CHAIRMAN’S NOTE December – January 2011/12
CHAIRMAN’S NOTE December – January 2011/12
Stand up for Tibet: A global day of action for Tibet on 2nd November was organised by the International Tibet Network based in London. Friends of Tibet (NZ) as part of the Network took part in Wellington and Auckland.
Auckland branch members and the Auckland Tibetan community stood in Lower Queen Street and distributed leaflets to passers-by. The leaflets focussed on the self-immolation of the then 10 (now 14) Tibetans who had set themselves alight out of desperation of the situation in Tibet and the brutality of the Chinese regime there, and we asked New Zealanders to write to Foreign Minister Murray McCully to express their concerns. We ran out of the 1000 leaflets, which showed the concern that people have about the on-going situation in Tibet. (see photos on back page)
How long do the Tibetans have to suffer until the governments of the world take a pro-active stance against China’s brutality in Tibet? The conflicts around the world have the attention of the major governments, but as far as Tibet is concerned, very little is done, making the excuse that they have human rights discussions with China. Mr McCully said “ I wish to assure you that discussion on Tibet and on human rights remain an important part of our increasingly comprehensive engagement with China.”
The new Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) in the Tibetan Government-in exile has recently been to several countries, speaking to influential politicians. His testimony to the Human Rights Commission is in this Newsletter. As yet there are no plans for him to visit New Zealand, but when he does come we hope that he will be able to speak to the select Committee of Foreign Affairs to bring them up to date.
Thank you all for your continued support for the JUST CAUSE of Tibet.
I hope that you will all have a Merry Christmas with your families, and a Happy New Year. We look forward to catching up with you in 2012.
Best Wishes and Tashi Delek
Thuten Kesang
National Chairman
