of colonialism; attacks on and efforts to eliminate minority and indigenous culture, language, and identity; as well as the importance of upholding democratic values and need for greater recognition and cooperation with the UN and wider international communityThe members then worked together on resolutions on various international themes and issues that will be voted upon in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
The second day was dedicated to the election of a new UNPO Presidency. Dr Edna Adan Ismail was elected as UNPO President, alongside Vice-Presidents Dr Rubina Greenwood of the Sindhi World Congress and Elizenda Paluzie, President of the Catalan member, ANC. This makes it an all-women trio at the top of the Presidency for the first time in UNPO’s history. Edna Adan Ismail is one of the lead public health and anti-FGM activists in the world, but most importantly is a strong advocate of self-determination and her experience in working in international fora and as Foreign Secretary of the Somaliland government will be invaluable.<\/p>\n
Our outgoing President Mr Nasser Boladai gave his closing remarks praising the changes in the organisation during his tenure and reaffirming his desire to stay a part of the UNPO family.
\nThe full new Presidency board of UNPO is as follows :
\nPresident: Dr Edna Adan Ismail, Somaliland
\nVice-President Elizenda Paluzie, Catalonia
\nVice-President Dr Rubina Greenwood, Sindh
\nMember : Paul Strauss, District of Columbia
\nMember : Dolkun Isa, Uyghur
\nMember : Tina Muna Barnes, Guam
\nMember : Rigzin Genkhang, Tibet
\nMember : Ali Abdelzadeh, Iranian Kurdistan
\nMember : Tammy Breedt, Afrikaner
\nMember : Alex Thach, Khmer Krom
\nMember : Abdi Mahdi, Ogaden<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On the weekend of March 27-28 2022, the Unrepresented Nations and People’s Organization (UNPO) hold its XVIth General Assembly in Washington, DC, United States of America. A delegation of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), representing Iranian Kurdistan, attended […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5992,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/UNPO-GA2022.jpg?fit=1600%2C833&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p12yuy-1yC","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5132,"url":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/a-pdki-delegation-attended-the-xxv-session-of-the-unpo-presidency\/","url_meta":{"origin":5990,"position":0},"title":"A PDKI Delegation Attended the XXV Session of the UNPO Presidency","author":"Ali","date":"October 17, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"A PDKI delegation consisting of Dr. Ali Abdelzadeh, Iranian Kurdistan\u2019s representative to the UNPO, and Kawa Ahangari, PDKI\u2019s representative in Belgium, attended the XXV Session of the UNPO Presidency, which took place on 14-15 October in Brussels. After the adoption of the agenda of the Presidency meeting and opening remarks\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Foreign Relation Activities & Reports"","block_context":{"text":"Foreign Relation Activities & Reports","link":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/category\/foreign-relation\/activities-reports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/IMG_2075.jpg?fit=1200%2C667&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/IMG_2075.jpg?fit=1200%2C667&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/IMG_2075.jpg?fit=1200%2C667&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/IMG_2075.jpg?fit=1200%2C667&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/IMG_2075.jpg?fit=1200%2C667&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7107,"url":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/meeting-of-pdki-representative-with-unpo-secretary-general\/","url_meta":{"origin":5990,"position":1},"title":"Meeting of PDKI Representative with UNPO Secretary General","author":"Ali","date":"February 17, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"On Monday, February 16, 2026, Sofia Amini, representative of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) and Eastern (Iranian) Kurdistan to the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), met with UNPO Secretary General Merc\u00e8 Monje Cano in Strasbourg, France. During the meeting, the two discussed the recent wave of protests\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Foreign Relation Activities & Reports"","block_context":{"text":"Foreign Relation Activities & Reports","link":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/category\/foreign-relation\/activities-reports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-6.jpg?fit=1200%2C775&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-6.jpg?fit=1200%2C775&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-6.jpg?fit=1200%2C775&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-6.jpg?fit=1200%2C775&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-6.jpg?fit=1200%2C775&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4643,"url":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/unpo-strongly-condemns-iranian-military-aggression-in-kurdistan\/","url_meta":{"origin":5990,"position":2},"title":"UNPO Strongly Condemns Iranian Military Aggression in Kurdistan","author":"akamr","date":"July 9, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"In a statement the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) strongly condemns Iran\u2019s military aggressions in Kurdistan and expresses continued support for democratic opposition groups in their struggle for democracy and national rights. UNPO statement: Brussels, 8 July 2016 - The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) strongly condemns Iran\u2019s\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Statements"","block_context":{"text":"Statements","link":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/category\/statements\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/UNPO-Strongly-Condemns-Iranian-Military.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/UNPO-Strongly-Condemns-Iranian-Military.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/UNPO-Strongly-Condemns-Iranian-Military.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/UNPO-Strongly-Condemns-Iranian-Military.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7103,"url":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/pdki-and-east-kurdistan-representative-to-unpo-participates-in-a-study-session\/","url_meta":{"origin":5990,"position":3},"title":"PDKI and East Kurdistan Representative to UNPO Participates in a Study Session","author":"Ali","date":"February 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"On Monday, February 16, 2026, a five-day study session titled \u201cReclaiming the Narratives: Empowering Marginalized Youth through Digital Advocacy\u201d began at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France. The session is organized by the UNPO Youth Network in partnership with the Council of Europe\u2019s Youth Department. Sofia Amini, the representative\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Foreign Relation Activities & Reports"","block_context":{"text":"Foreign Relation Activities & Reports","link":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/category\/foreign-relation\/activities-reports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_4254.jpeg?fit=1170%2C863&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_4254.jpeg?fit=1170%2C863&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_4254.jpeg?fit=1170%2C863&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_4254.jpeg?fit=1170%2C863&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_4254.jpeg?fit=1170%2C863&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6314,"url":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/pdki-extend-condolences-on-the-passing-of-marino-busdachin\/","url_meta":{"origin":5990,"position":4},"title":"PDKI extend condolences on the passing of Marino Busdachin","author":"Ali","date":"June 13, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"On behalf of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Marino Busdachin, the former General Secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO). Marino Busdachin's dedication and tireless efforts in advocating for the rights and self-determination of unrepresented nations and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Latest"","block_context":{"text":"Latest","link":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/category\/latest\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_7652.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_7652.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_7652.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_7652.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5052,"url":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/pdki-representative-highlighted-irans-human-rights-violation\/","url_meta":{"origin":5990,"position":5},"title":"PDKI Representative Highlighted Iran\u2019s Human Rights Violations in Geneva","author":"Ali","date":"September 21, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Forced disappearances in Iran was discussed at a side event of the 36th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva on September 20. PDKI\u2019s representative in Geneva Baban Eliassi spoke at the event. Eliassi highlighted Iran\u2019s systematic violations of the human rights of national minorities\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Latest2"","block_context":{"text":"Latest2","link":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/category\/latest2\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Baban.jpg?fit=500%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5990"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5990"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5990\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5995,"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5990\/revisions\/5995"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdki.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}