FAQ
Where can I find more information about UPU’s members
The UPU has 192 member countries. A full list of members is available here.
Can private organizations join the UPU?
The UPU is an intergovernmental organization comprised of member countries. Non-designated operators, including private postal organizations, associations and suppliers, cannot currently join the UPU. However, Postal stakeholders that are not public postal operators or regulators can add their voice to the UPU's deliberations through the Consultative Committee (CC). You can learn more about the CC here.
Can the UPU process inquiries related to the United Nations?
The UPU does not deal with inquiries related to the United Nations, unless they pertain to the UPU’s role as a UN specialized agency. Those wishing to contact the United Nations should visit its website here.
Does UPU have the authority to grant formal status to individuals?
The Universal Postal Union's attention has been drawn to various correspondences, being circulated via e-mail, on websites or via regular mail or fax, falsely stating that the UPU has the authority to confer official recognition upon alleged “sovereign citizens”, or to grant some kind of formal status to such individuals.
Moreover, some of these individuals, motivated either by fraudulent purposes or a fundamental misunderstanding of the status and legal framework of the UPU, have made inaccurate public claims that the organization exercises legal “supremacy” among nations or in maritime law.
The UPU does not have any enforcement, investigative or jurisdictional authority to involve itself in third-party civil or contractual disputes, allegations of fraud (including claims of fraudulent imprisonment), or any other matters associated with such sovereign citizen movements. In addition, the use of postage stamps on legal documents does not create an opportunity or obligation for the UPU to become involved in those matters.
In the light of the above, any electronic or paper-based submissions to the UPU on the aforementioned matters (including any declarations of so-called “sovereign citizens” or “proclamations of claim and interest”; requests for certification or granting of alleged “individual sovereignty”, “affidavits of obligation” or “international and universal guardianship”; requests for ”admonishment” of UPU member countries on individual debt- and tax-related issues; requests for recognition of “private postmaster” claims; and other non-postal issues) will not be acknowledged or returned; nor will they be recorded or kept on file in the archives of the UPU. In addition, any individuals seeking to deliver such submissions in person will not be admitted into the headquarters of the UPU in Berne, Switzerland.
Moreover, some of these individuals, motivated either by fraudulent purposes or a fundamental misunderstanding of the status and legal framework of the UPU, have made inaccurate public claims that the organization exercises legal “supremacy” among nations or in maritime law.
The UPU does not have any enforcement, investigative or jurisdictional authority to involve itself in third-party civil or contractual disputes, allegations of fraud (including claims of fraudulent imprisonment), or any other matters associated with such sovereign citizen movements. In addition, the use of postage stamps on legal documents does not create an opportunity or obligation for the UPU to become involved in those matters.
In the light of the above, any electronic or paper-based submissions to the UPU on the aforementioned matters (including any declarations of so-called “sovereign citizens” or “proclamations of claim and interest”; requests for certification or granting of alleged “individual sovereignty”, “affidavits of obligation” or “international and universal guardianship”; requests for ”admonishment” of UPU member countries on individual debt- and tax-related issues; requests for recognition of “private postmaster” claims; and other non-postal issues) will not be acknowledged or returned; nor will they be recorded or kept on file in the archives of the UPU. In addition, any individuals seeking to deliver such submissions in person will not be admitted into the headquarters of the UPU in Berne, Switzerland.
Can I arrange a group visit the UPU’s headquarters in Berne?
The UPU is able to accommodate group visits to its International Bureau in Berne, Switzerland. Please use the contact form to let us know about your group and when you would like to visit.
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