Nations without States: Chechnya, Kurdistan, Tibet

On the occasion of the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights we organized the conference which was devoted to current political situation in Chechnya, Kurdistan and Tibet with emphasis on a difficult way to recover their independence. The conference was held on December 13, 2003 in Warsaw (Poland) under the title Nations without States: Chechnya, Kurdistan, Tibet. The participants of the conference submitted an appeal to authorities and media.

Appeal:

Nations without States: Chechnya, Kurdistan, Tibet

We as stated below, the participants of the conference Nations without States: Chechnya, Kurdistan, Tibet.

Supporting the struggle to self-determination of the people of Chechnya, Kurdistan and Tibet we apply to Polish authorities with appeal to take actions worldwide regarding respect of basic human rights in these very countries.

We would like to stress that the case of the mentioned nations is the interest of Polish scientists, journalists, politicians and NGOs. We still remember the days when Poles called for the help of the entire world. We do not want the Polish traditional saying «for freedom ours and yours» to become out of date.

The situation of Kurds is getting better although still remains severe. Chechens and Tibetans lives are at stake. Not only people are persecuted but also priceless elements of the world’s culture heritage. With great understanding of the tragedy, trying to be responsible for the future of this world, we call for the support for the nations without states: Chechen, Kurds and Tibetans.

Signatures:
Malika Abdulvakhabova – Chechen refuge activist
Isa Adayev – former director of the National Museum in Grozny
dr Agata Bareja-Starzyska – lecturer of the Warsaw University, co-found of Polish Tibetan Friendship Association
Klara Brodacka – co-founder of Caucasus Nations Culture Institute
Piotr Cykowski – president of Polish Tibetan Friendship Association
Andrzej Gelberg – journalist
Maria Giedz – journalist
Dr Beata Kowalska – lecturer of the Jagiellonian University
Dr Yeshi Sangpo Lhosar – Tibetan refugee
M. Missala – editor
Ziyad Raoof – Kurdish Information and Filing Center
Adam Sanocki – pro Tibetan activist, musician, journalist
Nebi Sherkawey – Kurdistan Democratic Party (Iraq)
Henryk Wujec – founder of Polish/Tibetan parliamentary group