The eighth World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet (WPCT) was held in Washington DC on June 22 -23 and was attended by over one hundred parliamentarians from 26 countries, both in person and virtually, including the members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE).
The two-day convention saw discussions and briefings on various issues facing Tibet by members of parliaments from the various countries attending as well as experts and activists. Sessions included The Significance of Asia and Tibet in Global Warming and Climate Change, Narratives on Tibet: The Need for Change, Sharing Experiences, Collaborations, Networking and Action Plans proposed for like-minded countries around the world, and Common Ground to Face Common Challenges.
The meeting was organised by TPiE with the objective of strengthening and coordinating the support of world parliamentarians to resolve the issue of Tibet, including seeking solidarity with world leaders who are willing to express their concerns over the human rights situation and religious persecution in Tibet. The convention requested parliamentarians from other countries to consider taking initiatives in their respective countries to support an early resumption of dialogue between representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the People’s Republic of China, in order to discuss a solution for the Tibetan situation.
Photo: Screengrab
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the convention participants via a video message, thanking all the participants and continuing, “Politically, we are not seeking independence for Tibet. I have made this clear over the years. What most concerns us is the importance of preserving and safeguarding our culture and language”. While speaking about Tibetan culture and values being based on being kind and compassionate, His Holiness added “I am not urging anyone to propagate Buddhism, but I am talking about developing a kind heart”.
The Tibetan spiritual leader also called on the parliamentarians to “consider ways to revive and advance the essence of Tibetan culture, which is about keeping in mind the well-being of others” and called on educational institutions to include teachings about human values such as kindness and honesty.
The US Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, joined the convention, saying in her press release that she was present in order to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the Tibetan people. “For decades, the Chinese government has waged a dangerous assault on human rights in Tibet” said Ms Pelosi, continuing, “In just one of the many shocking examples, 27 years ago, the Chinese Communist Party abducted the eleventh Panchen Lama. This issue symbolises the plight of the Tibetan people. The Chinese government has clearly shown that it has no regard for Tibetan autonomy or identity or faith. This aggression has accelerated in recent years, with new actions to impose mandatory political education, cruelly restrict religious freedom, expand its mass surveillance régime and further close off Tibet to global visitors”.
Calling on parliamentarians to strengthen their policy towards China, Ms Pelosi added, “the world has a moral duty to speak out with one voice against Beijing’s abuses and stand up for the Tibetan people. That is why this forum is crucial, bringing together leaders of parliaments from all over the world to advance real autonomy for Tibet”.
During the concluding address, the Deputy Speaker of TPiE announced the revival of the International Network of Parliamentarians for Tibet (INPaT), launching its official website www.inpat.org and the adoption of the Washington Declaration and Washington Action Plan.
The first WPCT was held in New Delhi (1994) and subsequent conventions have been held in Vilnius, Lithuania (1995); Washington D.C.USA (1997); Edinburgh, Scotland UK (2005); Rome, Italy (2009); Ottawa, Canada (2012) and Riga, Latvia (2019).
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