15 May, 2012
International Campaign for Tibet
The Dalai Lama meeting David Cameron and his deputy, Nick Clegg.

• On May 14, the Dalai Lama met British Prime Minister David Cameron and his deputy in the ruling coalition, Nick Clegg. In response to the stormy reaction from Beijing to the meeting, the British government said that it was up to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to choose with whom they meet.

• Earlier in the day, the Dalai Lama received a major award, the Templeton Prize, in a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral. The prize was awarded in recognition of the Dalai Lam’s achievements in spirituality and science. The Dalai Lama became the second person with Mother Teresa to be honored with both the Nobel Peace Prize and Templeton Prize, which while lesser-known is the largest single annual financial award given to an individual by a philanthropic organization.

The Dalai Lama’s meeting with the British Prime Minister, characterized as “private,” was swiftly condemned by the Chinese Foreign Ministry that warned that British leaders should fully consider the “serious consequences” of meeting the Dalai Lama. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao reportedly summoned the British ambassador in Beijing to complain about the meeting, saying that it “seriously interfered” with China’s internal affairs. Nonetheless, the British government defended the meeting, with a spokesperson saying: “The Dalai Lama travels all over the world. He has visited the UK on several occasions and met with previous prime ministers. It is for the prime minister and deputy prime minister to choose who they see. The Dalai Lama is an important religious figure and advocate for peace and the prime minister regularly meets with such figures.” (AFP, May 15).

The Templeton Prize awarded in the name of the late American-born British entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir John Templeton, comes with a cash award of almost $2 million. The Dalai Lama announced publicly that he would be giving all the money away, with $1.5 million to support the Save the Children Fund to address the problems of malnourishment among children in India. In the spirit of the award’s focus on his “exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works,” the Dalai Lama also donated $200,000 to the Mind and Life Institute, and $75,000 to funding his ongoing efforts to introduce formal modern science education to monk students in the various Tibetan monastic universities. The full ceremony, including the hour-long media panel that preceded it, can be viewed here. President of the John Templeton Foundation, John Templeton (the founder’s son), said the Dalai Lama had been awarded the prize because he “exemplifies Sir John’s vision of spiritual progress. For more than 25 years, he has focused on the connections between the investigative traditions of science and the contemplative traditions of Buddhism as a possible way to better understand and advance the best that both disciplines might offer the world.”

In a panel discussion hosted by broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby prior to the award ceremony, scientist Dr. Richard Davidson, Director of the Wiseman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior at the University of Wisconsin, outlined the significance of the Dalai Lama’s influence and work from a scientific and spiritual perspective. Dr Davidson said: “One of the great insights from His Holiness’ tradition is that virtuous qualities of character such as compassion and kindness are part of our biological repertoire and they’re part of every human being, and […] if they can be nurtured they can be strengthened and enhanced. That can be done in a way that is accessible to all people in a completely secular way. This vision is one that has had a deep and profound impact on modern science. In the mid 1990s, I think it’s fair to say that until then, there was virtually no scientific research on compassion. Because of His Holiness’ consistent and indefatigable interest, that research has now been flowering, the research on compassion and neuroscience has become mainstream, the work on neuroplasticity which is the idea that the brain can change in response to experience and in response to training is a conceptual framework which we can now understand for the first time in scientific terms. […] Training in kindness and equanimity can change the brain in ways that are helpful for well being and also helpful for actually changing our bodies in ways that are health promoting more generally.”

Article source: http://www.savetibet.org/

Dalai Lama will ask for help in Europe – Bianca Jagger supports Tibetans

A new report illustrates the dramatic human rights situation in Tibet

Bottinggen/Bern, 10^th Mai 2012

On the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s upcoming visit to Europe and the European Tibet Solidarity Rally, the Society for Threatened Peoples International (STPI) will publish a new report on the human rights situation in Tibet on Thursday. The report – which is 18 pages long – documents mass arrests, disappearances, unfair trials and systematic violations of religious freedom and of the Tibetan’s language rights. The European governments are urged to advocate for the deployment of a European delegation to Tibet and to appoint a EU Special Coordinator for Tibet.

On Thursday afternoon, the human rights activist Bianca Jagger will hand over the report to the British government in London. The religious leader of the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama, will arrive in Europe on May 16. He will visit Slovenia, Austria and Great Britain and will appeal for more help for Tibet. The European Tibet Solidarity Rally is planned for 26 May 2012 in Vienna.

The report states that the human rights violations in Tibet have increased dramatically since spring 2008. Since then, 1134 Tibetans have been arrested for political reasons. At least 527 political prisoners are still in Chinese custody. Until this day, the Chinese government has ignored appeals of the United Nations Convention against Torture and of UN human rights experts, that the fundamental human rights of the arrested Tibetans must be observed.

The report also documents the ongoing involvement of the Communist Party in matters of Tibetan Buddhism, the forced resettlement of up to two million nomads, the suppression of protests against controversial mining projects and the systematic suppression of the Tibetan language. As a special sign of alarm, the authors mention the increasing number of self-immolations of Tibetans, protesting against China’s policy on Tibet by committing suicide. At least 35 Tibetans already turned against themselves this way – and 27 people have died in such a suicide attempt.

The Asia-consultant for the Society for Threatened Peoples Germany (STP), Ulrich Delius, can be reached under +49 (0)160 – 95 67 14 03

The report is published in English (presse@gfbv.de).

Translated by Robert Kurth

Nancy Pelosi’s Statement to the 6th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet

May 2, 2012 8:16 am

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement at the 6th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet, in Ottawa, Canada from April 26-28.  The statement was read on Leader Pelosi’s behalf at the conference on Friday, April 27th.:

“Thank you for your invitation to be with you today for the 6th World Parliamentarian’s Convention on Tibet.  And thank you for your work in bringing together such a distinguished group of parliamentarians and advocates for the cause of Tibet.

“This multilateral approach is an essential mechanism for advocating for the Tibetan people and ensuring that world parliamentarians speak with one voice.

“For all of us here today, it is an extraordinary privilege to be in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  His Holiness is one of the greatest voices for democracy and human rights across the globe.  His clarion call for the freedom of Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world.

“We have a shared responsibility to answer that call, stemming from our belief in shared values.  The freedom to assemble peacefully and demand basic human rights.  The freedom to practice your faith.  The freedom to live in security in your homeland.  These values – like the challenge of Tibet – are not limited by borders and are not limited to any one country or parliament.

“In the United States Congress, our solidarity with this mission has led us to stand as a vanguard for global action on Tibet.  It led us to award the Dalai Lama with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 – the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow.  And I was proud to join President George Bush in presiding over the Gold Medal ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.

“Our relationship has been advanced and strengthened by leaders in the U.S. Congress.  Over the years, we have institutionalized support for Tibet, ensuring that this cause crosses party lines and sessions of Congress.  Back in 1987, under the leadership of the late Congressman Tom Lantos, we were proud to host the Dalai Lama to hear him lay out his five point peace plan to resolve the crisis in Tibet.  Since that time, the U.S. Congress has spoken with a unified voice by passing resolutions and holding hearings calling for respect for the religious and political freedom of the Tibetan people.  Ten years ago, we passed the Tibetan Policy Act – to invest in Tibet’s economic development, assist refugees, and officially make Tibet a national priority for the United States.

“With our votes, we enshrined support for Tibet as the law of our land.

“Building on that support, every year, regardless of which party is in the majority, the Congress passes legislation to assist the transit process for Tibetan refugees crossing the border; provide development grants to preserve cultural traditions and environmental conservation inside Tibet; and promote a series of initiatives related to education, the National Endowment for Democracy, and Tibetan language broadcasts by Radio Free Asia and Voice of America.

“Moving forward, Congress will continue to extend our bonds of friendship and provide a bedrock of support for the Tibetan cause.

“Today, our actions – in the U.S. and around the world – are as critical as ever.  More than 50 years after Tibetans bravely assembled to protest Chinese rule, China’s harsh crackdown continues.  And the situation has deteriorated in recent months as the Chinese government has increased its military presence in Tibet; Tibetans have resorted to the practice of self-immolations to draw attention to their plight; and China has engaged in a more aggressive campaign to pressure foreign governments to move the issue of Tibet off the radar.

“As parliamentary leaders, we cannot – we must not – let this status quo go unanswered.

“And over the next few days, leaders at this convention are engaging in innovative and strategic discussions about the challenges in China and Tibet, culminating in the 2012 Ottawa Declaration and an action plan.

“Our voices will be strong because we have the moral high ground, but also because we are standing together with a unified voice.

“Standing together, we must send a clear, effective message to the Chinese government – to cease religious repression; allow access to journalists, diplomats, and international observers; release political prisoners of conscience, including the 11th Panchen Lama.

“Standing together, parliaments and legislatures – the voices of freedom-seeking citizens around the world – must keep working multilaterally on measures to support the men and women of Tibet and the Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal.

“Standing together, we will remain steadfast partners of the Tibetan people.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama embodied the spirit of all Tibetans when he said: ‘I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest.’  For 53 years, His Holiness has remained separated from his land and his home.  Yet he has found hope, even in the darkest hours.

“The parliamentarians of the world are here today because they have hope for a brighter future in China and Tibet.

“Thank you for your participation today and I look forward to working with you to shine a  light for the freedom of the Tibetan people.”

The 6th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet was successfully held in Ottawa, Canada from 27 to 29 April, 2012. The Convention unanimously adopted a declaration on the last day and pledged its continuous support to the Tibetan cause:

The 6th World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet, Ottawa, Canada

OTTAWA DECLARATION ON TIBET

Adopted on 29 April 2012

WHEREAS

We, the delegates to the Sixth World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet meeting in Ottawa, Canada, from 27 to 29 of April 2012,

Recalling the findings and statements of the previous five Conventions held in New Delhi, Vilnius, Washington D.C., Edinburgh and Rome, and having reviewed the activities and programs that resulted from these meetings and their impact,

Having reviewed the grave situation in Tibet as well as the policies of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in relation to the Tibetan people,

Noting with disappointment the lack of progress in dialogue between the Government of the PRC and the Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama since the meeting of the World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet in Rome in November 2009,

Reaffirming the great value to humanity of the Tibetan culture, language and spiritual tradition,

Recognizing the very important and successful democratization process in the governance of Tibetans in exile by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the recent transfer by him of his political powers and responsibilities to the democratically elected Kalon Tripa and political leaders of the Central Tibetan Administration, which represents the aspirations of the Tibetan people,

Convinced of the continued indispensable role of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in bringing about a negotiated solution to the conflict between the Government of the PRC and the Tibetan people,

WE THEREFORE

Reiterate our firm conviction that this conflict can be resolved through sincere and constructive dialogue and negotiations at the highest level between the Government of the PRC and His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the democratically elected political leaders of the Central Tibetan Administration,

Express our equally firm belief that unilateral action in Tibet by the government authorities of the People’s Republic of China, such as the imposition of new policies that do not reflect the aspirations of the Tibetan people, cannot lead to a solution,

Welcome the free and fair character of the elections held last year for the Kalon Tripa and for the members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, which the INPAT Election Observation Mission monitored and reported on,

Acknowledge the growing movement for democratic change among the Chinese people as well as the increasing understanding and support among Chinese for the Middle Way approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, all of which has potential impact on the realization of the aspirations of the Tibetan people,

Mindful that the yearning for democratic freedom is unstoppable as evidenced most recently in many parts of the Arab world, in Burma and elsewhere,

Understand the critical importance of freedom of information and of access to it through the internet and other electronic means of communication to the success of democratic movements,

Are alarmed at continuing grave violations of human rights in Tibet and the repressive measures taken by the PRC authorities in reaction to these and other peaceful protests by Tibetans,

Continue to be deeply concerned at the attacks by the authorities of the People’s Republic of China on Tibetan Buddhism as well as their policies and practices that destroy, repress, or discourage the preservation and development of other facets of the distinct identity of the Tibetan people, including their culture, language, customs, way of life and traditions, and which display elements of cultural genocide,

Are saddened and moved by the large number of Tibetans who set fire to themselves in protest against Chinese government policies and for a restoration of freedom for Tibetans and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,

Are seriously worried by recent calls by persons of standing and influence with the Chinese Communist Party for the removal of existing provisions on autonomy for Tibetans and other ‘minority nationalities’ in the constitution and laws of the PRC, which would have very negative domestic and international implications,

Acknowledge the ineffectiveness of the bilateral human rights dialogues that governments have held with the PRC in bringing about necessary change,

Welcome the consideration of the human rights situation in Tibet by the United Nations Human Rights bodies and mechanisms, including by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights and the Treaty bodies as well as through the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council, but regret that no concrete action has been taken by the Council itself,

Deeply regret the apparent lack of political will of the Government of the PRC to respond positively to persistent efforts by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elected Tibetan leadership for the resumption of the dialogue,

Reject the argument made by the government of the PRC that the engagement of governments with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and members of the elected Tibetan leadership and the expression of support by governments for the peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet through dialogue and negotiations constitute breaches of the ‘one China policy’,

Remain convinced that a sustainable solution to the issue of Tibet can be achieved  through genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the PRC, as evidenced by the positive experience of the many autonomous regions around the world, and note in particular the example set by the creation of the Territory of Nunavut as a self governing community within the sovereign nation of Canada.

WE DECIDE AS FOLLOWS:

Express solidarity with the Tibetan people in their non-violent struggle for their rights and freedoms including the right to determine their own destiny,

Express support also for the Chinese people’s efforts to bring about democratic change to their country and urge that this be achieved in ways that ensure the exercise by the Tibetans of their rights and freedoms and safeguard the rights of other other minority peoples in the PRC as well,

Express concern at the domestic and international efforts by the Government of the PRC to curtail the freedom of information and control electronic and internet communications for political purposes,

Reaffirm our strong commitment to the people of Tibet and the non-violent path they have chosen, under the inspiring leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and commend the Kalon Tripa for his continuing efforts to pursue the Middle Way approach and to promote a resumption of the dialogue with the PRC,

Endorse the principles set out in the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People, which provide the basis for a realistic and sustainable political solution to the issue of Tibet,

Recall the important invitation of Deng Xiaoping to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to discuss and resolve any issues except the independence of Tibet, and note that this position has been repeated by the Government of the PRC more recently also,

Dispel the false accusation that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration is seeking separation from the PRC since the Tibetan proposals expressly formulate a solution within the constitutional framework of the PRC and therefore call upon the government of the PRC to cease to propagate such misinformation,

Call upon the Government of the PRC to end the repression in Tibet, provide access to all Tibetan areas in the PRC, schedule the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ mission to China and especially to Tibet, and to resume the dialogue with the Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in that same positive spirit,

Urge leaders of all governments and relevant international organizations to support and promote this dialogue and to engage the government of the PRC in the potential for serious consequences should it scrap its constitutional and legal provisions on autonomy,

Alert the international community to the serious nature and consequences of the ongoing destruction and repression of Tibetan culture, language and religion by the policies of the Government of the PRC,

Offer to work with members of the National People’s Congress to jointly ascertain the causes of protest and unrest in Tibet, including the self-immolations,

Urge the Government of the PRC and the international community to address the environmental challenges on the Tibetan plateau where environmental stewardship profoundly affects life in vast regions of Asia, including in China and countries in South and Southeast Asia,

Commit to introducing and/or keeping these issues on the agendas of our own parliaments and international parliamentary organizations and to persuade our own governments to address them in high level discussions with the Government of the PRC, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the democratically elected Tibetan leadership,

Urge governments to create multilateral mechanisms to address the situation in Tibet and to promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict and, in particular, call on the European Union to implement the European Parliament resolution for the appointment of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Affairs and on relevant national governments to support this initiative,

Make available our own expertise both to the Government of the PRC and to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration in order to assist in the furtherance of the objectives contained in this declaration,

Adopt an action program to ensure greater effectiveness in addressing the concerns and advancing the objectives contained in this declaration.

Source: http://tibet.net/2012/04/30/ottawa-declaration-on-tibet/

Thank You

Yours Sincerely

Tenzin Dhakpa

Executive Information cum Research

Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre

New Delhi

Tibet Resolution passed at IUSY World Congress

Paraguay April 2012: Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) successfully passed a resolution on Tibet condemning China’s illegal occupation of Tibet and supporting Tibet’s Independence during the largest gathering of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY).  IUSY World Congress, the highest decision-making body, which takes place, every second year, was held in Paraguay from 20-24 April 2012.   The Tibet Resolution, which was made available in three languages by the organizing committee, was reviewed by all members attending the congress and passed with an overwhelming majority. Tenzin Norsang, Joint Secretary who represented TYC at the Congress addressed the gathering and presented the resolution while giving a detailed account of the current situation inside Tibet, facts on the self immolations and the Chinese Communist Party’s oppressive policies.

Norsang also met with the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Fernando Lugo who was the chief guest of the opening day ceremony and briefed him about the dire situation inside Tibet. Reverberating the theme of the Congress, Norsang said, “an equal world and change is possible only when we put the Tibet resolution into action”.

Following the opening ceremony, sub committees were formed to enable discussions and submit opinions and views in the drafting process of the IUSY Global Political Manifesto.  Themes for discussion were global democracy and human rights; peace security for safe and free development; progressive economics for social justice and sustainable development.  Norsang participated in the discussion on global democracy and human rights where he raised the issue of abuses and discrimination resulting from occupation such as cultural genocide, sterilization, education and the one-child policy and the role of the UN in occupied countries, which had not originally reflected in the draft. After a long discussion and debate, all points raised by Norsang were taken up for consideration.

IUSY is the largest political youth organization in the world representing more than 100 countries and 150 member organisations.  It is an organization of socialist, social democratic and labour political youth organizations from around the world with a UN consultative status. Founded in 1907, and re-organized after the Second World War in 1946, IUSY actively fights for change and social justice in the world.  TYC has retained an observer status with IUSY since the early 1990’s which has enabled TYC in the past to make oral statements at the United Nations on the situation inside Tibet.

Tenzin Chokey

General Secretary
Tibetan Youth Congress 
Central Executive Committee
Dharamshala, HP India 176219

Tibetan MPs raise issue of Tibet at NCCI

Assembly of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) is held every four years. And before the main Assembly, Pre-Assembly meetings are being held in different parts of India.

This year’s Inter-faith Pre-Assembly on “Responses of faith Communities on Groanings of the World” was held in Bangalore (Karnataka) from April 20 – 23, 2012. During four day Pre-Assembly, the participants discussed at length on following issues keeping main theme of the assembly in mind:

1.    Challenges of Religious Fundamentalism and Communalism to World Peace

2.    Interfaith Response to Ecological Crisis

3.    Interfaith Responses to the Groaning of the World: Viable Alternatives and Solutions

4.    Interfaith Response to Transparency and Accountability

5.    Human Rights Violation in present context

6.    Faith Response in Addressing Poverty

7.    Plight of the Tibetans

On the invitation of the National Council of Churches in India, Tibetan MP Mr. Karma Yeshi & Ms. Yangchen Dolkar took part in the meeting to share the plight of Tibetan people. Both Tibetan participants raised issues of Tibet like Ecological crisis of Tibet, lack of Religious Freedom and Human Rights issues etc. at different platforms.

On April 23, during the session on “Plight of the Tibetans”, Ms. Yangchen Dolkar spoke on Tibetan freedom struggle in exile. It was then followed by a paper presentation on the issue of Tibet by Mr. Karma Yeshi. In his paper Mr. Karma highlighted following issues:

A. China’s illegal occupation of Tibet

B. Self-immolations in Tibet: World’s silence

C. China’s harsh policy on Tibet and Tibetans

D. Chinese population transfer into Tibet

E. Tibet – Becoming a land of Han Chinese

F. Violation of Human Rights in Tibet

G. Middle way Policy of Central Tibetan Administration

Mr. Karma also shared some of his personal experiences and urged NCCI to support the issue of Tibet. He further stated that issue of Tibet is an issue of humanity and survival of the culture and identity of Tibetan people. Participants raised their concern and sympathy to the issue of Tibet. Later statement was adopted to be presented before the Assembly. Followings are the points directly related to the issue of Tibet:

1.      To the groaning of victims of human rights’ violation/denial by the state and non-state systems and oppressive religious, socio-economic and political structures.

2.      To the groaning of the Tibetan, Sri Lankan, Palestinian, other West-Asian and African refugees and those in the North-east India and Kashmir, and those involved in their fight for liberty, freedom and dignity.

3.      All deliberate acts by states and nations in dumping nuclear wastes in ecologically fragile places like Tibet and other Afro-Asian countries, as well as in seas and oceans.

4.      The ‘strategic silence’ of governments and international bodies, for economic and political benefits, over the violence by the ‘powerful’ nations over ‘powerless’ nations and communities in order to dominate and control their people, land and resources.

5.      To join the civil societies and peoples movements, fighting against state-sponsored terrorism and oppression.

6.      To learn and share resources within each religion which complement each other in ushering in a better world.

7.      To engage in advocacy with the Indian Government as well as with the representative of the Chinese Government and lobbying with other international and ecumenical bodies to urge China to resume dialogue with the Tibetans with the commitment and conviction to seek a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet, and peace and stability in the whole geo-strategic region.

8.      To form a ‘Commission on Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) and Human Right Issues’.

Including above 8 points on the issue of Tibet, over 30 issues were unanimously adopted as statement for further discussion in the main Assembly.

The main Assembly – XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI was held from April 25 – 28, 2012 in Bangalore and Ms. Yangchen Dolkar participated in the meeting as an observer.

The main Assembly begun on April 25 and on April 26, all the statements of seven different Pre-assemblies (held before main assembly) were unanimously adopted in the house. All statements were then sent to the workshops of the Assembly for further deliberations.

On April 26 afternoon, different workshops were held as part of the Assembly. Ms. Yangchen participated in the workshop entitled “New earth, new heaven: Ecumenism Perspective” and spoke on the issue of Tibet and plight of Tibetans in the workshop. The group adopted statements of concern and solidarity with many issues including Tibet.

The workshop gave stress on the “Pluralism and Dialogue” as the best means of harmony on this earth. Hence, with regards to Tibet, NCCI was mandated to lobby the Government of India as well as with the representative of the Chinese Government and other international and ecumenical bodies to urge China to resume dialogue with the Tibetan representatives.

NCCI was further mandated to bring the issue of Tibet to the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) and World Council of Churches (WCC) for their deliberations and necessary action.

On April 28, the committee on “Public Issues and Resolutions” also adopted following statement on Tibet:

NCCI stands by the Tibetans struggle for liberty and freedom against the occupation of Tibet by China. The NCCI is deeply concerned about the denial of basic human rights of Tibetans such as learning their own language, promoting their culture, self affirmation etc. NCCI while expressing it solidarity urges its member churches and the global Ecumenical expressions like the World Council Churches (WCC) to continue advocacy in appropriate forum for the freedom of Tibet.

Message committee of the XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI also expressed its solidarity with the exiled communities like Tibetan.

During the XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI, many guest speakers also expressed their views on Buddhism and expressed concern over Tibetan rights issues and ecological destruction taking place in Tibet and its impact on Indian sub-continent.

Finally election of the new executives for coming four years was held and the XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI concluded successfully on April 28 and new executives took their charge. In the Assembly there were over 500 delegates from different parts of India.

Issued by:

Karma YESHI

Dharamsala, April 30, 2012

Tibetan MPs raise issue of Tibet at NCCI

Assembly of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) is held every four years. And before the main Assembly, Pre-Assembly meetings are being held in different parts of India.

This year’s Inter-faith Pre-Assembly on “Responses of faith Communities on Groanings of the World” was held in Bangalore (Karnataka) from April 20 – 23, 2012. During four day Pre-Assembly, the participants discussed at length on following issues keeping main theme of the assembly in mind:

1.    Challenges of Religious Fundamentalism and Communalism to World Peace

2.    Interfaith Response to Ecological Crisis

3.    Interfaith Responses to the Groaning of the World: Viable Alternatives and Solutions

4.    Interfaith Response to Transparency and Accountability

5.    Human Rights Violation in present context

6.    Faith Response in Addressing Poverty

7.    Plight of the Tibetans

On the invitation of the National Council of Churches in India, Tibetan MP Mr. Karma Yeshi & Ms. Yangchen Dolkar took part in the meeting to share the plight of Tibetan people. Both Tibetan participants raised issues of Tibet like Ecological crisis of Tibet, lack of Religious Freedom and Human Rights issues etc. at different platforms.

On April 23, during the session on “Plight of the Tibetans”, Ms. Yangchen Dolkar spoke on Tibetan freedom struggle in exile. It was then followed by a paper presentation on the issue of Tibet by Mr. Karma Yeshi. In his paper Mr. Karma highlighted following issues:

A. China’s illegal occupation of Tibet

B. Self-immolations in Tibet: World’s silence

C. China’s harsh policy on Tibet and Tibetans

D. Chinese population transfer into Tibet

E. Tibet – Becoming a land of Han Chinese

F. Violation of Human Rights in Tibet

G. Middle way Policy of Central Tibetan Administration

Mr. Karma also shared some of his personal experiences and urged NCCI to support the issue of Tibet. He further stated that issue of Tibet is an issue of humanity and survival of the culture and identity of Tibetan people. Participants raised their concern and sympathy to the issue of Tibet. Later statement was adopted to be presented before the Assembly. Followings are the points directly related to the issue of Tibet:

1.      To the groaning of victims of human rights’ violation/denial by the state and non-state systems and oppressive religious, socio-economic and political structures.

2.      To the groaning of the Tibetan, Sri Lankan, Palestinian, other West-Asian and African refugees and those in the North-east India and Kashmir, and those involved in their fight for liberty, freedom and dignity.

3.      All deliberate acts by states and nations in dumping nuclear wastes in ecologically fragile places like Tibet and other Afro-Asian countries, as well as in seas and oceans.

4.      The ‘strategic silence’ of governments and international bodies, for economic and political benefits, over the violence by the ‘powerful’ nations over ‘powerless’ nations and communities in order to dominate and control their people, land and resources.

5.      To join the civil societies and peoples movements, fighting against state-sponsored terrorism and oppression.

6.      To learn and share resources within each religion which complement each other in ushering in a better world.

7.      To engage in advocacy with the Indian Government as well as with the representative of the Chinese Government and lobbying with other international and ecumenical bodies to urge China to resume dialogue with the Tibetans with the commitment and conviction to seek a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet, and peace and stability in the whole geo-strategic region.

8.      To form a ‘Commission on Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) and Human Right Issues’.

Including above 8 points on the issue of Tibet, over 30 issues were unanimously adopted as statement for further discussion in the main Assembly.

The main Assembly – XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI was held from April 25 – 28, 2012 in Bangalore and Ms. Yangchen Dolkar participated in the meeting as an observer.

The main Assembly begun on April 25 and on April 26, all the statements of seven different Pre-assemblies (held before main assembly) were unanimously adopted in the house. All statements were then sent to the workshops of the Assembly for further deliberations.

On April 26 afternoon, different workshops were held as part of the Assembly. Ms. Yangchen participated in the workshop entitled “New earth, new heaven: Ecumenism Perspective” and spoke on the issue of Tibet and plight of Tibetans in the workshop. The group adopted statements of concern and solidarity with many issues including Tibet.

The workshop gave stress on the “Pluralism and Dialogue” as the best means of harmony on this earth. Hence, with regards to Tibet, NCCI was mandated to lobby the Government of India as well as with the representative of the Chinese Government and other international and ecumenical bodies to urge China to resume dialogue with the Tibetan representatives.

NCCI was further mandated to bring the issue of Tibet to the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) and World Council of Churches (WCC) for their deliberations and necessary action.

On April 28, the committee on “Public Issues and Resolutions” also adopted following statement on Tibet:

NCCI stands by the Tibetans struggle for liberty and freedom against the occupation of Tibet by China. The NCCI is deeply concerned about the denial of basic human rights of Tibetans such as learning their own language, promoting their culture, self affirmation etc. NCCI while expressing it solidarity urges its member churches and the global Ecumenical expressions like the World Council Churches (WCC) to continue advocacy in appropriate forum for the freedom of Tibet.

Message committee of the XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI also expressed its solidarity with the exiled communities like Tibetan.

During the XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI, many guest speakers also expressed their views on Buddhism and expressed concern over Tibetan rights issues and ecological destruction taking place in Tibet and its impact on Indian sub-continent.

Finally election of the new executives for coming four years was held and the XXVII Quadrennial Assembly of NCCI concluded successfully on April 28 and new executives took their charge. In the Assembly there were over 500 delegates from different parts of India.

Issued by:

Karma YESHI

Dharamsala, April 30, 2012

Former Noble Peace Prize winners pledge support to Tibet

April 26, 2012

CHICAGO: Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay today met with Nobel peace prize winners FWD Clark for half an hour and Jody Williams and Shirin Ebadi for forty five minutes at the ongoing 12th Noble Laureates Conference held in Chicago, United States.

During his discussion with the world leaders, he conveyed the good wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and thanked them for expressing their support to the Tibetan struggle.

The Nobel laureates recently wrote a letter to the Chinese leaders in Beijing to hold open talks with His Holiness the Dalai to resolve the issue of Tibet peacefully.

Kalon Tripa also informed them the successful political transition of Tibetan leadership in exile, from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to a democratically elected leader in August 2011.

The noble laureates applauded the efforts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to usher in political reforms, saying his decision to separate political from spiritual leadership was magnanimous and in the long- terms interests of the Tibetan people.

As the political leader of the Tibetan people, Kalon Tripa informed them the present crisis in Tibet and the ongoing self-immolations by Tibetans to resist Chinese occupation.

Since Tapey’s self-immolation on 16 March 2009, thirty-six Tibetans –monks, nuns, lay Tibetans – have set themselves on fire to protest China’s iron-grip occupation of Tibet. Of them, twenty-eight lost their lives.

Expressing their deep sadness over the deaths of Tibetans and solidarity to the Tibetan freedom movement, the Nobel laureates urged Kalon Tripa to keep informing them about developments in Tibet.

They said, ‘we reiterate our pledge to support Tibetan people and the peaceful resolution of Tibetan struggle.’

The Nobel Laureates’ Conference is held every year to discuss and tackle urgent issues such as poverty, income inequalities, human rights abuses, environmental crisis and nuclear arms race threatening the global planet.

Self-immolations shake Tibetan resolve

By Sue Lloyd-Roberts

BBC Newsnight, Dharamsala

A series of self-immolations in protest against Chinese rule has shaken exiled Tibetans’ faith in their spiritual leader and the path of non-violence.

At 76, the Dalai Lama has announced his retirement as a political leader, but retains his role as spiritual leader of some five million Tibetans.

But he has remained strangely quiet on the subject of the self-immolations – 32 of which have taken place in the past year alone.

“Now this is very, very sensitive political issue,” he explains with due solemnity.

Exiled Tibetan monks are growing frustrated with the Dalai Lama’s handling of self-immolations “If I get involved in that, then the retirement from political power is meaningless. Whatever I say the Chinese government they immediately manipulate.”

For more than 50 years now, the Dalai Lama has been pursuing his “middle way” – a policy of advocating non-violence while pursuing a programme of talks between successive Chinese governments and his representatives.

But, he admits, it has been a waste of time. There have been no talks for more than two years.

“Our approach [has been] more or less failure to get some kind of cross understanding with the Chinese government and some kind of improvement inside Tibet. In that aspect [it has] completely failed,” he says.

“These [Chinese] leaders are very foolish, narrow minded, authoritarian sort of people,” he says.

“They use only their mouth. No ear, never willing to listen to others. As far as their government is concerned, they are really very, very hardened.

“They do not understand what is the real Tibetan feeling.”

He speaks with emphasis and anger. It is the most un god like behaviour I have ever witnessed from His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, in 20 years of interviewing him.

He is fed up and so are his followers. But for decades, it was considered almost blasphemy to criticise the Dalai Lama and his policies. Not any more.

“I question the current policy and position of His Holiness not to face reality and then forcing Tibetans to commit suicide,” says 60-year-old Lhasang Tsering, a former president of the influential Tibetan Youth Congress.

Karma Chophel, a former speaker of the Tibetan parliament in exile, takes the warning further.

“Non-violence has not worked. Violence could now be the only option,” he says.

Disparate acts

There have been 32 self-immolations among mainly monks and nuns living in the Tibetan areas of China over the past year alone.

Norbu, a Tibetan from Sichuan province in China, braved the perilous journey over the Himalayas to find refuge in India.

“I had to come,” he says, “to tell the world what is happening.”

“I was shopping in Ngaba [Aba] town when suddenly two monks ran down the street in flames. One was holding a Tibetan flag and shouting for freedom of religion and for the return of the Dalai Lama.

“After a few minutes, police, firemen and soldiers arrived, put out the flames and threw the two monks in to the back of an army truck. We were told they were being treated in hospital but no one has been allowed to visit them and so we don’t know whether they are dead or alive.”

The self-immolations witnessed by Norbu took place in September last year. Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Kunchok were both 18 years old.

Nearly all of these desperate acts follow the same pattern. The monks and nuns (there have been only two civilians) drink kerosene and splash it over their bodies before setting themselves alight.

Many wrap themselves in barbed wire to make it harder for the police to stop them. All policemen in the area carry fire extinguishers.

There have been 32 self-immolations in the past year If Norbu was so anxious to tell his story, I ask, why did it take him so long to leave Sichuan province?

He explains that here are now three military camps surrounding Kirti monastery, where the majority of those who have self-immolated come from, and “security forces and plainclothes police are everywhere. There are checkpoints on every road.”

“The internet cafes have all been closed and even the public telephone office. It’s as if we Tibetans have been shut up in a room and the Chinese have locked the door.”

The Chinese have forbidden access to the area to outsiders. They believe they are bringing development and modernisation to backward Tibetan areas and blame outside forces – particularly the Dalai Lama – for stirring up trouble.

The only way of finding out what is going on is to watch the horrific YouTube videos of the self-immolations which are regularly posted on Tibetan support websites such as Free Tibet and the International Campaign for Tibet.

Journalists wanting to find out more head to Dharmamsala in India, where the 150,000 Tibetans living in exile with the Dalai Lama monitor the grim events taking place in their erstwhile home.

All the major monasteries in Tibet have equivalents in India. At Dharamsala’s Kirti Monastery, I am directed to two monks, Kanyag Tsering and Lobsang Yishe.

While the monastery resounds to the sound of mediaeval prayersong, accompanied by cymbals, bells and giant Tibetan horns, Tsering and Yishe are on their Apple Macs and smart phones.

As I arrive in their cell at the top of the monastery, there’s been another self immolation and they are hard at work.

“His name is Lobsang Tsultrim and he’s 19 years old,” Tsering, with his phone to his ear talking to a monk in Kirti Monastery in China, says to Yishe who is typing fast on his keyboard.

“Did he shout any slogans? What happened?”

They are told the police threw his body into a truck – he was still raising his hand and shouting “Free Tibet!”

“He’s not dead yet? You’re checking?” He died the next day.

Once they hear from three different sources, they send the news to Tibet support groups and journalists.

Tibetans in exile are desparate for a shift in the Chinese policy towards Tibet

The two monks then make their way up and along the narrow staircases and corridors of the monastery to the office of the head of the monastery, Kirte Rinpoche, who is also spiritual head of the monastery in China. His face contorts with pain as he hears the news.

“The recent self-immolations express the suffering not just of the monks but of the entire Tibetan people,” he says.

It was Chairman Mao who once said “when there is repression the people will revolt”.

In an office in Dharamsala, the current general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tenzin Chokey, is sitting at her computer monitoring the pictures coming in from Tibet.

They show demonstrations involving thousands of Tibetans as news of the latest self-immolation spreads through Ngaba [Aba] county in Sichuan province.

“Listen,” she says as she leans forward towards the screen to try and hear what the crowds are saying, “people in Tibet have spoken and they want freedom and independence. We’re scared. Up until now, it has been non-violent. But it could spiral out of control.”

That evening, news of another self-immolation reaches Dharamsala. Monks, nuns and lay people take to the streets for a candlelit procession.

It used to be the Dalai Lama and his team in exile who debated the direction in which his people should go.

Now, Tibetans in Tibet are asserting themselves and those in exile can only respond with candles and prayer.

Watch Sue Lloyd-Roberts full report on Tibet on Newsnight on Wednesday 18 April 2012 at 10.30pm on BBC Two, then afterwards on the BBC iPlayer and Newsnight website.

Nobel Laureates Urge President Hu for Dialogue on Tibet

April 3, 2012

DHARAMSHALA: A group of 12 Nobel Peace Laureates — including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rigoberta  Menchu Tum, and President Jose Ramos Horta — today sent a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao urging him to “respect the dignity of the Tibetan people” and open “meaningful dialogue” with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders. The letter is in response to the recent spate of self-immolations of Tibetans protesting the repression of the Tibetan people.

*Full text of letter*:

President Hu Jintao,

The People’s Republic of China

Bejiing, China

Dear Mr. President:

The people of Tibet wish to be heard. They have long sought meaningful autonomy, and chosen negotiation and friendly help as their means of attaining it. They now turn to protest. The international community is concerned by the drastic expressions of resentment by the people of Tibet through self-immolation. The Chinese government should hear their voices, understand their grievances and find a non-violent solution.

That solution is offered by our friend and brother His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has never sought separatism, and has always chosen a peaceful path. We strongly urge the Chinese government to seize the opportunity he provides for a meaningful dialogue. Once formed, this channel should remain open, active and productive. It should address issues that are at the heart of the current tension, respecting the dignity of the Tibetan people and the integrity of China

Specifically, we are respectfully requesting that the Chinese government release all those who have been arbitrarily detained; cease the intimidation, harassment and detention of peaceful protestors; allow unrestricted access for journalists, foreign diplomats, and international organizations to Tibet; and respect religious freedom.

It is especially important to understand that the international community will be reassured if your government would allow members of the press and United Nations Human Rights investigators full access within Tibet. Without that access, progress is unlikely and an opportunity may be lost.

Sincerely,

Desmond Tutu

Jody Williams

Rigoberta Menchu Tum

Jose Ramos Horta

Leymah Gbowee

Adolfo Perez Esquivel

Shirin Ebadi

Lech Walesa

Mairead Corrigan Maguire

Jon Hume

Betty Williams

Carlos Belo