A listing of the top news developments in and around Tibet during the previous week.

 

Unprecedented diplomatic action in Geneva on China’s human rights record

Ambassador Keith Harper

U.S. Ambassador Keith Harper delivering a joint statement on behalf of twelve countries on the human rights situation in China. (Image: Screenshot UN webcast)


The international community has sent a strong message to China with an unprecedented diplomatic action, including the first collective statement at the U.N. Human Rights Council, a rare joint statement drawing attention to human rights abuses and a high-profile appearance by the Dalai Lama at an event with human rights defenders in Geneva last week moderated by the Deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Kai Mueller, Executive-Director of ICT Germany and ICT’s U.N. Coordinator said: “This unprecedented diplomatic action sends a strong signal to China that it has crossed a red line and there is serious concern among like-minded countries. It also conveys a message of support to human rights defenders in China and Tibet for their courageous actions.”

International Parliamentarians Praise Competitive Tibetan Exile Elections

 Dalai Lama

Members of the Tibetan Election Observation Mission, including ICT President Matteo Mecacci and Vice President Bhuchung K. Tsering, with the Dalai Lama.


The International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPAT) issued a statement from Dharamshala, India on the Tibetan Elections in exile, which took place on March 20 in over 30 countries for the election of the Sikyong (head of the Central Tibetan Administration) and for 45 Members of the Parliament in exile. In their statement, the INPAT mission stated:

Voting in these elections, Tibetans in exile are reaffirming their support for a political solution, while the Chinese Government continues to impose severe authoritarian policies, which undermine the very existence of Tibetan identity.


Golog Jigme, leading human rights defender, briefs European Parliament, high-level officials in Brussels

Golog Jigme testifying

Golog Jigme testifying before the European Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights (16 March 2016). (Photo: ICT)


Tibetan Buddhist monk and former political prisoner Golog Jigme testified to the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights about his torture and imprisonment in Tibet and the need for the EU to challenge China’s oppressive policies.

On March 16, he told the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights: “Please do not pretend as if you do not see and hear the Tibetan people’s suffering. Tibet has become like a prison under Chinese occupation. I escaped from this prison. I came to a free country. My body is in a free country but my heart will always re-main with the suffering of my Tibetan brothers and sisters.”

ICT funding for earthquake relief for monasteries

TASHI CHEMI GATSAL NUNNERY
Last year a devastating earthquake rocked Nepal. ICT members gave generously to our earthquake relief fund, and so much progress has been made thanks to your kindness and compassion. Our report shows a lot of work being done in Nepal’s Tibetan monasteries as repairs continue.