TIBETAN u l l e t i n BTh e Of f i c i a l Jo u r n a l o f t h e Ce n t r a l Ti b e t a n Ad m i n i s t r at i o n Volume 17, Issue 6 november - december 2013
Focus
• Current Human Rights Situation in Tibet
• Tibet Issue Raised in Australian Senate on Rights Day
Feature
• DIIR Kalon Dicki Chhoyang Testifies Before Italian Senate
Documentation
• Statement of the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the 24th Anniversary of the Conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet
CTA response to Chinese allegations
• Party Boss in Tibet Plans to Separate The 14th Dalai Lama From Tibetan Buddhism
www.tibet.net/en/tibbul
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 1 View of the stage during the dialogue between His Holiness the His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Vasant Valley School Dalai Lama and scientists in Tokyo, Japan on November 17, and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Del- 2013. Photo/Office of Tibet Japan hi, India on December 6, 2013.
Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay met with US Senate Majority Kalons of CTA with Mr. Roberto Pinto, President Ugo Ros- Leader Harry Reid at the Senator’s office in the U.S. Capitol si of President of the Autonomous Province of Trento Building on 14 November 2013
“Yesterday, I noticed two girls on crutches begging on the street, their forlorn faces reflecting their deso- lation. The traffic flows past such people, and it seems no one pays any attention. It’s very sad. We really should make efforts to support such people. For example, here in the city I’ve seen the extravagance with which weddings are celebrated these days. Instead of such lavish displays of wealth, wouldn’t it be more beneficial to provide a meal for the poor?” His Holiness said on Care Home for Street Children in Delhi
2 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 contents www.tibet.net/en/tibbul
brief news
4. Sikyong Meets with US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid TIBETAN
5. Tibetans mourn passing away of Nelson Mandela Bu l l e t i N Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly 6. Brazilian Parliamentary Delegation visits Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile journal of the Central Tibetan Admin- istration. Focus 7. Current Human rights situation in Tibet
10. Tibet Issue Raised in Australian Senate on Rights Day
11.UN must hold China’s human rights record to highest level of scrutiny
Signed articles or quotations do not neces- 13. Three Canadian MPs raised the issue of Tibet in the parliament after they met His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s new representative sarily reflect the views of the Central Tibet- an Administration. Contributions are wel- come and may be addressed to the editor, Feature Tibetan Bulletin. However the publisher regrets its inability to return unused articles 14. Testimony of Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Central Tibetan Administration unless they are accompanied by a self-ad- before the Italian Senate’s Extraordinary Commission for the Protection and dressed envelope with adequate postage. Promotion of Human Rights Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of charge. To subscribe please email the circu- documentation lation manager or see page 2.
17. Statement of the Kashag on the 24th Anniversary of the Conferment of Nobel Editor Peace Prize to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet Lobsang Choedak Email: [email protected] 19. Statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the 24th Anniversary of the Conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Asst. Editor Tibet Jamphel Shonu Intern/Reporter Tenzin Passang world press Layout & Design Tenzin Passang 21. Desperation in Tibet [The New York Times] By the Editorial Board Circulation Manager Tenzin Choephel 22. An exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama by Amy Kazmin Email: [email protected] Tibetan Bulletin is published by: Department of Information and cta response to chinese allegation International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharam- 27. Party Boss in Tibet Plans to Separate The 14th Dalai Lama From Tibetan shala- 176 215 H.P. India Buddhism Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457
Vol. 17, Issue 6 n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Re g u l a r s
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 3 Ne w s Fr o m Ti b e t & Ex i l e
Sikyong Meets US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Sino-Tibetan talks could take place in Iceland WASHINGTON, DC – Sikyong Dr. The Sikyong also met two senior edito- Lobsang Sangay met with US Sen- rial board members of The Wall Street ate Majority Leader Harry Reid at Journal, former Senator Joe Lieberman Denouncing the atrocities perpetrated the Senator’s office in the US Capitol and Nicholas Kristoff, the Pulitzer Prize against Tibetans in Tibet, a group of Building on 14 November. The two winner columnist for The New York MPs from all Icelandic political par- leaders discussed the current situation Times. “Great chat today with Lobsang ties except Prime Minister Sigmundur in Tibet and the next visit of His Holi- Sangay, Tibetan leader, about escalat- Davíð Gunnlaugsson’s Progressive ness the Dalai Lama to Washington. “I ing repression in Tibet. Sad to see the Party have submitted a parliamentary have met His Holiness the Dalai Lama oppression there,” Kristoff tweeted af- resolution encouraging the Chinese several times. He is a remarkable fig- ter the meeting to his close to 1.5 mil- government to resume peace talks with ure. What is happening in Tibet is very lion followers. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s repre- sad,” said Senator Reid. The Sikyong sentatives, ruv.is and Iceland Review spoke about his assumption of politi- He also met with the Washington bu- Online reported on 29 November. cal leadership of the Tibetan people reau chief for The Huffington Post, Ma- and the efforts of his Administration ria Otero and Paula Dobriansky – the The resolution urges the Icelandic par- to draw attention and resolve the Tibet two former US under Secretaries and liament to highlight concerns over grow- issue. Representative Kaydor Aukat- Special Coordinators for Tibetan Issues, ing violence against and oppression of sang and the Senator’s Senior Foreign key staffers of the Senate Foreign Rela- Tibetans by the Chinese government. It Policy Advisor were also present at the tions Committee, and Congress woman calls on the parliament to condemn the meeting. Zoe Lofgren with whom he discussed crackdown on peaceful protests in Tibet immigration-related issues. and insist that the Chinese government With this important meeting and an not stand in way of the UN sending a earlier meeting with Congressman Ed In all his meetings, the Sikyong has delegation to investigate human rights Royce – Chairman of the House For- been speaking of CAN, his Administra- abuses in Tibet. Encouraging the Chi- eign Relations Committee, the Sikyong tion’s commitment to the Middle Way nese government to initiate peace talks has now met with most of the top US Approach, and requesting more sup- with the representatives of His Holiness Congressional leaders. In his ear- port for Tibet and Tibetans. CAN is the the Dalai Lama, the MPs suggest that lier visits to Washington, he met with three-phased integrated approach of talks could take place in Iceland. House Speaker John Boehner, Leader Consolidation, Action and Negotiations Nancy Pelosi, and Senator John Kerry (or dialogue) that serves as a broad stra- A statement accompanying the resolu- then Chairman of the Senate Foreign tegic policy road map for the current Ti- tion said that many parliaments around Relations Committee. betan Administration in Dharamsala. the world have passed resolutions re- garding the critical situation in Tibet. Twelve Nobel Peace winners have sent Beautiful culture of Tibet showcased at Himalayan Festival letters to the Chinese government en- Tibetans showcased their beautiful Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said: couraging peace talks with the Tibetan culture and tradition at a day-long Hi- “Tibet is a land of religion, and is a re- people. The MPs believe that the Ice- malayan festival at Shimla, the capital pository of unique and beautiful culture, landic parliament should take a stance, of northern Indian state of Himachal language and religion. It is our respon- particularly given that senior officials Pradesh, on 23 November. sibility to take care of Tibetans living in of the Chinese government have visited exile and especially ensure that Tibetan Iceland on a regular basis. “We Iceland- The festival, jointly organised by De- children get good education. We hope ers have a moral obligation under our partment of Tourism, Himachal State and pray to god that Tibetans in exile free trade agreement with China, which Government and Department of Home will return to their homeland with dig- takes effect in early 2014, to highlight of the Central Tibetan Administration, nity within my lifetime,” he said. that we will not accept human rights was aimed at promoting friendship and violations of the kind outlined in the cultural understanding among peoples Sikyong said: “We express our sincere statement.” especially those living in the Himala- and heartfelt gratitude to the govern- yan regions. ment and people of Himachal Pradesh Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the dem- for their long-standing support to the ocratically-elected leader and political Dignitaries present on the occasion in- Tibetan people.” successor to His Holiness the Dalai clude Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Lama, reiterated commitment to dia- Tenphel, Health Kalon Dr. Tsering- Songs and dances of Tibet, Bhutan, logue to find a solution to the issue of Wangchuk and Director of Tourism Ladakh, Sikkim, Kinnaur and Nepal Tibet within the framework of the Chi- Mohan Chauhan. were showcased on the occasion. nese constitution.
4 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r -d e c e m b e r 2013 Ne w s Fr o m Ti b e t & Ex i l e Tibetans mourn passing away We aspire for your autonomy status of Nelson Mandela Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the polit- the Tibetan settlement in Mainpat and Describing Nelson Mandela as an icon ical leader of the Tibetan people on his Telerad RXDX in Whitefield, Banga- of peace, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay arrival in Bolzano met with Dr. Arno lore in late May 2013. Tibetans living said his struggle for justice gave hope Kompatscher, the President designate in Ladakh are benefiting from the drink- to humanity in general and particularly of South Tyrol on 18 November. ing water project. to Tibetans, that justice do prevail in the end.“The history of the anti-apartheid He said he was visiting long time friends During his meetings in Bolzano and movement and the personal story of in the autonomous provinces of South Trento, Dr. Sangay said, “We are ad- Mandela gave hope to humanity in gen- Tyrol and Trento in northern Italy. The vocating to resolve the Tibetan issue eral and particularly to Tibetans that jus- two provinces enjoy legal autonomous through non-violence and dialogue tice do prevail in the end,” he remarked. status within the political structure of based on the Middle Way Approach.” Calling Mandela an icon of peace in the the Italian Republic. world, Dr. Sangay said “the Tibetan Sikyong said that the Tibetans are seek- movement, as a whole, is inspired by Dr. Kompatscher pledged his continued ing genuine autonomy. The freedom en- the anti-apartheid movement for being support. He said he first met His Ho- joyed by the people of the autonomous non-violent and peaceful, adding that liness the Dalai Lama as a student in region of Bolzano and Trento shows Mandela’s legacy and his struggle for 1997 and more recently during His Ho- that autonomous status for the Tibetans justice will continue.” liness’ visit to Bolzano in April 2013. within the framework of the People’s Republic of China is possible. In a letter to the family of Nelson Man- Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay also vis- dela, His Holiness the Dalai Lama ex- ited Trento, the capital of Trentino au- In responding to questions about the sit- pressed his deep sadness on learning of tonomous province. He met with Mrs. uation in Tibet, Dr. Sangay said that the the passing away of Nelson Mandela. Sara Ferrari, newly appointed Commis- situation on the ground in Tibet wasn’t His Holiness wrote: “In his death the sioner for International Solidarity of getting better. He said 122 Tibetans had world has lost a great leader, whose the Province of Trento and Mr. Bruno self-immolated in Tibet, demonstrations steadfast and unflinching determination Doringatti, President of the Provincial against mining and dam construction played a key role in securing peace and Council of Trento. continue in Tibet. reconciliation during South Africa’s transition from apartheid rule. Under Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay briefed “I am very concerned about the present his leadership South Africa was trans- Mrs. Sara Ferrari about the Telemedicine situation in Tibet, as we continue to hear formed through peaceful means, in the and drinking water projects financed by very sad news from Tibet,” said Mr. spirit of reconciliation.” the Trento provincial government. He Bruno Doringatti, the President of the said that he had visited both the proj- Provincial Council of Trento. “I wish His Holiness said that he will personally ect areas in India. The telemedicine to strengthen our relationship between miss a dear friend, who he had hoped to connection was inaugurated between Trento and the Tibetan people.” meet again and for whom he had great admiration and respect. In his letter, His Holiness continued, “He was a man of French deputies urge China to end repression in Tibet courage, principle and unquestionable integrity, a great human being, someone “It is now urgent that France intervene ment and envoys of the Dalai Lama to of whom we can truly say, “He lived a with the Chinese government to end the promote autonomy for Tibet within the meaningful life.” I pray for him and of- repressive policy towards the Tibetan People’s Republic of China. fer my heartfelt condolences to you, the minority and reaffirm its support for members of your family and the entire Tibetans in the name respect for hu- The motion was presented on the same people of South Africa.” man rights and freedom of expression day when the National Assembly re- that are the foundation of its foreign ceived a Chinese parliamentary delega- policy,’’ said Deputies Jean-Patrick tion led by Mr Wu Yingjie, Vice Gov- Finally, His Holiness said that although Gille and Noel Mamere said in a motion ernor and Deputy Party Secretary of Nelson Mandela had physically depart- presented in the National Assembly on the Standing Committee of the Chinese ed, his spirit will go on. He expressed 7 December. The two deputies are co- Communist Party of the so-called Tibet that the best tribute we can pay to him is chairs of the Study Group in the French Autonomous Region. to do whatever we can to contribute to National Assembly. honoring the oneness of humanity and For detailed news visit: working for peace and reconciliation as The motion called for the resumption of he did. dialogue between the Chinese govern- www.tibet.net n o v e m b e r d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 5 Ne w s Fr o m Ti b e t & Ex i l e Brazilian Parliamentary Del- BBC Report: Tibetans displaced within region egation visits Tibetan Parlia- ‘amid rampant mining’ ment-in-Exile A two-member Brazilian Parliamen- A record number of Tibetans have been nity should be on environmental issues tary delegation visited the Tibetan displaced in their own homeland amid in Tibet for the next 5-10 years, rather Parliament-in-Exile on 4 Dec. and met rampant mining and river damming in than the political situation. the Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam vacated areas, according to reports.Ti- Tenphel and other members of the Par- betan leaders and researchers claim that “Melting glaciers, deforestation and in- liament. MPs Walter Feldman and Pas- this displacement has been going on creasingly polluted water from mining tor Euricoare the president and Vice over the last few years under China’s were problems that cannot wait, but the -president of the Brazil Tibet Support nature conservation policy. The allega- Tibetans could wait five to 10 years for Group respectively. During their meet- tion comes at a time when the figure a political solution,” he was reported as ing, Deputy Speaker appraised the vis- for Tibetans reaching other countries as saying. iting MPs about the evolution of Tibet- refugees has been falling. Chinese au- an democracy and the critical situation thorities did not respond to requests for And in September, a report in the Tibet prevailing inside Tibet, particularly the comment by the BBC. Post International, which was founded massive influx of Han Chinese popula- by exiles, suggested the Chinese mili- tion into Tibet. He also talked about the However, China’s government has tary had staged a crackdown on Tibet- Chinese government’s repressive poli- previously issued strong denials that ans who were protesting against gold cies against Tibetan people. forced evictions are used in the reloca- mining in Yulshul County in eastern tion of Tibetan pastoralists. Tibet. Although no official records are The Deputy Speaker urged that dia- available, researchers with the Central logue is the only solution to solve the ‘Land grab’ “Tibetans who have come Tibetan Administration office say the Tibet issue, referring to an article pub- from [the region] as refugees have told number of mining sites has reached lished by a Hong Kong daily earlier this us that they have seen for themselves nearly 240 and that most of them are in year, where a top Chinese intellectual how their pasture land is illegally the pastoral areas that were once home has called for an open and meaningful grabbed and then mined for mineral to nomads. They also say many of the dialogue between His Holiness and the resources,” said Tenzin Norbu, who mines are near the headwaters of Asia’s Chinese government to solve the Tibet- heads the environmental desk at the big rivers like Yangtze, Yellow and Me- an problem. Central Tibetan Administration office kong which means their waters could in Dharamashala. run the risk of being polluted. DIIR Secretary Speaks to Chinese Students at Warwick University “They told us that Chinese authorities warned [via loudspeaker from a vehi- Long traditions Some Chinese aca- Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, the Secretary for cle] that anyone who protested against demics have also expressed reserva- the Department of Information & In- mining would be seen as protesting tion on the removal of pastoralists from ternational Relations of the Central against the state because China needs their native lands. “There is a need for Tibetan Administration, delivered a natural resources to develop. the re-recognition of the uniqueness of lecture at the University of Warwick in traditional pastoralism and its institu- England. He was invited as a guest lec- “These people who managed to flee Ti- tional arrangements,” wrote Wenjun Li turer for “China in Focus”, a seminar bet also said that Chinese officials went of Peking University’s department of organised by the student union of the to each house and made them sign pa- environmental management in a paper university. pers that they would not protest if there she co-authored. were mining activities.” Researcher Secretary Tashi Phuntsok spoke on “The Jigme Norbu, who studies Tibetan no- “The culture of traditional pastoralism Middle-Way Approach and Tibet’s fu- mads with the Central Tibetan Admin- has resulted from a long-term interac- ture”. He said the Tibetan leadership in istration, said of the nearly 40 Tibetan tion with local dynamic ecosystems and exile is firmly committed to find a so- refugees who had arrived at the Dalai social organisations. A report on the re- lution to the issue of Tibet through the Lama’s office at Dharamashala in 2012, location of Tibetan pastoralists by Hu- Middle-Way Approach in the interest most of them were pastoralists. man Rights Watch (HRW) published in of both Chinese and Tibetan people. He Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, June this year said: “Tibetans coming said the Middle-Way Approach, which has been in exile since 1959 from both farming and nomadic herd- seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet, is ing communities who were interviewed supported by an increasing number of Pollution threat According to cables said that large numbers of people relo- governments, international bodies and released by Wikileaks, the Dalai Lama cated or re-housed did not do so volun- general public, including Chinese peo- told the US ambassador to Indiain 2009 tarily and that they were never consult- ple, across the world. that the focus of international commu- ed or offered alternatives.
6 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r -d e c e m b e r 2013 f o c u s
CURRENT HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN TIBET
Introduction
Human rights have become a major is- sue in Tibet since the Chinese invasion. Political repression, cultural assimila- tion, economic marginalization and environmental destruction are rampant; while arbitrary detention, sentencing, disappearances, interrogation and tor- ture of Tibetans who dare to speak up for their rights have become common. Today, Tibetans inside Tibet are not free to practice their religion. Furthermore, due to strict government measures aimed at annihilating distinct Tibetan cultural identity, the Tibetan language is gradually being phased out as a lan- guage of instruction. A view of some of the many Chinese military convoys arriving in Driru county in Nagchu Prefecture (incorporated into Tibet Autonomous Region) to crackdown on Tibetans. Although the Chinese constitution Human Rights Watch said “the ongo- provides for freedom of speech, press, Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet”. The ing prosecution of people linked with assembly, association, demonstration Chinese authorities have responded to self-immolation appears to be about sti- (Article 35) and religious belief (Arti- these self-immolation protests with fling dissent and laying blame on oth- cle 36), the Chinese authorities have de- further repressive policies; including ers for this tragedy” and urged China nied these ri ghts to Tibetan. The result heightened restrictions in Tibetan in- to respond to the grievances and hu- of which is a pervasive atmosphere of habited areas, detention and sentencing man rights violations that bring tragic undeclared martial law in Tibet today. of friends and relatives of self immola- tors and dismissing the self-immolation form of protest. “Sentencing someone to death for allegedly inciting someone The worsening human rights situation as an “act of terrorism incited by the else to commit suicide is neither just in Tibet is documented in various global ‘Dalai Clique’”. nor respectful of the right to life” said reports, including the annual US Report Sophie Richardson, China director at on Human Right 2012. The report states Till date over 30 Tibetans have been Human Rights Watch. that under the banner of maintaining sentenced to varying prison terms over ‘social stability’ the Chinese authorities the self-immolation protests. The UN High Commissioner for Hu- have employed various policies which man Rights, Navi Pillay also urged the repressed and violated fundamental hu- A 32 year-old Dolma Kyab, husband Chinese authorities to promptly address man rights of Tibetans. The report also of fatal self-immolation protestor Kun- the longstanding grievances that have highlighted the denial of 10 official chok Wangmo, was sentenced to death led Tibetans to take desperate form of requests for diplomatic access to the on 15 August 2013 for allegedly killing self-immolation protest, in a statement Tibetans Autonomous Region between his wife. Expressing his concern over released on 2 November 2012. She said May 2011 and December 2012. the series of self-immolation protests in Tibet, William Hague, British Foreign she was disturbed by “continuing al- Secretary, appealed the Beijing govern- legations of violence against Tibetans Spate of Self-Immolation Protests ment to commute Dolma Kyab’s death seeking to exercise their fundamental sentence and conduct “free and fair human rights of freedom of expres- In the absence of freedom for conven- trial”. sion, association and religion,” and tional forms of protest, Tibetans have emphasized the “reports of detentions resorted to self-immolation. Since 2009, In January 2013, Lobsang Kunchok, and disappearances, of excessive use of 123 Tibetans have self-immolated. 40, a monk of Kirti monastery was sen- forces against peaceful demonstration, 105 of them have died on the scene or tenced to death with two years reprieve and curbs on cultural rights of Tibet- shortly thereafter, whereas the where- and his nephew Lobsang Tsering to 10 ans.” She also urged China to consider abouts and condition of 16 of the sur- years for alleged involvement in self 12 outstanding requests by various UN viving self-immolators are unknown. immolation protest in Ngaba. In a press Special Rapporteurs and allow indepen- All the self-immolators have called for statement released on 1 February 2013, dent and impartial monitors to visit and “freedom in Tibet” and “return of His
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 7 f o c u s the practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
Freedom of Opinion, Expression and Information
At present, Tibet is virtually closed and foreign journalists are barred from visit- ing restive regions. All communication channels, including internet and phone lines are inaccessible or being strictly monitored in regions where protests have occurred. A recent news segment featured on 9 October 2012, by the Aus- tralian Broadcasting Corporation, dem- onstrates this when their film crew was expelled from a Tibetan region where self-immolation took place.
Any independent information or expres- Smoke billowing in the background due to teargas shells fired by armed police on local Tibetans in Garchung Village. sion other than the Chinese government viewpoints are restricted and considered assess the actual situation in Tibet. to hang portraits of Chinese communist “subversive”. Tibetans who speak to leaders and the Chinese national flag foreign reporters, share information re- Amnesty International and Human under the nine measures or Nine Must- garding protests through mobile phones Rights Watch have called upon the Chi- Haves campaign. or e-mail are charged with “leaking state nese authorities to address the underly- secrets” and are given lengthy prison ing grievances of Tibetans by carrying Panchen Lama, one of Tibet’s most re- sentences. An article published on 3 out a comprehensive review of the hu- vered religious leaders, has been miss- October 2012 in The New York Times man rights situation across the Tibetan ing since May 1995. Three days after the confirms this by reporting the sentenc- plateau. Such an initiative would be un- Dalai Lama named six years old Gedun ing of two Tibetan teenagers to lengthy dertaken with an aim to end legal and Choekyi Nyima as the 11th reincarna- prison terms. They were charged with policy restrictions that breach human tion of the Panchen Lama, the Chinese leaking news of self-immolation pro- rights in the region. authorities abducted Gedun Choekyi tests to “outside contacts”. and his family, and instead, appointed Freedom of Religious Belief and Gyaltsen Norbu as their Panchen Lama The London-based freedom group In- Practice in November 1995. He was not seen dex on Censorship has reported a pe- since then. culiar instance of restriction on online For centuries, Tibetan Buddhism has freedom of expression. On 6th July been a core element of Tibetan culture. Additionally, to tighten control over 2012, on the birth anniversary of Tibet- The Chinese government has instituted the religious practice in monasteries, an spiritual leader His Holiness the Da- consistent repressive policies against the government controlled Democratic lai Lama, the authorities in Karze (Ch: the practice of Tibetan Buddhism with Management Committee (DMCs) has Ganzi) prefecture reportedly disabled intense regulation and control over re- taken over the administrative role of text messaging and internet access for ligious institutions. This has been dem- abbots, traditional heads of monastery. two days. onstrated through “patriotic education”, Reportedly, the Chinese government state propaganda and other political has so far established Monastery Man- Tibetan writers, bloggers, singers, campaigns that are fundamentally op- agement Committees in 1,787 monas- teachers, documentary filmmakers and posed to basic tenets of Tibetan Bud- teries since November 2011. environmentalists are especially tar- dhism, including rhetorical attacks on geted since the 2008 Beijing Olympics Tibetan religious leaders. In March 2012, Human Rights Watch Games, a year during which over 342 reported that in a shift from the policy protests took place across the Tibetan Monks are forced to pledge their al- of monastic self-rule, “every monastery plateau. Websites of exile Tibetan media legiance to the Chinese government in Tibet [will be] under the direct rule of organizations cannot be accessed from and denounce His Holiness the Dalai government officials who will be per- Tibet. Discussion forums and blogs, Lama. Possessing photo of His Holi- manently stationed in each religious in- such as Sangdhor.com and Rangdrol. ness the Dalai Lama is illegal. Tibetan stitution,” indicating the extent to which net have been blocked since 3 February monasteries and nunneries are required the Chinese government aims to control 2012.
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sive education policy that confirms Food, had visited China in December Besides official state media, informa- their commitment to protect minority 2010. He raised strong concern about tion received from sources outside Tibet cultures and languages. However, in the resettlement policy after physically are considered offensive and violators Tibet Autonomous Region, bilingual witnessing the condition of newly set- are subject to imprisonment. In a move education has generated ‘subtractive’ tled drogpas (Tib: nomads) and herders to clampdown on access to information bilingualism where Tibetan children in concrete camps. On 6 March 2012, he through various foreign radios and tele- are taught only Chinese language, ne- reiterated deep concern about displaced vision, the Chinese authorities launched glecting Tibetan language. As reported nomads living in the “new socialist vil- a massive crackdown by eradicating sat- by Human Rights in China, an interna- lages” at the UN Human Rights Coun- ellite dishes and other equipments used tional Chinese NGO, minority children cil in Geneva. by Tibetans in Malho (Ch:Huangnan), have limited opportunity to become Kanlho (Ch: Gannan) Karze (Ch: Gan- fluent in their own language. Tibetan Mr. Schutter said that “the resettlement zi) and other Tibetan inhabited areas language is increasingly restricted to policies were failing because since in eastern Tibet. As reported by Radio homes, reducing scope in public sphere March 2011, 25 Tibetans have self-im- Free Asia, the Chinese authorities in (schools, universities and job market) molated in protest against the policies Malho (Ch:Huangnan) prefecture have to master one’s native (Tibetan) lan- that are implemented in this region. He seized and burned hundreds of satellite guage. Former Special Rapporteur on said 18 of the 25 who burned themselves equipments used by Tibetans to listen to Education, Ms Katarina Tomasevski were actually herders forcibly resettled Radio Free Asia and Voice of America in a mission report on China urged that in the new socialist villages. This I have programs. “an education that would affirm minor- to say is not compatible with the idea ity rights necessitates full recognition that these would be I quote ‘very popu- A 22 year- old monk Lobsang Tashi by the majority, of the worth of minor- lar polices’”. from Kirti monastery, and a 25 year ity languages and religions in all facets old layman Thubdor, who disappeared of life. Otherwise, education is seen as Moreover, Tibetan people have no say for over nine months were sentenced assimilationist”. against the government hydropower to seven years imprisonment by the In- projects that are displacing them from termediate People’s Court in Barkham Violation of Rights of Tibetan No- their ancestral lands. Those who are (Ch: Ma’erkang) on 18 September 2012 mads worst affected by such displacements for allegedly “leaking news from inside are either illiterate or live under a “cli- Tibet to outside contacts”. Both of them For centuries, Tibetan nomads and mate of fear”. People don’t raise their are serving their sentences in a prison in herders have lived successfully with voice out of fear; those who do are of- Mianyang city, Sichuan province. their herds following their centuries-old ten convicted of political motivation. traditions and keeping mobile lifestyle. Reporters Without Borders has urged However, the current forced ‘villagiza- Conclusion China to respect the rights of the Ti- tion’ policy in the name of development Human rights situation in Tibet is de- betan people as guaranteed in the Chi- undermines the inherent skills of no- teriorating and requires urgent inter- nese constitution; including freedom of mads, restricts their mobility, and raises national intervention. The series of religion, expression and assembly; to serious concerns about the long-term self-immolation in Tibet sends an un- allow unfettered access to international socio-economic impact of removing equivocal message to China to re-assess media, foreign diplomats and UN inde- nomads from their traditional form of its Tibet policy and fulfill Tibetan aspi- pendent experts to all Tibetan restive livelihood without adequate planning. ration and call for greater freedom. regions; and to provide detailed infor- mation on those Tibetan protesters and The implementation of ‘Restore Grass- The Central Tibetan Administration intellectuals who have been sentenced land Policy’ has adversely affected the (CTA) based in Dharamshala (India) to imprisonment. lives of millions of Tibetan nomads. calls upon the international community The forced resettlement of nomadic to urge the People’s Republic of China Freedom to Use and Develop the herders under different name tags such to immediately stop the ongoing “pa- Tibetan Language as ‘ecological migration’ and ‘com- triotic re-education” and “strike hard” fortable housing projects’ are in viola- campaigns in monasteries and nunner- Tibetan language plays a crucial role tion of the International Covenant on ies; allow free and unrestricted access in the preservation of Tibetan culture Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to Tibet by international media, jour- and distinct Tibetan identity. Schools (ICESCR) and the 1992 Convention nalists, observers, UN mandate holders run privately by Tibetan individuals on Biodiversity, documents ratified by and respect the rights of Tibetans to live to teach Tibetans language and culture People’s Republic of China. in dignity, and address their underlying face severe restrictions. The Chinese grievances through dialogue-the only authorities often present their concept Professor Olivier De Schutter, the UN viable path towards a long-term sustain- of bilingual education as a progres- Special Rapporteur on the Right to able solution to the current situation.
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 9 f o c u s
Tibet Issue Raised in Australian Senate on Rights Day
Raising the issue of Tibet in the Sen- tencing by Chinese authorities ate on World Human Rights Day on for alleged association with the 10 December, Australian lawmaker self-immolators. from Tasmania, Lisa Singh, urged the international community to commit to Tibet’s spiritual leader, His act on behalf of Tibetans suffering hu- Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, man rights violations under the Chinese has travelled the globe seeking rule. compassion and peaceful solu- tions for his country in exile. Below are excerpts from Senator Lisa This year I once again had the Singh’s statement: privilege to meet His Holiness here in Australia. His struggle My commitment and support for human for liberation of Tibet has al- rights from work and activities before ways strongly opposed the use becoming a senator and my time in this of violence. His Holiness un- place have continued my resolve to derstands the power of univer- stand up for a just and humane world sal responsibility for all things free of discrimination and for equality. and through his leadership he Lisa Singh (R) joined with the local Tibetan community and sup- One example of that comes from my porters for Tibetan people on 10 March 2013 to mark the an- has actively pursued peace- involvement with the Australia Tibet niversary of the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising. ful solutions to human rights Council. abuses.
I had the privilege last year of travel- Labelled as terrorists, their plight has Today is the 24th anniversary of the ling to Dharamshala in India, which is become increasingly difficult. conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on the exiled capital of Tibet. This experi- Repressive policies and the continu- His Holiness. In 1989 the Norwegian ence gave me an undeniable insight into ous suppression of fundamental human Nobel Committee declared His Holi- the desperate plight of Tibetans and to rights are causing immense suffering. ness worthy of this prestigious prize. I understand more fully the human rights Tibetans have peacefully struggled and believe, and I am sure many will agree, abuses taking place in our global com- held hope of obtaining freedomfreedom that his leadership through non-violent munity. I had the pleasure this evening of religion, freedom to celebrate their action and spiritual guidance to the Ti- of joining some of the Tibetan com- culture and language, and freedom of betan people is most commendable and munity here in Australia in Parliament expression. Since China’s first UPR in worthy of global recognition. House to recognise the struggles that February 2009, Tibet witnessed its very continue for their families and friends first self-immolation by a young 20- During his acceptance speech the Dalai living in Tibet. year-old monk by the name of Tapey. Lama spoke of cultivating a universal responsibility and said: I believe all suf- It was on 22 October 2013 that the UN This act of desperation was Tibet’s first fering is caused by ignorance. People Human Rights Council reviewed Chi- in its 60-year continuous suppression of inflict pain on others in the selfish pur- na’s human rights record as part of their human rights. Tapey should never have suit of their happiness or satisfaction. universal periodic review. This was the lost his life. He should never have had Yet true happiness comes from a sense second review for China and it allowed to resort to such an act. In 2009 the loss of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need for a review of the recommendations of his life was already one too many, to cultivate a universal responsibility for and pledges made by China during the and since that time there have been one another and the planet we share. 2009 session as well as encompassing a many more.I wish I could report that review of the overall human rights re- his life was the only one taken by self- These words are valuable and worth cord of China. Sadly, from all reports the immolation, but they have continued to reflecting on, particularly today as we overall human rights situation in China, increase since 2009 and a confounding mark Human Rights Day and celebrate particularly in Tibet and also against the 122 cases have been confirmed to date. the anniversary of the establishment Uygur people, has continued to deterio- This is no small number and it clearly of the High Commissioner for Human rate over the last four years. I take this shows the desperation and repression of Rights. Today as we acknowledge Hu- opportunity to highlight the important those in Tibet. In what is another con- man Rights Day we should acknowledge region of Xinjiang in China where the straint to human rights, recent reports the ongoing struggle of those living in native Uygurs continue to fight reli- confirm friends and relatives of self-im- Tibet. We should not only acknowledge gious intolerance and discrimination. molators are now being subject to sen- but also commit to act on their behalf.
10 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 f o c u s
Lithuanians remember Ti- UN must hold China’s human rights record to highest level betan freedom struggle of scrutiny
Commemorating the World Human As China has been elected to the UN Rights Day on 10 December, at the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on >Forced resettlement of Tibetan herders Tibet Square Park in Lithuania’s capi- 12 November, the UN member States without economic, education and health tal Vilnius was turned into a symbolic must hold China’s human rights record prospects. cemetery to remember Tibetans’ pain- to the highest level of scrutiny. ful struggle for freedom and keep alive China also claimed to have “earnestly their culture and identity. Rows of plac- China accepted the principle of ‘Uni- fulfilled its obligations under the human ards were placed in the park bearing versality of Human Rights’ initially rights conventions it has acceded to,” the name, age of all those Tibetans who in its National Human Rights Action while pledging its co-operation with the have sacrificed their lives by setting Plan 2009-2010 and subsequently in its Human Rights Council. Again, these themselves on fire. national report for the Universal Peri- assurances are in sharp contrast with odic Review 2013 which was held last the State’s persistent history of non- One of the initiators of the campaign, month. cooperation with human rights mecha- Robert Mažeika, a spokesman for Tibet nisms, including: Support Group underscored the impor- However, China has failed in imple- tance of constantly putting the spotlight menting the past commitments with >Arbitrary detention, ill treatment and on the issue of Tibet. He said the last regards to human rights, with the politi- torture of Tibetan detainees; acts which few years in Tibet, which witnessed cal, economic and cultural repression of violate both the International Covenant self-immolations protests by 124 Tibet Tibetans becoming more conspicuous on Civil and Political Rights and the from February 2009 – December 2013, than ever. With the latest self-immo- Convention against Torture. There are was one of the most tragic in the his- lation by a 20-year-old Tibetan monk 988 known political prisoners in Tibet tory of Tibet. “As we commemorate the having taken place in Pema county in today. International Human Rights Day today, Golog prefecture in northeastern Ti- we want to honour the Tibetans who bet (incorporated into China’s Qinghai >Failure to facilitate a visit to China have sacrificed their lives for a brighter Province) yesterday, the Tibetans in- by UN High Commissioner for Human future of Tibet and freedom,” he said. side Tibet are sending an unequivocal Rights NaviPillay. message to the world about the situa- Speaking on the occasion, Dalia tion on ground in Tibet. The number of >Refusal to respond to 12 outstanding Kuodytė, president of the Parliamentary self-immolations as a form of political requests for official visits to China by Relations with Tibet Group, noted that protest has risen to 122. UN Special Rapporteurs on various hu- the Tibetan freedom struggle and his- man rights issues. tory of Lithuania has a lot in common. The Central Tibetan Administration ”In 1953, the last Lithuanian partisan (CTA) is deeply concerned by the >Refusal to implement recommenda- was killed and the armed resistance for alarming ongoing human rights viola- tions made by the Committee against Lithuanian freedom has finished. Some tions perpetrated by China. China has Torture, the Committee on the Elimi- people in today’s independent Lithu- persistently failed to meet its own self- nation of All Forms of Racism, and the ania bold to say that they died need- imposed international pledges. UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to lessly… Today, we are gathered here Food. to testify that sacrifice of The Great As referred to by UN High Commis- Heroes of Lithuanian history is impor- sioner for Human Rights NaviPillay in In view of the above concerns, the Cen- tant to us, and that their victims was not November 2012, human rights trans- tral Tibetan Administration strongly meaningless, as it is not meaningless gressions include: urges UN member States to hold Chi- very painful today’s Tibetan victims,” na accountable for its ongoing human said D.Kuodyte. >Economic exploitation of Tibetan rights abuses and prior commitments. It land, including population transfer of calls for the highest level of China’s hu- Vytis Vidūnas, a lecturer of Vilnius Chinese workers into Tibetan territory. man rights performance now that it has University and member of Tibet Sup- become a member of the UN Human port Group, noted that over the past few >‘Patriotic Re-education’ campaign in Rights Council. years, the situation in Tibet has deterio- Tibetan monasteries, forcing members rated very sharply and getting worse of the monastic community to espouse every day, it witnessed unremitting acts unwavering loyalty to the Communist For detailed news visit: of self-immolation by young Tibetans Party and denounce their spiritual lead- www.tibet.net on Tibet future. er His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 11 f o c u s
Canada urges China to resume dialogue with Tibetans US Ambassador Urges China to Engage in Constructive Dialogue with His Holiness Canada’s Ambassador to China raised concerns on the situation in Tibet dur- DHARAMSHALA: In his 2013 Inter- ing his visit to Tibet, for- national Human Rights Day statement eign minister John Baird on 10 December, the US Ambassador said, underscoring that to China, Mr Gary Locke, urged the Canada has consistently Chinese leadership to engage in con- called for an end to the structive dialogue with His Holiness the prosecution and perse- Dalai Lama or his representatives to re- cution of people for the solve tensions in Tibet. practice of their religious beliefs. “As Ambassador, I have witnessed China’s rich diversity first hand. I have Ambassador Guy Saint- also seen cases where heavy-handed Jacques’ visit to Tibet John Baird, foreign minister of Canada/File photo/Credit: Alex Wong/ policies deny basic freedoms to ethnic from 24-29 September Getty Images and religious minorities, including eth- came against the back- nic Uighurs, Tibetans and Mongolians , drop of a wave of tragic Award ceremony in Vancouver on 31 undermining the trust that binds diverse self-immolations by over 121 Tibetans Oct. “I certainly know that Canada’s societies,” he said in a statement post- to protest against the Chinese govern- 22nd prime minister, Stephen Harper, ed on the website of the US Embassy ment’s policies of political repression, is absolutely committed to protecting in Beijing. “The United States calls on economic marginalization, environ- and promoting human rights at home the Chinese government to protect the mental destruction, cultural assimila- and abroad. Human rights, freedom, fundamental freedoms of all its citizens tion and denial of religious freedom in democracy and the rule of law are core Tibet. Canadian values that this government is proud to uphold and celebrate,” Mr In February this year, Tibetan politi- Baird said. cal leader Dr Lobsang Sangay urged the Canadian ambassador to visit Tibet Amid tragic self-immolations by Ti- to investigate religious repression and betans to protest against the Chinese causes which are pushing Tibetans to government’s continued occupation of resort to drastic forms of protest, in- Tibet, Canada joined the world govern- cluding self-immolations. The Tibetan ments and parliaments urging the Chi- political leader also testified before the nese government to find a lasting solu- Subcommittee on International Human tion to the problems in Tibet through Rights of the Canadian Parliament on dialogue. US Ambassador to China Gary Locke addresses the membership of the American Chamber of Commerce the deteriorating situation in Tibet on in China and the US-China Business Council at the 26 February. “Canada encourages China to give full Westin Chaoyang Hotel on 20 September 2011 in consideration to the traditions and cul- Beijing, China Ambassador Saint-Jacques met with ture of the Tibetan population in a man- provincial and local officials to discuss ner that will help ease tensions. without discrimination. We also urge developments in Tibet, including the We call on China to lift restrictions China’s leaders to engage in construc- human and religious rights situation, on access to the affected areas for the tive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his during his visit to Lhasa and Shigatse diplomats, media and other observers. representatives, as a means to reduce prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous We urge China to engage in substan- the tensions,” he said. Region. tive and meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives in The ambassador welcomed China’s re- “Canada’s Ambassador to China recent- working toward a peaceful resolution cent decisions to end the re-education ly had the opportunity to visit Tibet and of outstanding issues that is acceptable through labour system and to strengthen raise concerns directly with officials,” to both sides,” the rule of law. He expressed hopes that foreign minister John Baird said during China’s leaders will soon bring sub- the third Annual John Diefenbaker De- Foreign Minister John Baird said last stance to the notion that certain inalien- fender of Human Rights and Freedom December 2012. able rights pertain to all citizens.
12 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 f o c u s
Three Canadian MPs raised the issue of Tibet in the parliament after they met His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s new representative
face unacceptable delays in fam- ily reunification. In my riding of Parkdale—High Park, I have seen people wait as long as nine years to reunite with loved ones.
This resettlement program shows great promise, but clearly, we do need a fair and more ef- ficient immigration system. To- day I hope all members of the House will join me in wishing a heartfelt welcome to Mr. Aukat- sang and the participants of the resettlement program. Mr. David Sweet, MP (Conservative Party of Canada), said: “Mr. Speaker, the human rights tragedy in Ti- bet continues under the watchful eye of the Chinese authorities. Reports out of Tibet are that yet another monk set himself ablaze Conservative MP David Sweet sits with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s new representative for North America, Kaydor Aukatsang, before a meeting about Tibet on Parliament Hill Dec. 4, 2013. (Matthew in November. This sadly brings Little/Epoch Times) the total to 122 in Tibet who have self-immolated. Mr. Irwin Cotler, MP (Liberal Party of speaks of transparency and the rule of Canada), said: “I am pleased to join law, the repression of political dissent, Imagine what it must take to set oneself with other parliamentarians in welcom- the silencing of independent media, on fire as a means of protest. The cir- ing Mr. Kaydor Aukatsang to Ottawa and the criminalization of innocent Ti- cumstances are clearly getting worse, today, the new representative to North betans intensifies. but we do not hear much about it, be- America of His Holiness the Dalai cause journalists are prevented from Lama, our distinguished honorary citi- These actions shame a superpower that reporting from the Tibetan areas in zen. is a trustee of a great Chinese civiliza- China. tion and heritage. We urge the Chinese The painful plight of Tibetans, where authorities to respect that great heritage, We in the Parliamentary Friends of Ti- more than 120 from all sectors of soci- respect the rule of law, and see the Dalai bet continue to shine the international ety have self-immolated, is the ultimate Lama as a solution for a just and lasting spotlight on the worsening situation. cry of protest and witness against the peace for China and all Tibetans. That is why some members of the ongoing persecution and repression. House heard directly from Mr. Kay- Political repression, cultural assimila- Ms. Peggy Nash, MP (New Democratic dorAukatsang here on Parliament Hill tion, social discrimination, economic Party), said: “Mr. Speaker, Tashi Delek. earlier this afternoon. marginalisation, environmental de- I rise today to welcome to Ottawa the struction and lack of religious freedom new representative of His Holiness the Mr. Aukatsang is His Holiness the Dalai are the primary factors driving Tibetans Dalai Lama for North America, Kay- Lama’s representative in North Ameri- to self-immolation. dor Aukatsang. I would also like to ca and is part of the Central Tibetan welcome the 17 Tibetans who arrived Administration, the government in ex- Tibetans value democracy, freedom, over the weekend through the Tibetan ile. He updated us on the developments religious liberty, and the rule of law, resettlement project. They are the first and reiterated the Dalai Lama’s call for while adhering to non-violence in the of 1,000 Tibetans who will relocate to peace and for the Chinese leadership to pursuit of genuine autonomy, pursuant Canada through this program. Tibetans engage in meaningful dialogue with the to the Chinese constitution. Regretta- face religious and cultural oppression Tibetan people.Time is of the essence. bly, while Chinese President Xi Jinping in their homeland. In Canada they also The world is watching.
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 13 f e a t u r e
Testimony of Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Central Tibetan Administration before the Italian Senate’s Extraordinary Commission for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights
Rome - 5 December 2013 President Senator Luigi Manconi, Commission members, I thank you for this opportunity to testify before the Senate’s Committee for the Protection of Human Rights on behalf of the Ti- betan people.
Tibet’s association with Italy dates back to 1716, when Tuscan Jesuit Ippoli- toDesideri arrived in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. He was the first European to have successfully studied Tibetan lan- guage and culture. This connection en- dures to this day with Italy providing a second home to Tibetans who have sought political refuge. Many Italian cities and towns including the great City of Rome have also honored His Holiness the Dalai Lama as an honor- ary citizen. Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Central Tibetan Administration before the Italian Senate’s Extraordi- In expression of support, the Italian nary Commission for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Rome on 5 December 2013. Chamber of Deputies unanimously ad- opted a resolution on 8 February 2009 these years, our issue remains alive, paradise.’ After more than 60 years of calling on the People’s Republic of our hopes remain buoyant. The rule im- misrule in Tibet, there is no socialism, China to engage in dialogue with His posed on us by Beijing may be tough, just colonialism; there is no paradise, Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Envoys to but the Tibetan people are tougher still. only tragedy. News from our home- resolve the Tibet issue. It also called land is replete with tales of destruction for an immediate end to repression in As you know, in 2011, His Holiness including Tibetan language and envi- Tibet and on the Italian Government the Dalai Lama took a historical deci- ronment, disappearances, discrimina- to promote a monitoring initiative on sion and devolved his political respon- tion, detention, imprisonment, torture human rights violations in Tibet at the sibilities to the elected leadership of the and extrajudicial killing. The current United Nations. Similarly, the Italian Central Tibetan Administration. This number of known political prisoners in Chamber of Deputies’ Committee for decision was the critical final step in Tibet today is estimated to be as high Foreign Affairs passed a resolution on the realization of his vision of a demo- 1,204. This year alone over 254 Tibet- 8 February 2012, reiterating the above cratic governance institution for the Ti- ans were imprisoned. 22 Tibetans have recommendations to the Italian govern- betan people. Further, this achievement been sentenced to life imprisonment ment. We thank you for these gestures sends a clear message to Beijing that since 2008. of solidarity. leadership of the Tibet freedom move- ment has been entrusted to a younger Political repression, cultural assimila- Today, I come to you to report on the generation. China is calculating that the tion, economic marginalization and state of Tibet – the daily struggles of Tibetan cause will fade when the cur- environmental destruction continue in Tibetans inside Tibet trying to main- rent Dalai Lama passes away. This will occupied Tibet. The new railway line tain their dignity under the iron fist of not happen. We remain determined to from Beijing to Lhasa is exporting our repression, and the continuing efforts finding a peaceful resolution to the situ- natural resources and importing more of those of us living in freedom, work- ation in Tibet through the Middle Way Chinese migrants. Today, around 70 ing to preserve Tibetan culture in exile Approach which seeks genuine auton- percent of private-sector firms in Tibet until we can return home. I am proud omy within the framework of China’s are owned or run by Chinese, and more to say that the Tibetan spirit is strong. constitution.In 1950, when the Chinese than 50 percent of government officials Through the visionary leadership of People’s Liberation Army came to Ti- are Chinese. Yet, approximately 40 per- His Holiness the Dalai Lama for all bet, they promised Tibetans a ‘socialist cent of Tibetans with university and
14 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n No v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Fe a t u r e high school degrees are unemployed. deforesting. According to UN Special consequences for downstream nations Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Mr. like India, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Education -- In matters of education, Olivier De Schutter’s report dated 20 Laos whose livelihood depends on riv- we are extremely concerned about the January 2012, stating Chinese sources, ers that flow from Tibet. substitution of Tibetan with Mandarin that in the Tibet Autonomous Region, as a medium of instruction in Tibet. the Chinese government has provided Another important threat is the mas- Language is the most important attri- “comfortable housing” for 1.43 million sive influx of Han Chinese into the Ti- bute of a people’s identity. Tibetan is people (300,000 families), as targeted in betan areas. The demographic transfer the primary means of communication, its 2006-2010 Five-Year Plan, and an- has marginalized and assimilated the the language in which our literature, nounced that another 185,500 families Tibetan people in their own homeland. our spiritual texts and historical as well (about 880,000 people) are expected to This has not only adversely affected the as scientific works are written. The move into new homes by 2013 as part socio-economic conditions of Tibetan implementation of this new education- of the continuation of its sedentariza- people, but it has also disrupted the al policy has resulted in large Tibetan tion and rehousing of the Tibetan rural fragile ecological balance on the roof of student protests calling for the Chinese population. the world. government to live by its motto “equal- ity of nationalities” through equality of The authorities in Qinghai province re- Self-Immolations - Just 2 days ago, language. ported in March 2011 that they had built on 3 December, another self-immo- 46,000 settlements between 2009 and lation took place in Meruma town in Religious freedom - Buddhism is 2010, and planned to build 25,000 more Ngaba, Eastern Tibet. Since February a way of life for the Tibetans and is for 134,000 families. A chief aspect of 2009, 123 Tibetans have committed closely linked to our identity. The sup- the policy regarding herder communi- self-immolation in Tibet. Sadly, 105 pression of freedom of religious belief ties, and one that upsets many Tibetans have died. Such form of political pro- and practice takes several forms in- is its impact on Tibetan culture. Another test is unprecedented in Tibetan history. cluding the Chinese Communist Party concern is that without adequate long- This number includes Tibetans from all running monasteries through so-called term planning as to how they will sub- walks of life - men, women, monks, “management committees”. “Patriotic sist after being made to abandon their nuns, nomads, farmers and students. re-education” sessions during which traditional way of life, the negative so- They include Tibetans from all regions monks/nuns are forced to denounce His cial impact in these communities is be- of Tibet U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo in- Holiness the Dalai Lama and pledge al- ginning to be felt with rising incidence cluding the capital city of Lhasa. Their legiance to the Party have become the of crime and alcoholism. universal aspirations are His Holiness daily routine - this has been one of the the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet and key triggers for the wave of self-immo- Once vacated by nomads, Tibetan freedom for Tibetan people. His Holi- lations. land is open for exploitation by Chi- ness the Dalai Lama has visited Italy nese companies. Tibet is rich in natu- over 25 times since 1973. During these The Tibetan plateau has some of the ral resources, including gold, copper visits, thousands of Italians have met largest deposits of fresh water outside and water (for hydro-electric power). and heard His Holiness the Dalai Lama. the two poles. It is the source of many Mining companies and damming op- But, that right is denied to Tibetans in- of the Asia’s major rivers, including the erations have replaced farmers in many side Tibet. Brahmaputra, Indus, Sutlej, Salween, areas. Tibetans are protesting against Mekong, Yangtse and Yellow River, the consequences of these environmen- The Central Tibetan Administration these rivers flow into China, India, Pak- tally damaging projects which are be- does not support or encourage self- istan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Bur- ing implemented without proper local immolations. His Holiness the Dalai ma, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cam- consultation and environmental/social Lama’s position has also been clear and bodia. These river systems and their impact assessment. Changes in Tibet’s consistent on any form of drastic action. tributaries sustain the lives of millions ecology could have negative effects He has always appealed to the Tibetans of people in the Asian far beyond the plateau. not to resort to such desperate acts. As continent.For millennia, The rule imposed on us Temperatures are ris- Buddhists, we consider life sacred, yet the Tibetan people have by Beijing may be tough, ing faster on the plateau in the absence of conventional space for served as the guardians but the Tibetan people are than the global average. protest, Tibetans are left with few op- of the plateau, its riv- tougher still. Glaciers are melting. tions to send an unequivocal message to ers and environment. China’s policies, Water flows and monsoon patterns are the world that Chinese policies in Tibet however, are creating potential disas- more variable. At the same time, China are clearly failing. The Tibetan Admin- ters. For one, they are forcibly removing is undertaking massive dam construc- istration feels a moral responsibility to Tibetan nomads, the land’s traditional tion on these major rivers. Additional speak on their behalf so that the world stewards, from the grasslands, while at projects to divert waters to China’s may understand their actions. Rather the same time promoting mining and drought-ridden areas could have major than looking into the root causes be-
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 15 f e a t u r e hind the self-immolations, the Chinese 2013, in the run up to the Universal opportunity for countries like Italy, with authorities have criminalized the self- Periodic Review of China at the UN extensive experience with regional au- immolators and resorted to the blame Human Rights Council, the Chinese se- tonomy, to engage with China and share game by accusing His Holiness the curity forces cracked down heavily on its successful experience. Dalai Lama and the Tibetan exile com- local Tibetans in Mowa Village in Driru munity as instigators. This has gone as County (Central Tibet) refusing to raise Tibetans have subscribed to non-vio- far as preventing families of the self- the Chinese national flags on their roof- lence and democracy for these many de- immolators from holding proper tradi- tops. The Chinese authorities detained a cades as a reflection of our deeply-held tional funeral rites for the latter. total of 17 Tibetans. beliefs and value system. As govern- ments and the international community The Tibetan Administration has in- A few days later, on 6 October 2013, constantly speak of peaceful conflict vited the Chinese government to come again in Driru County, the Chinese se- resolution, the strength of those convic- to Dharamsala and visit our offices for curity forces are said to have shot and tions is being tested when the moment any evidence supporting their baseless wounded at least 60 Tibetans who were comes to publicly support steadfast allegations. In reality, both the blame demanding the release of a villager who non-violent political movements such and solution lies with Beijing. The self- had led protests against Chinese orders as Tibet. immolations are Tibetan people’s pro- to hoist the flag. Two days later, the test against misguided policies. Beijing Chinese security forces shot dead four We seek the support from friends like has the power to change the situation on Tibetans. At least 50 were injured on you who believe in freedom, who be- the ground by reviewing its policies in October 8. The stand-off continues to lieve in democracy, that the Chinese Tibet to reflect the wishes of the people this day. government ought to enter into dialogue and responding peacefully to civil ex- to solve the issue of Tibet peacefully. pression of discontent. Here are a few Middle Way Approach - I would examples to illustrate the current situa- like to conclude today’s statement by Finally, we request the Italian Senate to tion: In the past year, the Ngaba Court re-iterating Tibetan people’s firm com- recommend to the Italian Government sentenced to death, without due process, mitment to non-violence and dialogue. to request the following to the Chinese two Tibetans accused of involvement We do not view the Chinese nation and government to with a self-immolation incident - Lob- people with malice, but with respect. sangKunchok on 31 January 2013 and Tibetans with their distinct culture have •Engage in dialogue with His Holi- Dolma Kyab on 15 August 2013. lived alongside our Chinese brothers ness the Dalai Lama’s Envoys to resolve and sisters for thousands of years. The the Tibet issue on the Middle Way Ap- On 24 June 2012, a 17-year-old girl, Central Tibetan Administration strives proach, which seeks genuine autonomy Jigme Dolma protested in Kardze coun- for a resolution to the situation inside within the framework of the Chinese ty center in Eastern Tibet. She called Tibet through the Middle Way Approach Constitution. out for the return of His Holiness the which seeks genuine autonomy within •Immediate end to repression in Tibet Dalai Lama, freedom for Tibetans, and the framework of the Chinese consti- •Guarantee the use of Tibetan as a Tibetan political prisoners release. The tution. We have formulated this vision medium of instruction in Tibetan areas Chinese security forces beat her. She through two documents: the “Memo- •Suspend the forceful settlement of was hospitalized for two months. Then, randum on Genuine Autonomy For the Tibetan nomads she was sentenced to three years im- Tibetan People” and “Note on the Mem- prisonment. orandum on Genuine Autonomy for the And request the Italian Government to Tibetan People.” Both documents were •Engage with the Chinese government On 6 July 2013, the indiscriminate fir- presented to the Chinese government in on the issue of regional autonomy ing upon Tibetans by Chinese security 2008 and 2010 respectively. T forces with 11 Tibetans being shot upon I express once again our appreciation to and 16 beaten for celebrating His Holi- he documents outlines “11 basic needs” the members of the Italian Senate who ness the Dalai Lama’s birthday in Tawu, for which Tibetans wish genuine au- are here today and who have been long- Eastern Tibet. tonomy: 1) Language, 2) Culture, 3) term friends of Tibet and its people. I Religion, 4) Education, 5) Environment urge you at this critical time to help us On 3 September 2013, Dayang a 68- Protection, 6) Utilisation of Natural realize the aspirations of the Tibetan year-old Tibetan man was sentenced Resources, 7) Economic Development people. As we see justice prevail in dif- to two years and five months imprison- and Trade, 8) Public Health, 9) Public ferent parts of the world, so it should be ment. He had called for His Holiness Security, 10) Regulation on population for Tibet with your support. the Dalai Lama’s return and freedom for migration and 11) Cultural, education- Tibetans during a cultural show in Tsa- al and religious exchanges with other Thank you chu Township in Driru County, Nagchu countries.We see in the new Chinese in Central Tibet. On 28 September leadership of President Xi Jinping, an 5 December 2013
16 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n No v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 d o c u m e n t a t i o n
Statement of the Kashag on the 24th Anniversary of the Conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet
On behalf of the 6 million Tibetans, the Kashag pays its deep reverence and humble respects to His Holiness the Great XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet on this special occasion of the 24th Anniversa- ry of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The Kashag also extends its warmest greetings to fellow Tibetans, friends and well-wishers all over the world. On this day in 1989, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his consistent resistance to the use of violence in his people’s struggle for basic freedoms. The Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama catapulted the Tibetan struggle to greater international visibility. His Ho- liness the Dalai Lama’s global stature express their outrage and despair. Just ternational Report and Human Rights directly and positively impacted on the a week ago, Mr. KunchokTsetan, only Watch Report. The Freedom House image of the Tibetan people and fun- 30 years old, self-immolated and died. ranked Tibet among the ‘worst of the damentally strengthened the Tibetan Despite our repeated appeals not to do worst’ in civil rights and political lib- cause. Tibet became synonymous with so, 123 Tibetans have self-immolated in erty in its Freedom in the World Report non-violence and justice. Tibet since 2009. 123 is neither simply 2013 a number nor a list of names. They are This day is also observed as World Hu- human beings just like any one of us In the recent United Nation Human man Rights Day, to celebrate the proc- who will wish to live a complete life, if Rights Council’s Universal Periodic lamation and adoption of the Universal given a choice. China cannot deny the Review of China, 12 nations including Declaration of Human Rights by the blatant human rights violations which Japan, Australia, Iceland and Canada United Nations in 1948 as the common are the causes for the self-immolations. expressed their concern over China’s standard to measure the freedoms to human rights violations. Among others, which all peoples and nations should Recently in Driru, Nagchu, Tibetans New Zealand called on China to resume live.Unfortunately, even after 65 years refused to hoist the Chinese national two-way dialogue to resolve the Tibet of proclamation there is not much for flag. They were shot at and 4 of them issue. Tibetans to celebrate given the deterio- were killed. Many were detained. The rating human rights condition in Tibet. situation in the area continues to remain The Central Tibetan Administration tense. Instead of seeing His Holiness (CTA) remains committed to the Mid- China continues to negate the principle the Dalai Lama as the solution, he is dle-Way Approach and reiterates that of the universality of human rights by labeled an arch enemy. Chen Quanguo, dialogue is the most realistic approach violating the provisions of the Univer- the Party Secretary of the so-called Ti- and the only way to find a mutually sal Declaration of Human Rights. Tibet bet Autonomous Region (TAR) threat- beneficial solution to the Tibet issue. is still under occupation. It continues ened to silence His Holiness the Dalai The Middle-Way Approach neither to suffer from political repression, eco- Lama’s voice and ban his own people seeks separation from the People’s Re- nomic marginalization, social discrimi- inside Tibet from hearing his message. public of China nor “high degree of au- nation, environmental destruction and Similarly, the voice of their own Nobel tonomy”, but Genuine Autonomy for all cultural assimilation. Worst is the mass Peace Prize winner, Liu Xiaobo, is si- Tibetan people under a single adminis- Chinese migration to Tibet which has lenced as he is currently imprisoned in tration. This is consistent with both the turned Tibetans into second-class citi- China. National Regional Autonomy Law and zens in their own homeland.Living un- the Constitution of the People’s Repub- der such a repressive environment, with The deteriorating human rights situa- lic of China. The CTA does not use the no space for conventional methods of- tion inside Tibet is being criticized and term “Greater Tibet.” The three tradi- protest, Tibetans from all walks of life castigated in the US State Department tional provinces of U-Tsang, Kham and are forced to take drastic measures to Human Rights Report, Amnesty In- Amdo have always been essential parts n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 17 d o c u m e n t a t i o n of Tibet that covers the entire Tibetan issue. On this occasion, the Kashag Kalons meet leaders in plateau. They share not just the same would like to thank all these countries geography and topography but also cul- and others for supporting our cause. We Europe on World Hu- ture, language and religion. Division of take this opportunity to thank, above Tibet into several provinces of China is all, the Government and people of India man Rights Day a clear violation of Chinese laws and for their generosity and hospitality all of Article 4 of the Constitution which these years. Our words of thankfulness Five Kalons of the Central Tibetan Ad- recognizes the right of minority nation- cannot fully express our profound feel- ministration attended the celebrations alities to practice regional autonomy ings of gratitude towards India for its with members of the Tibetan commu- “in the areas where they live in concen- generosity. nities and supporters in different parts trated communities” and to “set up or- of Europe. Religion and Culture Kalon gan of self government for the exercise We also thank the Tibet Support Groups Pema Chhinjor, Home Kalon Dolma of power of autonomy.” 99% Uyghurs and individual supporters all over the Gyari, Finance Kalon Tsering Dhondup, live in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous world for their voluntary and steadfast DIIR Kalon Dicki Chhoyang and Heath Region and 95% of Zhuangs live in support for all our endeavors. In his No- Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk joined the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. bel Peace Prize acceptance speech, His Tibetan communities and supporters in Tibetans living in one concentrated Holiness the Dalai Lama stated, “The Belgium, Italy, Paris, the Netherlands community are divided into different prize reaffirms our conviction that with and Germany respectively. provinces with less than 50% in the truth, courage and determination as our TAR while the majority is incorporated weapons, Tibet will be liberated.” Fur- On the International Human Rights into neighboring Chinese provinces as thermore, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Day on 10 December, Kalon Dolma Tibetan autonomous prefectures and on September 22, 2013 reassured all Gyari met with Mr Valerio Cattaneo, counties. Tibetans by categorically stating that the president of the Regional Council he would live a very long life and see of Piedmont Region and Mr Gianpiero Tibet constituting one-fourth of China the day when the Tibet issue is resolved Leo, the president of the Regional As- is not a recent political creation but a through the Middle-Way Approach. sociation for Human Rights and Tibet natural outcome of Tibetans inhabit- and other councillors of the assembly. ing the Tibetan plateau for thousands We must all remain united and dedicate Mr Bruno Mellano and Mrs Rosanna of years. The fact that Tibet constitutes ourselves to fulfill the auspicious words Degiovanni of Radical Party accompa- one-fourth of China should not be a of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibet’s nied Kalon Dolma Gyari. During their concern for the Chinese government cause and its struggle for human rights meeting, President Valerio Cattaneo ex- because one-fifth of China is already will triumph. The strength and perse- pressed the solidarity with His Holiness established as Xinjiang Uyghur Auton- verance of the Tibetan people will nev- the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. omous Region and one-eighth as Inner er diminish. Non-violence and peace Mongolia Autonomous Region. More- are a universal aspiration not only for Kalon Gyari also met with Mr Silvio over, Genuine Autonomy for all Tibet- us, but for all humanity. The success of Magliano, the Vice-President of the ans is not geographically specific, but the Tibetan struggle will be a success of Municipality Council of Torino city. administratively specific, aiming for non-violence and peace. She met President Mrs Gianna Gancia actual implementation of Chinese laws of the Province and Mayor of Cuneo in the areas to empower Tibetans to be- So, our beloved brothers and sisters in Municipality Mr Federico Borgna. They come masters of their own affairs. Tibet, though your suffering is unbear- both expressed support for His Holiness able and seems endless, the only cer- the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. For all these reasons, the moderation tainty in life is change. Things never and pragmatism of the Middle-Way stay the same forever. Though we re- In France, Kalon Tsering Dhondup Approach has attracted support and main separated by political force, we met Patrick Bloche and Andre Gattolin recognition among intellectuals, par- will never stop working to be reunited ,members of French Parliament. He un- liamentarians, leaders and individuals, with basic freedoms and with His Holi- derlined the need for a co-ordinated and including Chinese scholars, writers and ness the Dalai Lama in Tibet. unified approach among the various Chinese Buddhists. Since 2011, more French Tibet support groups towards than 6 different countries have passed Finally, the Kashag and Tibetans ev- raising the issue of Tibet at national and resolutions and motions in support of erywhere wish His Holiness the Dalai international forums. resumption of dialogue between the Lama continued good health. My all his envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama wishes be fulfilled. He underscored the importance of the and the new Chinese leadership. More preservation of Tibetan culture and lan- than 16 foreign ministries, spokesper- Thank You! guage during his meetings with mem- sons and individual parliamentarians The Kashag bers of the Tibetan community based in have urged China to resolve the Tibet December 10, 2013 France.
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Statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the 24th Anniversary of the Conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet
bring peace in this world, His Holi- ness the Dalai Lama has been greatly praised by all the discerning people everywhere and was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize. He has undertaken these tasks with a sense of joy for the purposes of ensuring benefits to all sen- tient beings. Hence, as rightly honoured with recognition as a great champion of world peace, His Holiness continues with untiring efforts across the barriers of time and geography to carry out his secret body, speech, and mind deeds of unfathomable benefits to mankind.
I therefore take this opportunity to offer countless thanks of enormous gratitude to Him.Today is also an important day observed as the World Human Rights Day. Recently, on 22nd October, the human rights situation in China was the subject of the 17th Universal Periodic Review session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, which is Today is the 24th anniversary of an out- has ensured the survival and preserva- located in the Swiss city of Geneva. At standingly momentous occasion when tion of the fine culture of the religiously that time, representatives of a section His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the su- inculcated land of Tibet which in turn of the member countries of the council preme protector and guide to all Tibet- has its source in the pristine ideals of urged China to take meaningful steps ans in Tibet and in exile; and a champion the unrivalled Buddha Shakyamuni. to be implemented for the purposes of of peace in this world, received the uni- improving the human rights situation versally acclaimed Nobel Peace Prize. By this means, His Holiness has guided in Tibet. In particular, the representa- On this unique day, I, on behalf of the the Tibetan people on the path of peace tives of Canada, the Czech Republic, Tibetan Parliament in Exile, offer my and non-violence in this highly de- France, Germany, New Zealand, Swit- greetings and congratulations with the generation afflicted world with a great zerland, the United States, The United deepest obeisance of body, speech and commitment to turn the land of Tibet Kingdom, Iceland, Japan, Poland, and mind to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. into a zone of peace. He also embarked Australia made it clear that the human His continuing deeds of unreserved on the great and noble deed of striving rights situation in Tibet was continuing generosity for the benefit of all sentient to resolve the dispute between Tibet to worsen considerably and expressed beings everywhere remain beyond any- and China on the basis of a nobly con- serious concerns over the development. one’s capacity to repay. ceived, mutually beneficial middle way proposal. And on the basis of enhancing They made emphatic criticisms over the On the World Human Rights Day of 10 the moral ethics, which constitutes the Chinese government’s ongoing disre- December 1989, when His Holiness the foundation on which rests the aspira- gard for the religious and cultural rights Dalai Lama was presented the especial- tion of all living beings who desire to and freedom of speech of the people ly renowned Nobel Peace Prize, all the achieve happiness and to avoid suffer- of Tibet. Besides, they offered specific Tibetan people in general, and, in par- ing, His Holiness has striven to promote recommendations on the ways in which ticular, all people across the world who environmental protection and religious the government of China should ensure covet democracy, freedom, and peace harmony, to resolve wars and disputes, the protection of the rights of the ethnic exalted him and expressed elation, rever- and so on. For these enormous deeds minorities, including the Tibetan peo- ence and admiration for His outstanding of unfathomable importance which He ple, and urged that these be acted upon. deeds. It was therefore a unique day of has carried out, and continues to carry perfect, joyous occasion apt for such cel- out, with a sense of universal respon- The government of China has thus far ebrations. His Holiness the Dalai Lama sibility for the purposes of helping to nothing positive to show in terms of ac-
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complishments in the area of human the important political principles like of ensuring a speedy resolution of the rights. Besides, it is common knowl- the anti-separatist struggle should be Tibetan issue and, in particular, to ad- edge everywhere that the government thereby rendered firm and made highly dress the serious hardship and critical of China continues to implement a pol- consistent with standpoints of the Cen- situation being faced by the Tibetans icy of an extremely brutal and merci- tral Party Committee. We should try our in Tibet, initiated a campaign last year. less repression that grossly violates the best to enable the voices and images of Keeping in view the local circumstances human rights of the people not only in the Central Party Committee to be heard from place to place, the Tibetan parlia- China itself but also, especially, in the and seen in the vast territory of over 1.2 ment in Exile has carried out that cam- ethnic minority areas such as Tibet. million square kilometres, and prevent paign to lobby support for the Tibetan voices and images of hostile forces and cause through meetings with govern- Nevertheless, in efforts it made recent- the fourteenth Dalai Lama’s clique from ment leaders and parliaments, as well ly to rejoin the Human Rights Council being heard and seen.” as with important public figures and of the United Nations, the government with the general public, including in In- of China gave undertakings to imple- However, what he has said in that article dia. This remains a continuing series of ment, all the international human rights and his comments in it have absolutely campaign actions. instruments and to respect the rights no historical or factual basis. It is a fu- of the ethnic minorities within the tile attempt on his part to mislead the Recently, a delegation of member of the People’s Republic of China. It was for ordinary Tibetan people and to widen Tibetan Parliament in Exile, led by the these assurances that China again be- sense of resentment between the Tibet- Speaker, toured five countries of Eu- came a member of the United Nations an and Chinese peoples. Such talks are rope from 3 to 25 November. Human Rights Council. It is only to easily vanquished by the power of truth be expected, therefore, that China will and are not at all believed or supported The delegation visited Belgium, France, remain true to its promises. I therefore by anyone. There is therefore no need Holland, Germany and the United take this opportunity to ask China to for us to make a point-by-point rebuttal Kingdom to especially lobby for the Ti- implement its promises and also urge of his claims. betan cause. And we plan to carry out the international community to closely more such activities for the remaining scrutinize China on this issue. As regards the relationship between His term of the 15th Tibetan Parliament in Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Exile.Including the government and The government of China routinely Buddhism, the connection between him people of India, our appeals for support speaks about the importance of harmo- and his Dalai Lama reincarnations, and for our just cause from governments, ny, stability, and so on. Nevertheless, in so on, an atheist government which does parliaments, and likewise, from the an article titled “Ensuring the Security not even believe in rebirth has no power general public have received attention, of Tibet’s Ideological Realm with the to make comments and in any case can- sympathy, solidarity and high levels of Spirit of Daring to Show the Sword,” not know how to comment. ev- support. which was published recently on 1st ery respect and not in keeping with the November in an official party journal transformations that have taken place in And I take this opportunity to express as well as carried by other Chinese modern human society. heartfelt thanks and gratitude to them government publicity channels, which all. At the same time, I also strongly ap- was in keeping with his official com- There is no trace of the moral ethics, peal to them to continue to render even ments, Mr. Chen Quanguo, the Chinese nor a slightest whiff of the virtuous greater support to us in future. Communist Party General Secretary of traditions and culture of the great an- Tibet Autonomous Region, said: “We cient Han Chinese people remaining Finally, I pray that His Holiness the Da- should thoroughly expose and criticise in this government. This represents an lai Lama continue live for a hundred ae- the Dalai Clique’s reactionary scheme enormous loss to the people across the ons, that all His wishes be fulfilled with of the so-called ‘Middle Way’, ‘Greater world and, especially, to the entire 1.3 spontaneity, that the just cause of Tibet Tibet’ and ‘high degree of autonomy’. billion people of China today.We have prevails with utmost urgency so that the taken to heart the wishes, the well be- Tibetans in Tibet and in exile be happily We should educate and guide cadres ing, and the urgency of the situation in reunited. and ordinary people of various ethnic Tibet highlighted by the indomitable groups to separate Tibetan Buddhism courage shown by the people there in The Tibetan Parliament in Exile from the fourteenth Dalai Lama, and protesting against the government of separate the fourteenth Dalai lama China, displaying selflessness in strug- 10 December 2013 from the title of the Dalai Lama so gling for the greater Tibetan cause. that they will consciously make a For detailed news visit: clear break from the fourteenth Dalai Given this urgency, the Tibetan Par- Lama’s clique. Their standpoint on liament in Exile has, for the purposes www.tibet.net
20 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Desperation in Tibet show his willingness to tackle domes- their return. tic challenges. He should move now to [The New York Times] ease some of the most damaging poli- Tibetans have reacted to the crackdown By the Editorial Board cies on Tibet. by self-immolating, a practice Mr. San- 29 November 2013 gay calls “horrific.” Since February On Nov. 11, Tsering Gyal, a 20-year-old China also should resume negotiations 2009, 123 people have died in this man- Tibetan Buddhist monk, set himself on with the Dalai Lama, which broke off ner, with the latest victim a 20-year-old fire in China’s Qinghai Province. Mr. in 2010. Without these steps, the Tibet monk named Tsering Gyal, who passed Gyal’s death brings the number of Ti- Autonomous Region and the neighbor- earlier this month. On his deathbed he betans who have self-immolated since ing provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai and expressed support for “the unity of Ti- 2009 to 123. Letters some have left and Gansu, where many Tibetans live, will betans inside and outside of Tibet, and eyewitness accounts of dying words remain troubled territory, unable to par- said it was his hope that Tibetans can leave no doubt about the cause of these ticipate fully in China’s economic de- remain united and protect and uphold horrible deaths: anguish over Chinese velopment. the Tibetan language,” Radio Free Asia repression. reports.
Tibet has suffered spasms of violence at Don’t Forget Tibet “In 2008, the majority of the protes- tors were monks,” Mr. Sangay says, different points in its history since China By Mary Kissel but now protests are “region-wide” and took over in 1950 and the Dalai Lama, [The Wall Street Journal] the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, include “lay people” and “students.” fled the region in 1959. But the current China’s Communist Party leadership He emphasizes that Tibetans want au- wave of self-immolations is a new and announced a 60-point reform plan last tonomy, not secession, and he remains tragic trend. Many Tibetans feel forcibly week which moves the country toward open to dialogue with China’s leaders, a estranged from their language, culture a more open and liberalized economy. process that’s been frozen since January and religion by repressive Chinese poli- But if Beijing’s treatment of Tibet is 2010. Meanwhile the Dalai Lama con- cies that have intensified since a wave any indication, constraints on political tinues to call for peaceful protest. Given of protests engulfed the region in 2008. freedoms won’t be loosened anytime the circumstances, it’s unclear how long These policies include replacing the Ti- soon. Tibetans will heed that advice. betan language with Chinese as the lan- guage of instruction in schools; sending Exiled Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay Letter: Dalai Lama’s inability to some 21,000 Chinese party officials visited The Journal’s offices recently to attend Mandela’s memorial was into Tibetan monasteries to keep an eye discuss the situation, which has wors- shameful on monks; forcing monks to denounce ened since Tibetans rose up to protest the Dalai Lama; banning the display of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Since Montreal Gazette the Dalai Lama’s photograph; having a then, Beijing has sent waves of Han Chi- heavy armed police presence in Tibetan nese to effectively colonize the region, Nelson Mandela’s memorial was at- towns, villages and around monaster- cracked down on religious expression, tended by world leaders representing ies; closing monasteries; and clamping detained supporters of the Dalai Lama, democratic, socialist and communist down on demonstrators with arrests and and even “installed CCTV cameras” in values including a couple of dictators. shootings by police officers. small villages, Mr. Sangay says. All were welcomed to South Africa with timely visas. China blames the Dalai Lama for the More ominously, China has also tight- self-immolations. But the Dalai Lama ened security along its border with Ne- However, Dalai Lama, the only person has condemned them. In fact, many pal, a mountainous area which has long in the world who best represents Man- fear that unless preparations begin to served as the primary escape route for dela’s values of peace and reconcilia- ease Tibetans’ feelings of estrangement Tibetans to Nepal, and ultimately, to tion, evidently was not extended an in- while the 78-year-old Dalai Lama is Dharmsala, India, the home of the Ti- vitation for political reasons. still alive, Tibetans may resort to more betan government-in-exile. violent forms of protest when his tem- How outrageously shameful! During pering presence is gone. “Before 2008, 3,000 to 5,000 people the memorial service, we heard from fled via Nepal annually,” Mr. Sangay a selected few world leaders spewing After President Xi Jinping assumed says, but now it’s “less than 1,000.” the same hollow rhetoric. In my opin- power last year, there was hope that Chinese security officials even pursue ion, Dalai Lama would have offered the China might retreat from its hardened Tibetans Nepal and are training that most meaningful eulogy to Mandela. stance toward Tibet. The sweeping country’s security officials, Mr. Sangay reforms pledged recently during the notes. Repatriated Tibetans face inter- Did the world already forget Mandela’s Communist Party’s plenum meeting rogation, imprisonment or torture upon message? n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 21 w o r l d p r e s s
An exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama
By Amy Kazmin [Financial Times] ‘I always pray the Chinese leader- ship should develop more common sense’
I arrive in Dharamsala, the Indian home of Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, groggy after an over- night train journey from New Delhi and a two-hour drive into the Hima- layas. The weather is grey and drizzly but the mood is festive as crowds flock to Tsuglagkhang Temple, where the Dalai Lama is giving a three-day pub- lic teaching on a 14th-century Buddhist text about the path to enlightenment. Stopping briefly at my hotel, I hear the voice of the world’s most famous Bud- dhist monk echoing over loudspeakers from the temple nearby. Typically when he speaks to audiences in English, the Dalai Lama is light-hearted, chuckling in the midst of sentences. But today the 78-year-old, who fled to India in 1959, nine years after China’s People’s Lib- eration Army occupied his homeland, is speaking in his mother tongue. His tones are hushed and serious, though gentle.
Soon, I am among Tibetan refugees, Indians and westerners – the devoted graved with the words “Tibetan Nation- tva of Compassion, sits atop an elevated and the curious – thronging towards al Martyrs Memorial” and a museum throne, a large golden Buddha behind the temple through an alley strewn details Chinese human rights abuses. him and a sea of humanity around him. with reminders of Tibet’s discontent Maroon-robed monks, shaven-headed under Chinese rule. A huge banner – But politics is not the sole offering. A Ti- nuns, weathered elders fingering prayer emblazoned “Sacrifice of Life for Ti- betan man in a Brazilian football jacket beads and families with children in tra- bet” – honours more than 100 Tibetans is selling the Dalai Lama’s books, in- ditional dress, as if for a school pageant, who have immolated themselves in the cluding his Beyond Religion: Ethics for sit cross-legged on the floor. Those past two years in despairing, solitary a Whole World (2011). A monk from the without a direct view watch their spiri- protests in their repressed homeland, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives tual leader on flat-screen TVs. many using their final moments to call appeals for donations to translate and for the Dalai Lama’s return. preserve sacred Buddhist texts. A flier Foreigners, including Americans, Euro- touts “Tibet Power Healing”, promis- peans, Koreans and Japanese, round out Photos of each – with their names, ages ing to “free your mind from stress and the crowd of thousands, a reminder of and dates when they set themselves worry” in 30 minutes of “Chakra Heal- how the Dalai Lama – who went into ablaze – are surrounded with images of ing”. A table is laden with lemon tarts, exile as the virtually unknown leader flames. Another banner has grisly pho- brownies and carrot cake. of an isolated country – has become a tos of Tibetans allegedly shot by police global household name, with more than in China’s Sichuan province while cel- Inside the temple, the 14th Dalai Lama, eight million Twitter followers and ce- ebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday on revered by many Tibetans as a living lebrity acolytes such as the actor Rich- July 6. A black marble triangle is en- god and a manifestation of the Bodhisat- ard Gere. Analysing the “Song on the
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Stages of the Path to Enlightenment,” approach to Tibet, and talk with the Da- warmly takes my hand and, holding it, the Tibetan spiritual leader offers a taste lai Lama, normally reviled by Commu- guides me inside to a sofa, settling into of the universalism that has made him nist authorities as a “jackal in monk’s a chair next to me. His two private sec- a popular prophet for a secular age. clothing”. retaries – both secularly educated lay- He urges avoidance of Buddhism’s 10 men – and a translator are also in atten- specified non-virtuous acts – killing, ly- Her groundbreaking appeal was pub- dance. Unsure how to start an interview ing, stealing, divisive talk among them lished in a Hong Kong magazine, with a Bodhisattva – a person believed – but then observes that shunning such suggesting high-level backing. But a to have attained enlightenment but who actions is not exclusively Buddhist. leading Politburo member has subse- postpones nirvana to help others – I quently sought to squelch speculation begin as I do with most interviews, by “If people are Christian, it can be a of a change in tack, vowing to deepen presenting my business card. Christian practice; if they are Muslim, the crackdown on what he calls “the it can be a Muslim practice, and if they Dalai clique”. More recently, a govern- Tibet’s spiritual leader studies my name, are Buddhist, it can be a Buddhist prac- ment white paper endorsed Beijing’s repeats it several times and turns to his tice,” he says. “I respect other traditions “correct” policies in Tibet, saying Bei- aides to ask where I am from. “Cali- for the help they bring their followers.” jing’s approach had brought economic fornia,” I say. “But the name is eastern At noon, he ends the day’s session, apol- development and political progress to a European. Polish. Jewish.” He chuck- ogising, “I feel exhausted if I teach too “backward, primitive state”. les. “Chosen people,” he says. “We are long.” Leaning on two aides, the Dalai chosen people too – by Avalokiteshvara Lama follows a monk – who carries a I have been warned the Buddhist cleric (the Buddha of Compassion) – but we brass bowl of billowing incense – down may not be keen to answer political suffer a lot.” a flight of stairs to the temple courtyard, questions. In March 2011, the then 75- where a car waits to ferry him to his year-old declared he was retiring from The Dalai Lama has an abiding interest adjoining residence. He blesses a few active politics. Within months, Lob- in how Jews maintained their faith and devotees and eases into the car. Then, sangSangay, a 43-year-old Harvard le- culture over 2,000 years in exile. But the vehicle pulls away, and His Holi- gal scholar, was installed as the head my interest is whether the six million ness is gone. of Tibet’s exile administration, after an ethnic Tibetans on the Tibetan plateau . . . election within the 150,000-strong refu- – who are facing intense pressure to as- A few days later, I am walking across gee community. similate into Chinese society – will see the temple courtyard, now peopled by their suffering ease, or end, soon. I ask vigorously debating monks and chil- But Tenzin Gyatso cannot so easily cast how he interprets China’s conflicting dren playing under parents’ watchful off his political role. A farmer’s son, he signals – calls for change and simulta- eyes. I am bound for the Dalai Lama’s was recognised as the 14th incarnation neous crackdowns. home, hoping to talk to the Nobel Peace of the Dalai Lama at just two years old, Prize-winner not about spirituality but swept off to study Buddhist philosophy “Like many other people – confused,” something more temporal – the plight and enthroned as Tibet’s spiritual and he says, laughing. Then he offers his of China’s restive Tibetan population, temporal leader at the age of 15. Today, take on the “eras” of Communist China: and its prospects for greater religious he remains the living embodiment of Mao’s era of excessive, “unrealistic” and political freedom under Xi Jinping, Tibetan aspirations for dignity, and cul- ideology; Deng Xiaoping’s introduc- China’s new leader. tural and religious freedom – a role no tion of “capitalism to a socialist coun- elected official can easily fill. Beijing’s try”, Jiang Zemin’s shift to allow the A security clampdown across Tibet has blustering rhetoric against him only re- Communist party to represent wealthy prevented a replay of the mass protests inforces that sense of where true power businessmen and intellectuals, along that swept the Tibetan plateau in March lies. with the working class; and finally Hu 2008. But the recent wave of self- . . . Jintao’s pursuit of a “harmonious soci- immolation hints at despair below the In the flower-lined drive of his hilltop ety” amid widening social and econom- surface of apparent Tibetan quiescence. home, the Dalai Lama, looking spright- ic fissures. Communist authorities swiftly remove ly and fresh, is welcoming about 20 all traces of these suicides – and those visitors in a receiving line, held regu- “Judging these events, [we see] the disseminating information about them larly when he is in Dharamsala. Among same party – totalitarian system – has face harsh punishment. But the immo- the Tibetans are a wheelchair-bound the ability to act according to new re- lations have caught global attention and monastery cook; a family immigrating alities,” he concludes. Yet Hu’s quest appear to be rattling Beijing’s leaders. to America; an epileptic teenager; and a for a harmonious society “more or less couple whose 12-year-old daughter died failed”, he says. “The method to pro- In June, Jin Wei, an ethnic minorities in an accident. After he goes inside, I mote harmony [was] through tight con- scholar at the elite Central Party School, am taken to a receiving room, where trol and relying on use of force. That is urged Beijing to take a “creative” new the Dalai Lama stands at the door. He the mistake. Logically, harmony must
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come from the heart … Harmony very already gone. Remaining 10, perhaps values, and promotion of religious har- much based on trust. As soon as use 15 years, I can manage. I have a lot of mony – until my death, I am committed. force, creates fear. Fear and trust cannot friends in Europe, America, Canada.” Regarding Tibet, political side, I have go together.” Again, he laughs. “I consider myself a already retired. Preservation of Tibetan citizen of the world.” In reality, the Da- culture, I am fully committed. I con- “What do you think?” His Holiness sud- lai Lama’s world is shrinking, as China sider Tibetan culture a culture of peace, denly asks the FT photographer clicking uses its economic clout to isolate him. non-violence, compassion. It’s really away. “You are listening; therefore, I East Asian countries – even those that worthwhile to preserve.” am asking. This is common sense, isn’t once received him, such as Buddhist it? Even an animal, if you show genuine Thailand – are now too terrified of up- Coming from a Jewish tradition, I won- affection, gradually trust develops … If setting Beijing to permit him on their der whether the essence of Tibetan you always showing bad face and beat- soil. Japan is the lone exception. The Buddhism can be preserved outside Ti- ing, how can you develop friendship?” year-long deep freeze of Beijing’s dip- bet. The Dalai Lama has overseen the So does the Dalai Lama believe China’s lomatic relations with the UK after Da- re-establishment of major Tibetan mon- leaders may be more willing to nego- vid Cameron’s 2012 meeting with the asteries in India, and Tibetan Buddhism tiate with him over conditions in Tibet Tibetan leader was a warning to other has ever more western adherents. Can’t than in the past? western governments. the essence of the faith flourish in exile? He is sceptical. “Difficult. For preser- Beijing has long accused him of covert- I ask if the international failure to take vation of Tibetan Buddhism – Tibetan ly seeking independence for about one- a stronger stand on Tibet reflects global Buddhist culture – the main responsi- quarter of China’s land mass, despite leaders’ moral bankruptcy. “It’s a real- bility is on the shoulders of six million his insistence that he only wants auton- ity,” he says. Later he explains, “my Tibetan people.” omy for ethnic Tibetans within China. main interest is not meeting leaders. Hardliners believe Tibetan religiosity, If I have some political agenda, then Most young monks in India’s Tibetan identity and resistance to Beijing will it is important to meet leaders. In most monasteries were born in Tibet, not fade once the ageing monk leaves the cases, my visits to the west are for pro- exile. But since the 2008 unrest, China scene. motion of human values and religious has clamped down on the Tibet border, harmony.” and just a few hundred Tibetan refu- “I am optimistic,” he says. “Whether . . . gees reach India each year now. Tibetan they love me or not, the Tibetan prob- The Dalai Lama has another constitu- monasteries are struggling to find nov- lem is there.” He laughs. “It’s not only ency he increasingly wants to reach, ices, and increasingly looking to other the Tibetan problem, but it’s the prob- one which some critics say is long Tibetan-influenced Himalayan regions, lem of the People’s Republic of China. overdue: China’s opinion-makers and such as Bhutan and Ladakh. But the They have to solve this. Using force the Chinese public. Every week, 10 or Dalai Lama does not see non-Tibetans failed. So they must now carry out a 20 Chinese citizens make the arduous as filling the void. “Different language. policy to respect Tibetan culture and Ti- journey to Dharamsala to see the Bud- Completely different culture. Not easy,” betan people.” dhist monk their government so deeply he chuckles. despises. Others snap up his books – It’s a far cry from the Dalai Lama’s many of which have been translated I turn to Tibet’s wave of self-immola- bleak mood when the FT interviewed into Chinese – on overseas trips. tions. Beijing has accused the Dalai him in 2008, after protests had swept Lama of instigating the suicides, and Tibet. Then, the Nobel laureate mourn- “These days, we are meeting with many his statements walk a fine line: neither ed his waning influence over a younger, Chinese – intellectuals, writers, students encouraging, nor condemning them. I angrier generation. Today, he seems and retired officials,” he says. “I have ask if his refusal to appeal to Tibetans to relaxed and confident, insisting he can met thousands in the last few years. I stop the immolations can be construed convince most Tibetans – even inde- am trying for closer understanding of – as Beijing claims –as tacit endorse- pendence advocates – to accept Chinese what we want, what we are thinking. ment? rule if genuine autonomy is granted. It’s very helpful.” . . . The Dalai Lama seems upset. “If I cre- “I have some moral authority among Ti- If he could return to Tibet, I ask, what ated this, then I have the right to say, betans. I can use it to persuade those Ti- would be his priorities there? I hope for ‘No, don’t do,’” he says forcefully. betans who want to separate,” he says. a hint of personal nostalgia – or perhaps “This is their own creation: Tibetan He suggests China’s leaders have far the first outlines of a policy agenda. people – inside Tibet. These people, I greater need of him than he of them. The answer reflects his mastery of the consider my boss. I am carrying their “Talk with Chinese government for Buddhist philosophy of non-attachment. wish. I am not demanding, ‘You should my interest? No,” he says. “I am just “Nothing special,” he says. “Rest of my do this, you should not do this’ … The a monk. Major portion of my life is life, two things – promotion of human causes of these things are created by
24 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 w o r l d p r e s s hard-line officials. They have the responsibility. They have to find ways to stop this.” I wonder if he ever rues go- ing into exile, and whether Tibet’s story might have played out differently if he had stayed with his be- leaguered people? “There is one clear example: the Panchen Lama,” he shoots back. “The Panchen Lama remained there. What hap- pened?”
Born in 1938, the 10th Panchen Lama, the sec- ond-highest-ranking lama in Tibet’s spiritual hierarchy, originally sup- ported Chinese rule but grew highly critical of its His Holiness visit to Shizuoka, Japan - November 21, 2013 destruction of Tibet’s religious institu- tions, economy and social fabric. In tual successor. In 2011, the Dalai Lama generation – age 30 or 40 – often say, 1962, aged 24, he presented China’s warned of potential political meddling ‘Until the Dalai Lama remains we have top leaders a petition detailing Commu- in the search for his reincarnation after to follow his path. Once he is no longer nist mistakes in Tibet. Initially he won his death. But he said he could instead there, we have to find various meth- concessions but was later purged as manifest himself as “an emanation” in ods.’ I told him, ‘Don’t think that. We an “enemy of the Tibetan people” and another body while still alive, and such are Buddhist. We must follow non-vi- spent 14 years in prison and house ar- an emanation would be recognisable olence.’ In our case, violence is almost rest. After his release, he kept pushing though “karma and prayers” or even like suicide … In these self-burnings, China’s leaders for cultural relaxation through his direct blessing.Complex such people could easily harm others.” and moderate policies in Tibet, until his metaphysically, this suggests the Da- He tells of a brawl in which one Tibetan death in 1989. lai Lama could pick a spiritual succes- stabbed another but the wounded man sor – almost certainly an adult – in his refused to retaliate – or even take his “Many messages from Tibet – verbal lifetime, rather than reincarnating in a assailant’s money for his medical bills. messages, written messages, some old child born after his death. The monk “These are Tibetans – once they are people, ask me, ‘Please come back, says he will make a final decision at the determined, they can truly implement the sooner the better,’” the Dalai Lama age of about 90, a time frame one US- non-violence,” he says. “Clear?” says. “But sensible people – writers, based scholar has likened to “playing students, some retired officials – ex- poker with death”. . .With that, my time is up. I am pre- press that they prefer I should live in a sented with a white prayer shawl, and free country. They feel, ‘We have one He sees no urgency. “Judging my body, sent back into the streets of Dharamsala. representative in a free country.’ That is next 10 years are OK. I think, most But the next morning, the Dalai Lama’s their message. probably, in that time there will be private secretary calls. His Holiness “Many Chinese, particularly Chinese some change in the Chinese thinking. feels he was not clear about his position Buddhists, every week are now coming I always pray the Chinese leadership on the self-immolations, I am told, and here. Many ask, ‘Please don’t forget us should develop more common sense. wants to better explain himself. Hours and please come back.’ I tell them, ‘Up Wider perspective. Holistic thinking.” later, I am back in the residence, and the to now, Chinese government considers maroon-robed monk strides in. me as a demon. So if a demon returns If conditions do not improve, does he at airport, demon may well be put in expect more serious unrest in Tibet? “One word,” he says, firmly. “Those handcuffs and bring to demon’s palace “In my lifetime, I don’t think. I met self-burnings: these people, not drunk. – prison.’” My allotted time is running one Tibetan working for a Chinese of- Not family problems … The overall sit- out, so I turn to the question of his spiri- fice. Very emotionally, he told me, their uation is so tense, so desperate, so they
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 25 choose a very sad way … It is difficult to say, ‘You must live and face these unbearable difficulties.’ If I have some Schedule of His Holiness the Dalai Lama alternative to offer them, then I [can] say, ‘Don’t do that. Instead of shorten- Note: Below is the public schedule of His Holiness the Dalai Lama both in India ing your life, please live long, and we as well as abroad. Please note that for many of these events, tickets are required can do this and this and that.’ But [I in order to gain entrance. People are requested to contact the organizers directly have] nothing – no alternative.Morally, or visit the websites given below for further information on tickets. In general, [it’s] very difficult. There is no other most of the events in India are free where as the majority of events abroad require choice but to remain silent, and prayer. paid tickets. For your information, as a long-standing policy His Holiness the Clear?” Dalai Lama does not accept any fees for his talks. Where tickets need to be pur- chased, organizers are requested by our office to charge the minimum entrance He rises, and so do I, but he continues fee in order to cover their costs only. Please note that the below dates are subject speaking. “Historically Tibet was an to change. independent nation,” he says. “But we must look forward and according to the January 6: His Holiness will give the keynote address at the Inaugural reality. It is our own interest to remain ceremony of the a 4-day International Conference on Bounds of Ethics within the People’s Republic of China. Tibet is backward … and also wants to in a Globalized World in the morning at Christ University,Bangalore, modernise … A number of Tibetans il- Karnataka, India legally went to America and Canada, not to seek spirituality but to seek dol- January 7: His Holiness will give the Presidential Address at a pro- lars. Tibetans also love money. For that gram with Mouna Sadhu SathyanandaMaharaj in the afternoon at Hall reason, remain in People’s Republic of China. Plenty of money. “E” of Codissa Trade Fair Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
“Our main concern is preservation of January 10: His Holiness will address a public meeting organized by Tibetan culture – culture of peace, non- the Bhandara Indian community in the morning in Bhandara, Maha- violence, ultimately a culture of love, rashtra, India compassion. That is really relevant in today’s world,” he says. “Millions of on February 1: His Holiness will participate in an inter-faith conclave Chinese also need culture of love. Once in the afternoon at RabindraBhawan organized by the LBS Publica- there is a culture of love, honesty and tions House Inter-Faith Conclave in Guwahati, Assam, India transparency [will] come. Police and death sentence will not solve these February 2: Public Talk in Guwahati, Assam, India His Holiness will things. Only if things change here,” he says, pointing to his heart. give the First LBS Founders’ Commemorative Lecture on A Human Approach to World Peace and the Individual at Nehru Stadium in the “The very meaning of autonomy is look morning. after your own culture,” he says. “Once that is fully implemented, we are very February 2: His Holiness will inaugurate the Festival of Tibetan Art much willing to remain within People’s Republic of China … We Tibetans are & Culture in the afternoon at SrimantaSankaradeva Kalakshetra. historically separate. Doesn’t matter. We can live together.” February 4: Teaching in Shillong, Meghalaya, India His Holiness will give a teaching to the Buddhist community in the morning at the My audience is over. Leaving, I walk Polo Ground. past five Chinese men – with short- cropped hair, wearing dark, ill-fitting polyester blazers – waiting to meet February 4: Inter-Faith Event in Shillong, Meghalaya, India His Ho- the Dalai Lama. I can’t help but won- liness will participate in an inter-faith event in the afternoon at the der what they will say to each other, Polo Ground. and whether a new era of Tibetans and Chinese living together harmoniously Watch www.tibetonline.tv for could finally be poised to begin. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings and programmes, Amy Kazmin is the FT’s south Asia and news on CTA and Tibet. correspondent.
26 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 CTA Response to Chinese Allegation Party Boss in Tibet Plans to Separate The 14th Dalai Lama From Tibetan Buddhism
By Tsering Wangchuk Chinese communist leaders, in order and technology”. It lists seven per- to find a mutually beneficial solution. Recently, just prior to the Third Ple- ils that could unsettle the Commu- Along with the Tibetan people, he num, Chen Quanguo, the current nist Party monopoly in China and has peacefully sought genuine auton- Party Secretary of the Tibet Autono- directs its cadres to engage in an omy for Tibet within the scope of the mous Region (TAR), published an “intense struggle” against constitu- constitution of the People’s Republic article in Qiushi (“Seeking Truth”) tional democracy, civil society, “ni- of China, while advising against vio- titled ‘Ensuring the Security of Ti- hilistic” views of history, “universal lence that drive other movements to bet’s Ideological Realm with the values,” and the promotion of “the militant struggles worldwide. Spirit of Daring to Show the Sword’. West’s view of media”, among oth- He pledges to “thoroughly carry out ers. Such a hardline tendency will However, Chen Quanguo’s article the educational activities of com- empower provincial leaders to carry will further antagonize Tibetans in paring old Tibet with the New Ti- out unwarranted repression of eth- Tibet. This is because his article dis- bet, instructing people of various nic groups who have different val- regards Tibetan values and imposes ethnic groups to be grateful to the ues and views than the Communist his perceived superior ideology. Party, listen to the Party and follow Party. For instance, in Tawu (Ch. Such leftist opportunism played out the Party”. Ironically, he is express- Daofu), Yulshul (Ch. Yushu) in east- in Tibet will derail any lofty procla- ing the kind of imperialist mentality ern Tibet and Driru (Ch. Biru) under mation like ‘Chinese Dream’. Chen that the Communist Party criticizes TAR earlier this year, local People’s Quanguo’s hardline pronouncements and claims to fight against. In deal- Armed Police had their hands free to on Tibet are encouraged by two main ing with Tibetans, he vows to “edu- violently suppress Tibetans without reasons. One is the example shown cate and guide cadres and ordinary slightest provocation. This was ob- by Hu Jintao who was catapulted people of various ethnic groups to viously encouraged by the mood in from Party Secretary in TAR to the separate Tibetan Buddhism from the Beijing. highest position in China after series fourteenth Dalai Lama, and separate of violent repression carried inside the fourteenth Dalai Lama from the Chinese leaders in Beijing should be Tibet in late 80s. title of Dalai Lama…”. mindful of the implications of such policies in Tibet. His Holiness the More than often, Party’s hardline This statement shows that after 60 Dalai Lama is the most authoritative mood in Beijing overdrives local years of rule in Tibet, some CCP person for Tibetans, with a reconcil- leaders into employing repressive leaders are yet to understand Tibet’s iatory intent and a path to solve the means. Last April, the Central Com- intrinsic spiritual and cultural as- issue of Tibet. He is constantly guid- mittee of the Communist Party’s pects. Tibetans believe His Holiness ing Tibetans towards non violence General office in China circulated the Dalai Lama is the manifestation and compassion. Tibetans inside a confidential memo to its Party of Avalokiteshvara (the Buddha of Tibet risk grave punitive actions by leaders, now leaked and known as Compassion). This reverence ex- the police just in order to procure his Document 9. The document details ceeds any political leverage and is portrait. In light of such conducive “Noteworthy Problems Related to not born out of greatness of the title, factors, the failure to reach a peace- the Current State of the Ideological but the greatness of the person. It ful resolution to the Tibetan issue Sphere” and aims to impose a “un- represents the Tibetans’ active par- while the 14th Dalai Lama is healthy wavering adherence to the principle ticipation in serving the sacred duties and active would be a devastating of the Party’s control of media”. of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This mistake on the part of contemporary act of service is at the center of the Chinese leadership. Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, The document calls on Communist which predates the Communist Party leaders to ”persist in correct guid- Tsering Wangchuk is the Press Officer in China, as well as the Marxist ide- ance of public opinion, insisting that of Department of Information and In- ology. During the last few decades, the correct political orientation suf- ternational Relations, Central Tibetan His Holiness the Dalai Lama has fuse every domain and process in po- Administration. Reach him at: tibet- been proposing dialogue with the litical engagement, form, substance, [email protected]
n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 27 c t a b r i e f i n g
CTA expresses concern over China’s crackdown on Tibetans in Driru
DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibet- Police firing on Tibetan protesters in Dharamsala, two Tibetan singers – an Administration has expressed deep Trinley Tsekar, 22 and Gonpo Tenzin, 25 concern over the continuing government The security forces opened fired at – were arrested by the Chinese police in crackdown on Tibetans in Driru county peaceful Tibetan protesters who were late November. Trinley Tsekar, a native in Nagchu prefecture in eastern Tibet demanding the release of a fellow Ti- of Serkhang village in Driru township, (incorporated into the so-called Tibet betan in Dathang township in Driru was arrested for distributing a DVD that Autonomous Region) since the Chinese county on 6 October. The Tibetans gath- contained songs he had sung on Tibetan government brutally crushed the protest ered in front of the government office to identity, culture and language. Sources against its measures forcing Tibetans to demand the release of Dorje Draktsel, a said Trinley Tsekar was a well-known undergo patriotic re-education and hoist Tibetan who was arrested from Nagchu singer who used to expressed the pain Chinese flags over their homes ahead of township, apparently for his persistent and suffering of Tibetan people through its National Day on 1 October. advocacy of freedom and truth on the his songs. His family members, includ- issue of Tibet. The police firing left four ing his old mother, wife and two chil- A huge number of Chinese officials Tibetans dead and over 60 Tibetans in- dren, are deeply concerned about his and security forces have been deployed jured. well-being and whereabouts. across the region to enforce the mea- sures, which include forcing Tibetans to The Chinese authorities cut off phone The other well-known singer, Gonpo swear allegiance to the Chinese Com- and internet lines following the inci- Tenzin, a native of Septha Village in munist Party and denounce their most dent.The shooting incident followed Shagchu Town, Diru County, was ar- revered spiritual leader, His Holiness the arrest of over 40 Tibetans on 29 bitrarily arrested on unknown charges the Dalai Lama. September. They were arrested when in Lhasa on 30 November. Friends of they protested against the repressive the singer suspect that he might have Media reports say thousands of Tibetans measures in Mowa village in Driru. The been arrested in connection with his have been arbitrarily arrested since pro- arrest drew strong protest from Tibetans songs that contained lyrics calling for test erupted against the Chinese govern- in the neighbouring villages of Taklhay, the promotion and propagation of Ti- ment’s repressive measures, which lo- Bahro, Lavog and Kona, who gathered betan culture, literature and language. cal Tibetans described similar to those in Mowa village to demand the release He released a special album titled “No imposed during the Cultural Revolu- of the arrested Tibetans. Losar for Tibet”, the title song of which tion. The Tibetans in Driru are being became hugely popular among Tibet- subjected to gross human rights abuses The police firing drew condemnation ans. With the growing repression and such as arbitrary detention, torture, un- from Amnesty International, a promi- relentless self-immolations in Tibet, the lawful imprisonment and enforced dis- nent human rights group. “It is outra- title song “No Losar for Tibet” touched appearance, human rights groups say. geous for the police to start firing on a a chord among many Tibetans who felt peaceful gathering. This latest incident that celebrating Losar (Tibetan New The Chinese authorities conduct fre- shows that the Chinese authorities have Year) would be inappropriate given quent raid at homes and force Ti- done nothing to rein in excessive use the situation inside Tibet, TCHRD re- betans to undergo 24-hour political of force by their security forces or to ported. indoctrination.A latest report coming increase respect for Tibetans’ right to out of Tibet say three monks of Tarmoe freedom of peaceful assembly,” Corin- In early November, over 17 Tibetans monastery in Nagshoe Driru county na-Barbara Francis, Amnesty Inter- were arrested for protesting against the were arrested on 23 November when national’s China Researcher, said in a arbitrary arrest of Tsultrim Gyaltsen, a they on winter holiday in Lhasa. Their statement on 9 October. writer, and his friend Yougyal, in Ten- whereabouts and well-being remain un- khar village near Shamchu town in known. The monastery remained shut- “Across the Tibetan region the situation Driru county. down after the deployment of heavy remains tense, the Chinese authorities security forces there and some villages are doing nothing to improve it by con- As part of its ongoing crackdown in en- in its vicinity. Similarly, security forces tinuing to deny Tibetans their most ba- forcing mass line policy, China has sen- have laid siege to some other monaster- sic human rights. The daily harassment tenced nine Tibetans to varying prison ies like Rabten monastery and Drongna and humiliating treatment have to end,” terms. Among those sentenced is Top- monastery. Eight monks of Rabten said Francis.The Chinese authorities den, a 30-year-old nomad who writes monastery, who have traveled to Palyul, have targeted Tibetan singers and writ- under the pseudonym Dro Ghang Gah. Derge, Sershul and Serthar in Karze (in- ers in the crackdown. According to the He was arrested on 28 October and sen- corporated into China’s Sichuan Prov- Tibetan Center for Human Rights and tenced to five years in prison on 30 No- ince) for study, have been arrested. Democracy, a human rights group based vember, TCHRD said, quoting sources
28 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 c t a b r i e f i n g as saying that he was imprisoned for Chhoyang of the Department of Infor- ment’s repressive policies. He left a allegedly “keeping contacts with Da- mation & International Relations raised written note, saying that he is setting lai clique and engaging in activities to the issue in her testimony before Italian himself on fire due to the repressive spilt the nation.” He has written a poem Senate’s Extraordinary Commission for policies of the Chinese government. about the Chinese atrocities in Tibet par- the Protection and Promotion of Human He called for the return of His Holiness ticularly in Nagchu area in 1969 when Rights in Rome on 5 December. the Dalai Lama to Tibet, the release thousands of Tibetans were starved, im- of Panchen Lama from prison and the prisoned and killed. The poem contains The deepening crackdown on Tibetans well-being of the six million of Tibet- details of recent crackdown on Tibet- in Driru is a blatant violation of the ans. ans in Driru county including beating pledges to “further protection of the and continued detention of 69-year-old rights and interests of minority ethnic “The Chinese authorities especially Dayang and protest against mining ac- groups” that China made to become a target the Tibetan monks who work for tivities. member of the UN Human Rights Coun- the preservation of Tibetan culture and cil. The Central Tibetan Administration environment. They are immediately ar- Two other Tibetans – Tenzin Rangdol, appeals to the UN member States to rested and tortured to death,” the Tibet- a 30-year-old layman and Kunchok hold China accountable for its ongoing an Parliament said in its statement. Choephel, a 28-year-old monk – were human rights abuses and prior commit- sentenced t0 five and six years in prison ments. It calls for the highest level of Geshe Ngawang Jamyang, a senior respectively. China’s human rights performance now Buddhist master and scholar at Tarmoe that it has become a member of the UN monastery in Driru county in Nagchu The human rights group said the identi- Human Rights Council. prefecture, died in police custody. The ties of six others were not immediately Tragedy in Tibet warrants urgent Chinese authorities handed over his known due to extreme government cen- body to his family members on Tuesday sorship and surveillance in the region. international intervention (17 December) and warned that those who reveal information to the outside As the number Tibetans setting them- Chinese government sensitive to po- world would face death. His body was selves on fire in protest against China’s litical protests in Driru: US Congres- cremated at the crematorium of Sera repressive rule in Tibet rises to 124, the sional Commission Monastery in Lhasa. The whereabouts Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile today said of two other monks who were arrested the crisis in Tibet warrants urgent inter- The US Congressional Executive Com- along with him remain unknown. mission on China has released a special national intervention to press the Chi- report on the Chinese government’s nese government to end repression and address the grievances of Tibetans. crackdown on Tibetan protests in Driru “One can clearly see that Tibetans are region. driven to commit self-immolation due The statement from the Tibetan Par- “The scale of security responses to re- to such atrocities perpetrated against liament came as one more Tibetan set cent events in Driru, however, likely them by the Chinese government across himself on fire and another tortured to reflects Chinese government and Com- Tibet,” the Tibetan Parliament said. munist Party sensitivity toward politi- death in police custody. cal protests in the county. Driru’s role in It called on the Chinese government to “The hardline and ultra-leftist policies the series of Tibetan self-immolations address the grievances of Tibetans and of the Chinese government in Tibet are focusing on political and religious is- respect their lives instead of lying and the sole reasons which have led to self- sues provides significant context for the misleading the international community immolation protest by 124 Tibetans. series of detentions and protests. about the real situation in Tibet. But instead of listening to their aspira- tions and change its repressive policies UN Must Hold China Accountable its The Chinese authorities should imme- in Tibet, the Chinese government lev- Human Rights Pledges diately end arrest and torture of inno- elled baseless criminal charges against cent family members and relatives of the family members and relatives of the In view of the worsening human rights the Tibetan self-immolators and unfair self-immolators,” the Tibetan Parlia- situation in Driru region, the Central sentence meted out to them, it said. Tibetan Administration (CTA) based in ment in Exile said in a statement. Dharamsala has called for urgent inter- “We strongly urge the governments, vention of the world leaders and human Tsultrim Gyatso, 44, a well-respected parliaments and other international bod- rights bodies to urge the Chinese govern- monk of Achok monastery in Sangchu ies who respect human rights, freedom ment to end its crackdown. In October, county in Kanlho prefecture (incorpo- and lives of Tibetans to protect human the CTA office in Geneva has briefed rated into China’s Gansu Province), rights in Tibet and press the Chinese the UN officials about the urgent situ- burned himself to death on Thursday government to end its hardline policies ation in Driru. Moreover, Kalon Dicki to protest against the Chinese govern- in Tibet,” the Tibetan Parliament said. n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n 29 Last page Tibetan refugees dream for education come true By Tenzin Passang Before China brutally crushed the un- precedented peaceful protest by Tibet- ans across Tibet in 2008, every year, hundreds of young Tibetans embark on a dangerous exodus across the Himala- yas to seek the blessings of His Holi- ness the Dalai Lama and get education in India, the home for Tibetan refugees since China completely occupied their homeland in 1959. Those newly arrived children who are in the school going age get admission in regular schools such Tibetan Children’s Village and Homes Foundation. For those who have crossed the school going age, the Central Ti- betan Administration has built a special school.
Sherab Gatsel Lobling was established Sikyong and Kalons with food craft students at Sherab Gatsel Lobling in 1993 to serve the education to newly arrived Tibetan youths aged between 18 joined Sherab Gatsel Lobling to pursue benefited in the long run to be compe- and 35. The school, currently adminis- his dream to get good education. After tent in the mainstream industry,” Says tered by the Sambhota Tibetan Schools completing his five-year education, he a Karma Chungdhak, Director of Samb- Society of the Department of Education, B.A in Tibetan studies fromthe College hota Tibetan Schools Society. offered courses in Tibetan and English of Higher Tibetan Studies,Sarah. After languages and maths. completing two years of teacher train- The number of Tibetan refugees com- ing, he teaches Tibetan language in the ing into exile has drastically decreased The 14th Kashag restructured the cur- school. “Being a Teacher, it’s my duty after the china stepped up restriction in riculum by introducing orientation and to deliver the flow of knowledge as His Tibet and Nepalese border in view of livelihood Training programme. Un- Holiness always encourage sharing of the widespread protest since 2008. But der the livelihood training programme, knowledge and serving the society as Tibetans continue to risk their lives to skill based courses such as Food Craft, the prime duty of every individual,” he cross the Himalayas to come into exile. Thanka Painting, Tailoring, Computer says software, Tibetan Studies (Higher learn- The UN Committee on the Rights of the ing) and Open Schooling leading to class The students have pure commitment Child held in Geneva from 16 Septem- 10 and 12th certificate are introduced. towards studies as they compete with ber to 4 October urged China to allow other students in National Institution of Tibetan children to use and learn their Serta Tsultrim, a former student of the open schooling. Norbu Sangpo, a stu- language and culture in the schools. school, is servin as a member of Tibetan dent recently passed class X from NIOS It called on china to eliminate all re- parliament and head of a leading cul- and is now preparing for class XII. “I strictions, including the closure of the tural centre in Dharamsala.Sharing his aim to pursue education to become a Tibetan schools, that severely restrict experience of studying in Sherab Gatsel journalist,” he says. the ability of the Tibetan children to Lobling School, he applauds the service learn and use the Tibetan language in of the school in shaping the lives of new- “The institution facilitates these students schools; and to ensure that all teaching ly arrived Tibetans. He says “This insti- in learning English, Tibetan language and learning materials for the primary tution students to learn English, Tibetan, as well as vocational skills. It provides and secondary levels are also available maths and vocational skills. Majority of Spiritual and cultural education to the in ethnic minority languages and with them didn’t get any opportunity to go to students for their holistic growth and culturally sensitive content, as guaran- school in Tibet, hence it is a boon to the over all development. Financial sup- teed by the Chinese constitution. newly arrived Tibetans to improve their port is given to the students who wish skill and showcase their calibre in both to continue higher education. Moreover The school has offered education to educational and vocational fields.” the vocational training such as Thangka over 6,400 students since its inception. painting, cookery and tailoring are quite (The writer works as an intern in DIIR in Dhondup, who came into exile in 2002, standardized, so that the students can be December 2013)
30 Ti b e t a n Bu l l e t i n n o v e m b e r - d e c e m b e r 2013 Ti b e t a n Me d i a
Sheja (Official Tibetan monthly) NewsTibet Department of Information & International 241 E. 32nd Street Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India New York, NY 10016 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tibetoffice.org Web: www.bod.asia Tibet Bulletin (Official Chinese bi-monthly) Tibetan Freedom (Official Tibetan weekly) Department of Information & International Department of Information & International Relations, Dharamshala-176 215, HP, India Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India Email: [email protected] TIBETAN Email: [email protected] Web: www.xizang-zhiye.org Web: www.bod.asia www.tibetonline.tv BULLETIN Contacts for the Central Tibetan Administration NEEDS YOU INDIA JAPAN Department of Information & International Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Hayama Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Building No. 5(5F), 5-11-30 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala - 176 215 Tokyo 160-0022, Japan H.P., India Tel: +91-1892-222510/222457 Tel: +81-3-3353-4094, Fax: +81-3-3225-8013 Fax: +91-1892-224957 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] An Ap p e a l www.tibet.net www.tibethouse.jp
Bureau of H.H. the Dalai Lama, 10-B Ring Road, UNITED KINGDOM Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi 110 024, India The Office of Tibet, 1 Culworth Street, London, Tibetan Bulletin promotes awareness and Tel:+91-11-26474798, Fax:+91-11-2646-1914 NW8 7AF, U.K. Tel:+44-207-722-5378, provides facts of the situation in Tibet and benefited in the long run to be compe- Email: [email protected] Fax:+44-207-722-0362 Email: [email protected] Tibetans in exile. Published bi-monthly tent in the mainstream industry,” Says www.tibetbureau.in www.tibet.com and distributed free around the world, we Karma Chungdhak, Director of Samb- are looking to increase our readership and hota Tibetan Schools Society. Chief Representative (South Zone), No. 7, FRANCE improve the Tibetan Bulletin with your Sampangiramaiah Garden, Srinivagalu Tank, Bureau Du Tibet, 84 BD Adolphe Pinard, 75014, kind help and suggestions. Viveknagar Post, Bangalore-560047 Paris, France, Tel:+33-1-46-565-453, The number of Tibetan refugees com- Karnataka, India Tel:+91-080-5506842 / 5506843 Fax:+33-1-41-170-014, If you have enjoyed this issue and would like ing into exile has drastically decreased Fax:+91-080-5506966 Email: [email protected] to help achieve our aims of dissemination of after the china stepped up restriction in Email:[email protected] news and views about Tibet, we would be BELGIUM most appreciative of your donation. Tibet and Nepalese border in view of NEPAL Bureau du Tibet, 24 Avenue des Arts, Help us to publish your favourite journal the widespread protest since 2008. But The Office of Tibet, Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32-2-280 4922 on Tibet. Tibetans continue to risk their lives to Gaden Khangsar, Narayan Gopal Marg-270. Email: [email protected] Lazimpat, Ward 2, P.O.Box No. 310, cross the Himalayas to come into exile. Kindly address your donations to: Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-1-4419903/4420799 AUSTRALIA Fax: +977-1-4411660 Email: [email protected] Tibet Information Office, 8/13 Napier Close, a) For Cheques and Drafts from outside The UN Committee on the Rights of the Deakin, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia Tel: +61-2- India: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Chari- Child held in Geneva from 16 Septem- UNITED STATES 6285-4046 Fax: +61-2-6282-4301 table Trust ber to 4 October urged China to allow The Office of Tibet, 241 E. 32nd Street, New York Email: [email protected] b) For Cheques and Drafts from within In- NY 10016, U.S.A. Tel: +1-212-213-5010, www.tibetoffice.com.au dia: Tibetan Administrations Welfare Soci- Tibetan children to use and learn their Fax: +1-212-779-9245 language and culture in the schools. ety (TAWS) Email: [email protected] RUSSIA c) For Money Order: Department of Infor- It called on china to eliminate all re- www.tibetoffice.org Tibet Culture & Information Centre, mation and International Relations strictions, including the closure of the Korn # 110, POB # 7, St. Bolshaya Novodmitrovs- kaya - 14 Moscow 127015, Russia Tibetan schools, that severely restrict Liaison Officer for Latin America, 241 E. 32nd Street, New York NY 10016, U.S.A. Tel: +7-495-786-4362 Fax: +7-495-685-11-32 Name: ______the ability of the Tibetan children to Tel: +1-212-213-5010, Fax: +1-212-779-9245 Email: [email protected] learn and use the Tibetan language in Email: [email protected] www.savetibet.ru Address:______spanish.tibetoffice.org schools; and to ensure that all teaching ______and learning materials for the primary SOUTH AFRICA SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO EUROPE Office of Tibet, P.O. Box. 16812, Lyttelton 0140, City:______PostCode______and secondary levels are also available Office of the Special Representative of H.H. the Dalai Republic of South Africa. Tel: +27-12-664-1193 in ethnic minority languages and with Lama, P.O.Box CH-8036 Zurich Fax: +27-12-664-1194 Country: ______culturally sensitive content, as guaran- Tel:+41-79-349-2448 Fax:+41-43-536-2909 Email: [email protected] Email: ______teed by the Chinese constitution. Email: [email protected] www.officeoftibet.com www.tibet-europe.com TAIWAN The school has offered education to SWITZERLAND Religious Foundation of H.H. the Dalai Lama POSTAL ADDRESS: over 6,400 students since its inception. The Tibet Bureau, Place de la Navigation 10 10th Fl. 4 & 5, No. 189, Sector - 2, Keelung Rd., Circulation Manager, DIIR, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: +41-22-7387-940 Taipei, Taiwan (ROC) Central Tibetan Administration, (The writer works as an intern in DIIR in Tel: +886-2-2736-0366 Fax: +886-2-2377-9163 Fax: +41-22-7387-941 Email: [email protected] Dharamshala 176 215, H.P., India December 2013) www.tibetoffice.ch Email: [email protected] www.tibet.org.tw Quotes of World Leaders and International Community on Urgent Situation in Tibet
‘‘MEPs call on the Chinese authorities to respect the rights of Tibetans in all Chinese provinces and to take proactive steps to resolve the underlying grievances of the Tibetan population. The authorities should cease promoting policies that threaten the Tibetan language, culture, religion, heritage and environment, in contravention of the Chinese constitution and the Chinese law granting autonomy to ethnic minorities,’’ says the EU’s Urgent Resolution on 27 October 2011
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‘‘Calls on the People’s Republic of China to release all persons that have been arbitrarily detained; to cease the intimidation, harassment and detention of peaceful protestors; and to allow unrestricted access to journalists, foreign diplomats, and international organiza- tions to Tibet,’’ US Senate Resolution on 1 February 2012
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“Social stability in Tibet will never be achieved through heavy security measures and suppression of human rights,” she said. “Deep underlying issues need to be addressed, and I call on the Government to seriously consider the recommendations made to it by vari- ous international human rights bodies, as well as to avail itself of the expert advice being offered by the UN’s independent experts on human rights,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on 2 November 2012
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‘‘President Barack Obama reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan people throughout the world. He underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China. The President commended the Dalai Lama’s commitment to nonviolence and dialogue with China and his pursuit of the “Middle Way” approach,” White House state- ment on President Obama’s meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 16 July 2011
Edited by Lobsang Choedak Printed and Published by the Secretary, Department of Information & International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA Printed at Narthang Press, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA