Tibetan Headlines
Jun 7: Core Group for Tibetan Cause
Newly elected Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, has met the members of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India, the India Tibet support group affiliated to the International Tibet Network. Sikyong thanked the CTGT for their faith and support over the years for the Tibetan cause and presented his commitments for his term of office.
Jun 4: Talks with China?
The new Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Penpa Tsering has told Radio Free Asia, “One of the key priorities is the reviving of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue”, saying that he would not rule out exploring new avenues for dialogue with Beijing. He said he has met HH the Dalai Lama to discuss “addressing some of the pressing issues concerning our community” and “recommencing the Sino-Tibet dialogue.”
Jun 4: Dalai Lama Street
A street in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has been renamed Dalai Lama Street to draw attention to China’s human rights repressions and to protest against the building of a new campus at Fudan University - one of China’s most prestigious educational institutions. Adjacent streets were renamed Free Hong Kong Road, the Uyghur Martyrs’ Road and Bishop Xie Shiguang Road after a persecuted Chinese Catholic priest.
Jun 3: Earthquake Toll
The 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Golog, Tibet on May 22 has left at least 20 people dead and over 300 injured. The authorities are blocking the flow of news from the area so the deaths and injuries cannot be confirmed and news is slow to emerge; local residents have been barred from posting online and ordered to report any information to the Chinese authorities instead.
Jun 3: Walking for Tibet
In Canada, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Vice President Sunny Sonam is walking 180kilometres to draw attention to China’s illegal occupation of Tibet. Meanwhile, in the United States, six Tibetans have completed a march calling on China to stop torture in Tibet and urging a worldwide boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics. The marches were timed to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the 17-point agreement.
Jun 2: Militarisation of Tibet
More reports are coming through of China’s increasing militarisation of the India-Tibet border, with reports of Chinese surveillance and the Hindustan Times article saying that a combined air defence system has been set up along the border ready for military operations in the area, with testing having already taken place. India is monitoring progress, with satellite images showing movements of troops around the conflict zone.
May 31: New COVID Measures
Sikyong Penpa Tsering has announced the Kashag’s new COVID-19 guidelines which include full vaccine coverage for Tibetan communities in India and Nepal, prioritising medical care and equipment supplies and providing relief for people in need. He has appointed two advisory members and a special Task Force to lead the project. All settlement offices are to assign one COVID response coordinator to provide daily COVID updates.
May 27: Farewells
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the outgoing President of the Central Tibetan Administration, has given his final address to the Tibetan public, saying he is committed to ensuring a smooth transition; he thanked Tibetans inside and outside Tibet for their support and vowed to continue working for the struggle. The outgoing Kashag (Cabinet) invoked the need to remember those suffering in Tibet under Chinese occupation.
May 25: A Step Forward?
The parliamentary row over the sacking of the three Justice Commissioners of the Supreme Justice Commission, which has left Parliament unable to swear in the newly elected Sikyong and Members of Parliament, may be resolved as the three Commissioners have resumed their positions. If their resumption of office is found acceptable, the swearing-in can take place and the new Parliament take up its duties.
May 24: China Asserts Itself
China has issued a press statement saying "First and foremost we must uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China [... ] Since the peaceful liberation of Tibet [...] only with party leadership can Tibet continue on this road of prosperous development" reports Reuters who continue, saying “International support for the Tibetan community has surged in the past year” and that “Officials did not take questions from Western news outlets at the press conference”
May 24: Tibetan Parliamentary Concerns
The additional parliamentary session scheduled for today is in jeopardy - the session was called to appoint new Justice Commissioners to undertake the swearing in of newly elected Members of Parliament and the Sikyong. The committee constituted to nominate Justice Commissioner candidates has failed to make nominations, and the necessary quorum for today’s session cannot be met as insufficient members will be able to attend.
May 22: Earthquake Hits Golog
Madoi county in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Amdo in eastern Tibet has been shaken by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude causing major destruction of property, roads and bridges. Local sources have reported three dead and 28 injured. Neighbouring areas are also facing damage to property. The Tibetan community in Tibet is sharing photos and videos on social media and asking for financial support for those affected.
May 22: China’s Propaganda
China has issued a White Paper to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the controversial 17-Point Agreement which was signed under duress by Tibet at China’s behest, and which accepted China’s illegal claims to Tibet. The White Paper claims that “The people of Tibet broke free from [...] imperialism for good, embarking on a bright road of unity, progress and development.” China has never adhered to its own Agreement commitments.
May 21: EU Condemns China
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has condemned China’s use of torture and called for the “the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights”. He was responding to a question about the deaths of Tibetans in custody which was tabled by the 12 MEPs of the European Parliament Tibet Interest Group (TIG).
May 21: Tibetans Make Donation
Tibetans living in Mongolia have donated 8,501,113 Mongolian Tugriks (US$ 3,000 / £2,000) to the Indian PM CARES fund to provide medical care for people suffering from COVID-19. Tibetan representatives presented the donation to the Indian Embassy in Ulan Baator, the capital of Mongolia. Tibetans around the world are raising funds to show gratitude to India for giving them refuge over the last 60 years.