Contact is taking a holiday!

The Flame of Truth Relay makes its way through London.

On 6 July a massive worldwide appeal was launched by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to bring actionable improvement to the ongoing situation in Tibet. Named the “Flame of Truth Relay,” this progression of events around the world will call on the United Nations with the following demands:

1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961, and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfill the substance of these resolutions.
2. An independent international fact-finding delegation must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet.
3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled.
5. The Flame of Truth Relay campaign will travel to more than 30 countries in North America, Europe, South-east Asia, Africa, and Australia.

As this journey unfolds, supporters are involved in signature campaigns, political protests, cultural events, blessings by religious leaders, moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and even a bike ride. The relay is an opportunity not just to gain support but to raise awareness of Tibetan issues. Lectures, discussions, and even informal gatherings are venues for sharing the experiences of Tibetans and their continuing struggle for independence, freedom of religion, and cultural identity.

In India, the torch relay began simultaneously from three locations and has traveled all through the country over the past 3 months, receiving generous and active support along the way. The torch reached Dharamsala at the end of July, where numerous events took place including an official function at the Thekchen Choeling temple of H.H the Dalai Lama on 26July.

The North American leg of the relay was launched in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa simultaneously, and will pass through numerous major cities in America and Canada.

In Europe, the relay began on 2 September in Spain. The torch will pass through 22 nations before it concludes in Geneva, Switzerland. The route will cover Spain, Andorra, France, England, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

Flame of Truth Supporters in Paris

World leaders and parliamentarians from numerous countries have come out to show their support to the demonstrators. Activists and Tibet support groups have also been key in highlighting the relay on the international stage, with the help of Tibetan exile communities around the world.

The Flame of Truth relay will conclude on 10 December, World Human Rights Day, with the submission of petitions to the UN Headquarters in New York City, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and the UN Information Office in New Delhi.

For more information, or to find out how to be involved, please visit www.flameoftruth.net.