Tibetan Headlines
Mar 5: UN report
The UN has released a report by the UN Special Rapporteurs. The report documents communications sent to the Government of the People’s Republic of China expressing concern about human rights situation in Tibet. The report focusses on specific instances of human rights abuses and violence against Tibetans inside Tibet. Special Rapporteurs are independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective.
Mar 4: IUSY supports Tibet
The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) has passed a resolution at their World Congress in Copenhagen, supporting the Tibetan Youth Congress's (TYC's) march from Dharamshala to Delhi. IUSY Vice-President Rafeela David said that the resolution reaffirms Tibet as an independent nation and condemns China’s illegal occupation of Tibet. TYC President Tenzing Jigme addressed the Congress and said that the support he has received and the solidarity for Tibet has been tremendous.
Mar 3: Live webcasts
Live webcasts are being broadcast of the speeches and teachings of His Holiness during his visit to America. Details of how to view them are available on www.dalialama.com.
Mar 2: Fast for Losar
Tenpa Dhargyal, a Tibetan student, has started a 72 hour fast to mark Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Tenpa is fasting in front of the Martyrs Pillar in the Tsuglakhang temple in McLeod Ganj. “We can’t forget the brave actions of our martyrs and thousands of Tibetans who continue to fight against the repression in Tibet,” said Tenpa, who is a student at the Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah. Since the 2008 pan-Tibet protests against Chinese government, Tibetan exiles have muted celebrations of Losar.
Mar 1: Losar Tashi Delek
We wish you all a happy Tibetan New Year. (The 2141 wood-horse Tibetan Losar) Hope this New Year will be full of joy, laughter, love, success and peace.
Feb 28: Human rights report
The US State Department's annual human rights report released yesterday said the Chinese government engaged in severe human rights abuses in Tibet. The report, entitled "Annual Country Reports on Human Rights", said “the government engaged in the severe repression of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural, and linguistic heritage by, among other means, strictly curtailing the civil rights of Tibetans.” It also reported serious human rights abuses such as extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial detentions, and house arrests.
Feb 27: Geneva Summit
Dhardon Sharling, the youngest member of the Tibetan parliament, has criticised China’s human rights record in Tibet and its handling of the protests by Tibetans. She was speaking to a gathering of human rights activists and former political prisoners from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Egypt, Tibet and other countries at the 6th Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, a parallel event to the UN Human Rights Council's annual session. Sharling said Chinese government policies implemented in Tibet pose a threat to the Tibetan identity being lost forever.
Feb 26: China objects
China has criticised the United State’s appointment of Sarah Sewall as its Special Co-ordinator for Tibetan issues, saying that it constitutes intervention in its “internal” affairs. "The Chinese government resolutely opposes any foreign country using the so-called Tibet problem to interfere in China's internal affairs," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. "China has never and will never recognise the US so-called special envoy for the Tibet problem.” Sewall was appointed last week, on the day that US President Obama met His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Feb 25: Released
Goshul Lobsang, 43, a Tibetan political prisoner, has been released from prison where suffered torture and beatings. He is now in poor health and was in danger of dying in custody before his release last October, reports Radio Free Asia. Lobsang spearheaded an anti-government protest in Belpen, Machu County in 2008, when protests swept across Tibet. He went into hiding but was arrested in May, 2010. Lobsang lives with his wife Tarey and two children. He had studied at the transit school for adults (now closed) at TCV Suja in 1992.
Feb 25: Stabbed to death
Tashi Tsering, 28, has stabbed himself to death in order to avoid arrest by Chinese authorities. The police approached him in Chamdo, Markham County on February 20 to arrest him for his alleged involvement in the 2008 anti-China protests, and he stabbed himself in front of them. The authorities issued arrest warrants against Tsering in 2008 on charges of "vandalism and causing social instability" following protests against the Chinese government in the region. He evaded arrest and had been on the run since then.
Feb 24: His Holiness in San Francisco
His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke at the American Himalayan Foundation and the Blum Center for Developing Economies, which aims to tackle poverty and inequality. San Francisco was the first place His Holiness visited on his initial trip to the USA in 1978. “Peace of mind and physical well-being are closely related." said His Holiness, "Peace of mind and warm-heartedness bring confidence.” He went on to say that we need to make this new century a century of compassion.
Feb 22: Special Co-ordinator for Tibetan Issues
The new Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights in the US has been appointed. Dr Sarah Sewall's role includes that of Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues. Her responsibilities include promoting dialogue between HH the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the government of China, and co-ordinating US government policies, programs and projects related to Tibet. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay welcomed Dr Sewall’s appointment. saying “Dr Sewall brings deep knowledge and passion on human rights issues and will make a very strong Under Secretary and Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues.”
Feb 21: Obama meets His Holiness
US President Obama met the Dalai Lama in the White House despite urging by China to cancel the meeting, saying it will "seriously impair China-US relations". President Obama said that he was honoured to meet His Holiness again and reiterated his support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet. Mr Obama hosted the Dalai Lama in a private meeting in the White House Map Room. Foreign leaders are usually hosted in the Oval Office, so the decision to use the Map Room is viewed as an attempt to give the visit a lower profile.
Feb 20: Detained for saving yaks
Three senior monks have been detained in Qinghai province's Golog prefecture. Radio Free Asia has reported that Ringpu, 50, Yutruk 51, and Salshap, 47, all from the Golog Gangshar monastery, purchased and freed 300 yak swhich were on their way to a slaughterhouse. Buddhist teachings encourage the practice of saving animals from imminent slaughter, hailing it as a meritorious action. Tibetans have held silent campaigns in the past to save yaks from slaughterhouses, which are mostly owned by the Chinese.
Feb 18: Family Arrested
Five Tibetans have been arrested, including a younger brother of Phagmo Samdrup who died after his self-immolation protest last week. The five people were identified as Gyatso, Samdup’s younger brother; Pema; Tseten Gyal and a couple whose family name is Pado. They were arrested in in Tibet's Tsekhok County where the self-immolation took place. After interrogation lasting several days, the authorities released all but Tseten Gyal.