ICT Europe: Publications
Tibet Update: E-newsletter for Parliamentarians in Europe, Edition 4
Edition 4, April 2004
This edition of Tibet Update: E-newsletter for Parliamentarians in Europe incorporates useful information about recent actions taken in Europe as well as world-wide in support of the Tibetan people. It also includes excerpts of recent research and statements made by United Nations representatives about Tibet.
We hope that this E-newsletter is acting as a valuable, bimonthly source of information for you about Tibet. Please continue to send your feedback and contributions to us at euroeditor@savetibet.org. Your parliamentary colleagues can also subscribe to this E-newsletter by emailing this address. Don't forget that previous editions of the Tibet Update can be viewed here.
- International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Europe, Amsterdam
Contents
European Initiatives
Italian Parliament Expresses Concern about Tenzin Delek Rinpoche
The Italian Parliament has repeatedly raised its concern about the plight of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in recent weeks. On 11 March, the Italian Chamber of Deputies unanimously passed a resolution condemning China's execution of Lobsang Dhondup in January 2003 and calling on China to "stop the execution of Tenzin Delek Rimpoche" and to conduct "a new fair trial". The Senate unanimously passed similar resolution on 21 April. A public statement by 144 Parliamentarians of all Italian political parties was also issued in mid March. This statement called on the Italian Government to encourage China to: (i) stop the execution of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche; (ii) call for a new fair trail that is open to international observers; and (ii) immediately release Tenzin Delek.
British MPs ask Government to Maintain Arms Embargo; Meet with Dalai Lama
UK Parliamentarian, Mr. Harry Cohen, tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) on 19 April that calls on the British government to commit to maintaining the embargo on the sale of arms to China. The EDM of January 2004, "Dalai Lama And The Prime Minister", which urges Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet with the Dalai Lama when he visits London next month has now been supported by 136 MPs. The EDM of December 2003 calling for the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche now has the support of 118 MPs.
Tibetan National Flag flies in Swiss Parliament and across Europe
In Berne, Switzerland, more than 30 members of the Swiss Parliament's lower chamber put Tibetan national flags on their desks during the Parliamentary session on 10 March 2004 to commemorate Tibetan National Uprising Day.
More than 1800 European towns raised the Tibetan national flag in front of their town halls on and around 10 March. Most of the flags were flown in the Czech Republic, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and France. In France alone, around 400 towns hoisted the flag for 10 March and 160 towns are raising it permanently.
Sweden Foreign Minister responds to questions on Tibet
In response to a parliamentary question posed by Mr. Kent Olsen, chairperson of the Swedish All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, the Swedish Foreign Minister, Ms. Laila Freivalds, on 11 March said: "The question of a special EU representative for Tibet has been brought up on several occasions in the EU. The overall judgment of the EU member states, however, has been that the possibilities for a successful work of such a representative are limited. Sweden, however, is open to consider a special representative for Tibet, should it be believed that the conditions have improved for the possibilities for such a representative to work". On 24 March, the Foreign Minister responded to another question about Tibet by Mr. Olsen, saying that Sweden considers "that the autonomy granted to Tibet should be given concrete substance" and that it is "urgent" that China's economic development of Tibet "take place in such a way that the respect for culture and religion is granted".
German Caucus on Tibet brainstorm strategies with Thomas Mann
Parliamentarians from the German Caucus on Tibet met with Mr. Thomas Mann, President European Parliament Intergroup on Tibet (TIG), on 5 March to discuss how German politicians can more actively support Tibet. The Parliamentarians were briefed about the activities of the TIG which inspired them to brainstorm their own initiatives within the German Bundestag. An in-depth discussion about the EU Special Representative for Tibet was postponed until the re-establishment of the European Commission and Parliament later this year.
The Caucus consists of 21 Members of Parliament from all parties represented in the German Bundestag. As yet, the Caucus has no formal status in the Bundestag.
Dutch PM and Human Rights Ambassador Urge China to Further Negotiations
During their respective April and February visits to China, both the Dutch Prime Minister Mr. Jan-Peter Balkenende and the Human Rights Ambassador, Mr. Piet de Klerk, raised the issue of Sino-Tibetan dialogue with their Chinese counterparts. The two men indicated their eagerness to see dialogue formally commence and achieve an end to the long-standing dispute. China reportedly said it viewed the renewed contact with the Tibetans in a positive light but provided no information about whether it intends on furthering the process.
Take Action!
Expand Tibet Intergroups across Europe
The European Parliament's expansion and elections in the coming months provide a unique and important opportunity for you to raise the issue of Tibet among your colleagues and constituencies.
Take Action:
- Mobilize incoming MEPs to join the European Parliament Tibet Intergroup;
- Write to your counterparts in EU accession countries informing them of your work for Tibet and encouraging them to establish a Tibet Intergroup in their national parliament, if one does not currently exist already.
Encourage the Maintenance of the EU's China Arms Embargo
Lifting the EU embargo on arms sales to China will project the impression of there now being a problem-free human rights situation in China and Tibet. While some EU leaders argue the EU's existing Code of Conduct on armed sales would stop the export of weapons or components to China that could be used to repress its own people, the interpretation of the code is down to individual countries, and many member states do currently export arms components to China. Meanwhile, China continues to systematically abuse human rights, including those of persons associated with the 1989 Tiananmen square protests. China also continues to occupy Tibet and to use the international war on terror as an excuse to repress people who engage in non-violent political activity.
Take Action:
- Initiate and/or support efforts* in your Parliament to encourage your government to maintain the arms embargo and make representations to EU partners to do the same (*such as the EDM recently tabled in the British Parliament).
Tibet News in Brief
Illiteracy in Tibet "horrendous" says UN Expert
Ms. Katarina Tomasevski, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education told the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), that the illiteracy situation in Tibet was "horrendous" and lacking far behind in comparison with the situation in China.
UN Committee Concerned with Nepal's Treatment of Tibetan Refugees
On 12 March, the United Nations Committee which deals with racial discrimination (CERD), expressed concern about the forced expulsion of Tibetan refugees by the Government of Nepal.
Tibetan Nun Phuntsog Nyidron Released From Prison
Phuntsog Nyidron, one of Tibet's most prominent political prisoners and the longest serving female political prisoner, was reportedly released from Lhasa's Drapchi Prison Thursday, Feb. 26. Nyidron was due to be released in March 2005.
Dalai Lama marks 45th Anniversary of Tibetan Uprising, Commits to "Leave No Stone Unturned" to Find Solution for Tibet
The Dalai Lama marked the 45th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising expressing optimism that the coming year would see a "significant breakthrough" in relations with China. The Dalai Lama committed to "leave no stone unturned...in the effort to secure a mutually acceptable solution to the Tibetan issue," including personally meeting with Chinese leaders.
Three UN Human Rights Experts to visit China
As a result of international pressure, China has agreed to the visit of three UN human rights experts in 2004: the Special Rapportuer on Torture (scheduled for June 2004); the Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (scheduled for September 2004); and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief (dates unconfirmed). It is not yet known whether the experts will visit Tibet as part of their missions and, indeed, remains to be seen whether China will actually ensure that these visits take place.
Non-European Action
China blocks Resolution on Human Rights situation in China at UNCHR
The US-sponsored draft resolution on the situation of human rights in China failed to garner adequate support at the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights on 15 April. The text was critical of the situation in Tibet and Xinjiang.
In an afford to obstruct scrutiny of the human rights situation in China and Tibet, China proposed that no action be taken on this motion. Twenty-eight countries, mainly from Africa and Asia, supported the procedural no action motion while 16 countries (including eight EU member nations) opposed it. There were nine abstentions.
UN Human Rights Experts Express Concern over Situation of Tibetan Monk
The UN rights experts said they were "deeply concerned over the situation of Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche" and "similarly concerned at the alleged lapses in respect for human rights during the trial proceedings and urge the authorities to grant Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche a new trial ensuring respect for international norms and standards of due process."
Canadian PM to meet HHDL despite China's opposition
The Dalai Lama is to meet with Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Paul Martin, despite protests from China, a major trading partner. This is the first time a Canadian Prime Minister has met with the exiled spiritual leader. The Dalai Lama is in Canada from 19 April - 5 May and will be holding an important Buddhist teaching, the Kalachakra, during this stay.
Chinese Embassy officials have responded by saying: "The Dalai Lama is neither a political figure nor a religious figure. He's just somebody involved in separating China."
Tibetan Hunger Strike outside UN Headquarters Approaches Four Weeks
An indefinite hunger strike outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, led by the Tibetan Youth Congress, is now approaching its fourth week. The three hunger strikers are urging the UN to make greater efforts with regards to Tibet, including to resume the UN General Assembly's debate on the question of Tibet and to implement the recommendations made by Katarina Tomasevski, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Education. The hunger strikers are also calling on the UN to urge China to release the Panchen Lama, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok and other Tibetan political prisoners.
A number of groups and prominent personalities, including ICT Board Chairman Richard Gere, have expressed their solidarity with and visited the hunger strikers since they commenced their campaign on 2 April. A UN statement of 13 April attempting to end the hunger striker was rejected by Tibetan Youth Congress on behalf of the three Tibetan hunger strikers as it did not address the specific demands of the hunger strikers. The three are determined to continue indefinite huger strike until their demands are accepted by the United Nations.
Ngawang Sangdrol Testifies on Human Rights before U.S. Congress
On March 10th, 2004, the 45th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, former political prisoner Ngawang Sangdrol testified before the U.S. House Committee on International Relations, as part of the hearing on human rights practices around the world.Important Dates
| 25 April: | Panchen Lama's birthday |
| 19 April - 5 May: | Dalai Lama visits Canada |
| 28 May - 3 June: | Dalai Lama to visit United Kingdom |
| June: | European Parliament elections |
