Tibetan Youth Congress calls off hunger strike in Geneva
Hunger Strikers Receive Appeals from Governments and UN Agencies
The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) is calling off the indefinite hunger strike
launched in Geneva on 5 April with the participation of three dedicated
Tibetans, Mr. Tempa Tsering Reting, Mr. Pema Lhundup and Mr. Karma Yeshi.
This hunger strike was a continuation of the action undertaken in New Delhi
last year, which was halted after 67 days after receiving assurances from
governments, parliaments as well as the UN High Commissioner on Human
Rights, Ms. Mary Robinson, and the office of the UN Secretary-General.
While the hunger strike in Geneva succeeded in drawing the attention of the
delegates to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to the plight of
the Tibetan people, we regret that some of our demands were not addressed
during this Commission session. Nevertheless, our action generated great
concern within the United Nations circles. Two of the hunger strikers also
had the privilege of delivering formal statements before the Commission on
the Tibetan issue while a special briefing on Tibet was held within the
United Nations.
Government representatives from Germany, India, Finland, Norway, Ireland,
Switzerland, the United States, Sweden, the Netherlands, Nicaragua and
Denmark visited the hunger strikers. They assured the Tibetan Youth Congress
that they will continue to pay attention to the Tibetan issue and raise it
with the Chinese authorities. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations Rights of the Child
Committee, and governments of Germany and Sweden sent written communiques.
Further, on April 30, High Commissioner Robinson referred to the Tibetan
hunger strike in her concluding press conference.
Thereafter, she paid a special visit to the hunger strikers and told them
that she will take very seriously the issues raised by them during her
continuing dialogue with China. In her written communication, she said, " I
'd should like to reassure you that the situation in Tibet will continue to
be addressed." She appealed to them to call of the hunger strike.
The German Ambassador, Dr. Wilhelm Hoeynck in his communication, said, "For
the future it will be of critical importance to see tangible improvements in
the human rights situation on the ground. It is in the light of such results
that we may have to reconsider our policy for the next session of this
Commission."
The Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss in her communication said that Switzerland
would continue to make an effort to protect the rights of the Tibetan
people. The Swedish Ambassador Catherine von Heidenstam wrote a letter
saying, "You have reminded us of the importance to keep Tibet on our
agenda."
The Chairperson of the 55th Commission session, Mrs Anne Anderson,
highlighted our action, in her concluding remarks to the Commission on April
30. She said, "Neither can we forget about those whether in this room or
outside this room who truly believe in the justice of their cause and who
feel this Commission has failed them. Many are willing to pay a high
personal price for their convictions, as all of us who have recently passed
through the Place des Nations have borne witness."
Concerning our first demand, a resolution against China's human rights
abuses in Tibet and China was introduced in the Commission. In its
statement, the United States referred to the case of the Panchen Lama and
the status of China-Tibet dialogue. China used a procedural action to block
this resolution. On our demand for the Committee on the Rights of the Child
to send a mission to study the situation of the Panchen Lama, we have
received a communication from the Committee saying, "The contents of your
letter will be brought to the attention of the Committee on the rights of
the Child for possible future action at its next session scheduled to take
place in May-June 1999 at Geneva." On the release of political prisoners,
High Commissioner Robinson said that these issues would be raised with the
Chinese leadership while several thematic mechanisms of the Commission on
Human Rights have been approached to call for the release of Tanak Jigme
Sangpo, Ngawang Sangdrol, Ngawang Choephel and Ngawang Phulchung.
Prominent Chinese democracy leaders and international NGO representatives
visited us to express their support.
On account of these developments we decided to call off the hunger strike.
High Commissioner Robinson personally offered the three hunger strikers
orange juice to symbolise their breaking of fast. The Tibetan Youth Congress
deeply appreciates the patriotism and selflessness of the three Tibetans. We
believe the 26 days of fasting they have undertaken have not gone in vain.
Their action has served as the alarm bell for the United Nations and the
international community to be proactive on Tibet.
The situation in Tibet is grave. Tibetans inside Tibet are risking their
lives every day for the freedom of our country. But under the leadership of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan people have adopted a non-violent
approach to find a solution to our issue. The present tragic events in
Kosovo clearly demonstrate that conflicts left unresolved peacefully
eventually lead to immense human suffering and bloodshed. In the case of
Tibet, if there is no positive development, the situation there can further
escalate.
We are thankful for the support and cooperation of Tibetans and Tibet
supporters. While the hunger strike in Geneva has ended, this is not the end
of our action. Our Tibetan brethren and supporters in Switzerland witnessed
the situation that we have had to face in the last 26 days. This and the
indomitable courage of Tibetans inside Tibet should make us Tibetans in
exile more determined to find an early solution. The course of our freedom
struggle may not be easy and smooth sailing. we will continue our struggle
until we regain the freedom and independence of Tibet.
Tseten Norbu
President