Interview: Test begins for new Tibetan PM in
exile
Newly-elected
prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile, Lobsang
Sangay, is preparing to officially assume the role on August 8
amid high expectations in the Tibetan exile community - Sangay
will be the first premier to take charge since the Dalai Lama's
retirement from politics in March.
Sangay, 42, will be sworn in as kalon tripa or chief minister
in Dharamsala, India, the seat of the government in exile. The
former Harvard law scholar won a massive victory in elections
held in March.
Sangay's return to India comes after 16 years spent living in
the United States. He was born in a small Tibetan settlement in
Darjeeling, in India's northeast, and later studied in the
capital, New Delhi.
Granting recognition to Tibet's secular
leader could lower tension when the Dalai Lama dies.
By ELLEN BORK
The Chinese government reacted to the Dalai Lama's visit to
the White House last Saturday with anger. A spokesman lashed out
at the exiled Tibetan leader for his supposedly "anti-China
splittist activities." Barack Obama deserves credit for
continuing the tradition of U.S. presidents meeting with the
Dalai Lama. But maintaining American policy on Tibet will also
require Mr. Obama to acknowledge new realities in the Tibetan
exile community.
Kashag's Statement on the Occasion of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama's Seventy-Sixth Birthday Celebration
On this very auspicious occasion of the
seventy-sixth birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the
Kashag, on behalf of all Tibetans in and outside Tibet, would
like to offer our heartfelt greetings and at the same time
single-mindedly beseech Your Holiness to remain with us to
dispel the suffering of all human beings and especially to guide
the Tibetans as long as possible.
Today is a special day not only for the Tibetans
but for people all over the world for whom a new champion of
world peace was discovered. Taking this opportunity, the Kashag
would like to offer our warm greetings to people all over world
in general and particularly those who offer their support and
stand in solidarity with Tibet and Tibetans.
Governments concerned at the situation in Kirti
Monastery
Tenzin Samphel Kayta, speaking on behalf of
Society for Threatened Peoples, Non-violent Radical Party and
International Educational Development, apprises the UNHRC on the
grave human rights situation in Tibet
Several governments expressed their concern about the current
situation in Kirti Monastery in Ngaba Eastern Tibet during the
UN Human Rights Council held discussion under agenda Item 4
which deals with Human rights situations that requires the
Council's attention.
A Hungarian delegate on behalf of the European Union said EU
is deeply concerned at the deterioration in the human rights
situation in China. The EU calls on the Chinese authorities to
immediately end arbitrary arrests and disappearances, to clarify
the whereabouts of all disappeared persons and to release all of
those who have been detained for exercising their right to
freedom of expression. The EU also calls on the Chinese
authorities to refrain from the use of force in dealing with the
situation at the Kirti monastery, and to allow independent
observers to the site.
Kashag Re-appoints Envoys and Representatives
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Secretaries
The Kashag has announced the re-appointment of the incumbent
special envoy, envoy and representatives of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama and secretaries of the departments, as their terms
naturally ended with the ratification of the amendment to the
charter by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 29 May.
With the complete devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's
formal authority to the elected leadership, the constitutional
authority to appoint these officials earlier vested with His
Holiness is now delegated to the Kashag.
Besuch des Dalai Lamas vom 22. bis 24. August 2011 in Hessen
Wie der Sprecher der Hessischen Landesregierung,
Staatssekretär Michael Bußer, heute mitteilte, wird der Dalai
Lama, das geistliche Oberhaupt der Tibeter, auf Einladung des
Hessischen Ministerpräsidenten Volker Bouffier und des
Präsidenten des Hessischen Landtags, Norbert Kartmann, vom 22.
bis 24. August 2011 zu Gast in Hessen sein.
Derzeit ist zunächst ein Besuch im Kloster Seligenstadt
vorgesehen. Hier wird der Dalai Lama mit unter anderem
Mitgliedern des Hessischen Kabinetts ein Essen einnehmen. Im
Anschluss ist eine Fahrt nach Frankfurt geplant, wo er die
Goethe-Universität besuchen und dort eine Ansprache halten wird.
Am darauffolgenden Tag besucht der Dalai Lama in Wiesbaden
den Hessischen Landtag. Nach einer Begrüßung durch den
Landtagspräsidenten wird das geistliche Oberhaupt vor Beginn der
Plenarsitzung im Hessischen Landtag eine Rede halten. Ferner
steht der Besuch der Johann-Peter-Schäfer-Schule (Schule für
Blinde und Sehbehinderte) in Friedberg auf dem offiziellen
Programm.
China: UN expert body seriously concerned about Tibetan
monks reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance
The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary
Disappearances* on Wednesday voiced its serious concern and
urged the Chinese authorities to disclose the fate and
whereabouts of all those who have been subject to enforced
disappearances in China, including a group of Tibetan monks
whose fate or whereabouts still remain unknown.
On 21 April 2011, more than 300 monks of the Ngaba Kirti
Monastery, located in Ngaba County, Sichuan Province, were
allegedly arrested and taken to unknown destinations in ten
military trucks. The arrests were reportedly carried out by
agents from the People’s Armed Police, the Public Security
Bureau and the People’s Liberation Army.
The UN Human Rights Council begun its 17th
regular session on 30 May and will continue till 17 June to
discuss and address human rights situation around the globe. The
UN human rights chief Ms. Navi Pillay presented an annual report
updating her office’s activities and then held general debate.
In her statement, High Commissioner for Human
Rights Ms. Pillay, noted the rising demand for fundamental human
rights across North Africa and the Middle East. She cited it as
a result of the decades of denial of civil, cultural, economic,
political and social rights as well as right to development. On
human rights situation in China, she expressed concern at the
increased restriction on freedom of expression and opinion.
During the interactive dialogue on Ms. Pillay's
statement, speaking on behalf of Society for Threatened Peoples,
Mr. Tenzin Samphel KAYTA (Photo) welcomed UN Human Rights chief’s report.
He informed the Council that Chinese authorities
is currently cracking down on peaceful protestors in Inner
Mongolia. He also updated the UN Human Rights Council the severe
clamp down on Ngaba Kirti Monastery since 16 March 2011.
In the plenary session, Mr. Kayta drew attention
of the member States and international community on the
disappearance of 300 Kirti Monastery monks who had been taken
away by the Chinese People Armed Force on the night of 21 April
- Easter eve to an undisclosed location. He called upon the UN
High Commissioner Ms. Navi Pillay to conduct a fact-finding
mission to China including all affected Tibetan areas by seizing
upon the invitation she has received from the Chinese
Government.
In the run up to the 17th UN Human Rights
Council session, the Tibet Bureau has met with over 10 Foreign
Mission diplomats based in Geneva, Switzerland to update the
latest human rights situation in Tibet particularly in Ngaba
Kirti Monastery.
Dharamsala (India) - 29
May 2011
Parliament Amends Charter on Devolution of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama's Formal Authority
The 14th Tibetan Parliament-Exile, after three days of
intense deliberation during its additional session, gave its
stamp of approval for the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama’s administrative and political powers to the democratically
elected Tibetan leaders.
The Parliament today presented the amendments to His Holiness
the Dalai Lama for his ratification. After giving his approval,
His Holiness will fully vest the Central Tibetan Administration
(CTA) and in particular its democratic leadership organs with
the powers and responsibilities formerly held jointly by him and
the CTA to represent and serve the whole people of Tibet.
During the additional session from 26 – 28 May, the
Parliament approved a new preamble and inherent rights and
responsibilities to be assigned to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
under Article 1 of the charter.
Election Commission Announces Final Results of Elections
The Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration
today declared the final results of the elections of the 15th
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the third Kalon Tripa directly
elected by the Tibetan people in exile.
Charter Drafting Committee Issues Draft Preamble and Related
Article
PREAMBLE
From the time of its founding, commonly placed in the early
2nd Century BC, Tibet has existed as a sovereign nation for
almost its entire history. When the Great Fifth Dalai Lama
assumed the supreme spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet
in 1642, the Gaden Phodrang government he established became the
legitimate government of the whole Tibetan people in the three
regions of Tibet. Since then successive Dalai Lamas maintained
the spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet in this manner.
The
current situation prevailing at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba in
northeastern Tibet is extremely grim because of the stand-off
between the Chinese military forces and the local Tibetans. The
monastery, housing approximately 2500 monks, is completely
surrounded by Chinese armed forces, who at one point prevented
vital food and other supplies from entering the monastic
compound.
The local Tibetans fearing that this siege on Kirti Monastery
is a prelude to large scale detention of the monks have
surrounded the soldiers blockading the monastery and have filled
the roads so as to prevent Chinese trucks and vehicles either
entering or leaving Kirti.
The local Chinese blockade of Kirti Monastery began on 16
March 2011, when a young Tibetan monk at the monastery
tragically set himself on fire as a way of observing the third
anniversary of the widespread peaceful protests that shook Tibet
in 2008. Instead of putting out the flames, the police beat the
young monk which was one of the causes of his tragic death. This
act created huge resentment among the monks, which resulted in
this massive blockade of Kirti Monastery.
I am very concerned that this situation if allowed to go on
may become explosive with catastrophic consequences for the
Tibetans in Ngaba.
In view of this I urge both the monks and the lay Tibetans of
the area not to do anything that might be used as a pretext by
the local authorities to massively crackdown on them.
I also strongly urge the international community, the
governments around the world, and the international
non-governmental organizations, to persuade the Chinese
leadership to exercise restraint in handling this situation.
For the past six decades, using force as the principle means
in dealing with the problems in Tibet has only deepened the
grievances and resentment of the Tibetan people. I, therefore,
appeal to the Chinese leadership to adopt a realistic approach
and to address the genuine grievances of the Tibetans with
courage and wisdom and to restrain from using force in handling
this situation.
The Dalai Lama
April 15, 2011
Geneva (Switzerland) - 11 April 2011
UN expert body expresses concern about the case of the
Panchen Lama and arrests in China
The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary
Disappearances last Friday expressed its concern on the recent
waves of arrest made in China including the case of Panchen
Lama.
Highlighting the case of Panchen Lama, the UN press statement
said, “A case going back 16 years is that concerning Gedhun
Choekyi Nyima known as the 11th Panchen Lama. He disappeared in
1995 when he was six years old. While the Chinese authorities
have admitted taking him, they have continually refused to
divulge any information about him or his whereabouts, making his
case an enforced disappearance. A number of human rights
mechanisms including the UN Committee Against Torture, the UN
Committee on the Rights of the Child, as well as Special
Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, have all called for
his whereabouts to be revealed, to no avail.”
The Final Outcome of the 11th Session of the 14th Tibetan
Parliament held from 14 - 25 March 2011
In his message to the 11th Session of the 14th Assembly of
the Tibetan People's Deputies, His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
presenting a letter based on sound reason and Tibet's history
and reality, said “... amendments to the Charter on this
occasion must conform to the framework of a democratic system in
which the political leadership is elected by the people for a
specific term.” This message was read out on the opening day of
the Parliament session on 14 March 2011.
Forced eviction of Tibetans from traditional homes results
in urban poverty, says expert
“As people (Tibetan nomads) are moved to urban areas,
there is very little primary source of employment resulting in
urban poverty,” said Prof. Andrew Fisher, a Senior Lecturer at
the Institute of Social Studies in the Hague. He is a specialist
on issues of population, poverty and social policy, and
development economic.
Prof. Fisher (Photo: center) expressed concern for the
uprooted nomadic communities from their tradition homes and
moved to urban areas during a briefing on the Human Rights
Situation in China: Impact of policies on Tibetan Nomads
organized by two NGOs at the 16th Session of the UN Human Rights
Council in Geneva yesterday.
“There is also Han Chinese migrants moving to urban areas (in
Tibet) where the economic is dominated by the Chinese,” he said.
“There is a competition between the two groups for urban
employment. The Tibetans have to compete with Chinese migrants.”
Mr. Jamyang Tsetrin Gyaljong (Photo: left on panel), a former
political prison from Amdo province in Eastern Tibet said, “The
Chinese are forcing a change on traditional way of life of
Tibetan nomads without any proper planning for both the older
and younger generation.”
The former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate
housing Mr. Miloon Kothari said that the forced eviction leads
to marginalization especially of children and women. He
questioned as to why one particular community suffers more.
On 8 March, the UN Human Rights Council discussed Olivier de
Schutter, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food's
preliminary report issued after visiting China from 15 to 23
December 2010.
The Special Rapporteur report said, “Nomadic herders in the
western provinces and autonomous regions, especially in Tibet (Xizang)
and Inner Mongolian Autonomous Regions, also face increasing
pressure on their access to land.”
The report said that herders should not, as a result of the
measures adopted under the tuimu huancao (restore grassland)
policy, be put in a situation where they have no other options
than to sell their herd and resettle.
During the debate, the European Union expressed its support
for the Special Rapporteur's recommendations to the Chinese
authorities to engage in meaningful consultations with herding
communities, including in order to assess the results of past
and current policies, to examine all available options in order
to combine the knowledge of the nomadic herders of their
territories.
Mr. Tenzin Samphel Kayta speaking on behalf of the Society
Threatened Peoples last week drew the attention of the Council
about a China's Xinhua News agency report dated 17 January 2011
quoting Mr. Padma Choling, Chinese-appointed governor of Tibet
saying that a total of about 300,000 families involving 1.43
million Tibetan nomads and farmers had been moved into new or
fixed settlement homes. He further said that some 185,500
families were expected to move into new homes by 2013.
The Hungarian Ambassador Andras Dekany speaking on behalf of
EU said on 14 March, “The rights of persons belonging to ethnic
and religious minorities, notably in Tibet and Xinjiang, need to
be fully respected in accordance with the Chinese constitution
and international standards.”
Germany called on “China to guarantee freedom of opinion and
express in its minority regions, in particular in Tibet and
Xingiang, together with the protection of all human rights it
has committed to as an international obligation.”
Mr. Jigme Norbu, an Environmental Researcher from the Central
Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala, India expressed Tibetans
concern about Tibet’s fragile environment during the briefing.
“Glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are melting at a rate of 7
per cent annually,” he said. “If the current rate continues 2/3
of the glaciers on the plateau will be gone by 2050. By 2100 all
the glaciers will be gone.”
To highlight the concern, he showed pictures the Rongbuk
glacier near Mount Everest receding dramatically over the years.
Many international environment experts refer Tibet as the Third
Pole because of the vast glacier. The Tibetan Plateau has more
than 46,000 glaciers and all major 9 Asian rivers starts in
Tibet.
Dharamsala (India) - 14 March 2011
Message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Fourteenth
Assembly of the Tibetan People's Deputies
To the members of the Fourteenth Assembly of the Tibetan
People’s Deputies,
It is common knowledge that ancient Tibet, consisting of
three provinces (Cholkha-sum) was ruled by a line of forty-two
Tibetan kings beginning with Nyatri Tsenpo (127 BCE), and ending
with Tri Ralpachen (838 CE). Their rule spanned almost one
thousand years. During that time, Tibet was known throughout
Inner Asia as a powerful nation, comparable in military power
and political influence with Mongolia and China. With the
development of Tibetan literature, the richness and breadth of
the religion and culture of Tibet meant that its civilisation
was considered second only to that of India.
Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 52nd
Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day
March 10th 2011
Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan people’s
peaceful uprising of 1959 against Communist China’s repression
in the Tibetan capital Lhasa, and the third anniversary of the
non-violent demonstrations that took place across Tibet in 2008.
On this occasion, I would like to pay tribute to and pray for
those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the
just cause of Tibet. I express my solidarity with those who
continue to suffer repression and pray for the well-being of all
sentient beings. [
read more ]
Erklärung Seiner Heiligkeit des Dalai Lama zum
52. Jahrestag des tibetischen Nationalaufstands
10. März 2011
Heute begehen wir den 52. Jahrestag des friedlichen
Aufstands, mit dem sich das tibetische Volk im Jahre 1959 in der
tibetischen Hauptstadt Lhasa gegen die Unterdrückung durch das
kommunistische China erhob, und zugleich den dritten Jahrestag
der gewaltfreien Demonstrationen, die 2008 überall in Tibet
stattfanden. Ich möchte dies zum Anlass nehmen, den tapferen
Männern und Frauen, die ihr Leben für die gerechte Sache Tibets
geopfert haben, meine Hochachtung auszusprechen und für sie zu
beten. Ich erkläre meine Solidarität mit all denen, die nach wie
vor unterdrückt werden, und bete für das Wohlergehen aller
fühlenden Wesen. [
weiterlesen ]
Dharamsala (India) - 10 March 2011
The Statement of Kashag on the 52nd Anniversary of the
Tibetan People’s National Uprising Day
Today is the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan people’s
uprising against the Chinese authorities in 1959 and the third
anniversary of the peaceful protests throughout Tibet in 2008.
On this special occasion, the Kashag would like to pay homage to
all the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of
Tibet, those who are still suffering and particularly we would
like to express our solidarity with Tibetan intellectuals such
as writers, poets, musicians and environmentalists, who have
been arrested and incarcerated in recent years. We praise their
courage and conviction.
Rome’s Mayor support His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s call for
fact finding missions to Tibet
Rome, 11 March: The Mayor of Rome Mr. Giovanni Alemanno
endorsed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s call for independent
international fact finding missions to access the true situation
in Tibet.
The Tibetan Community in Italy organised the 52nd Anniversary
of the Tibetan National Uprising Day at Ara Pacis Auditorium in
Rome yesterday. Over 20 Tibet related organisations including
the Tibet Group in the Italian Parliament supported in
organising the event. The City of Rome, Provincial and Regional
Government of Rome were the Patrons of the event.
There is no improvement of human rights in Tibet says
ex-prisoner
“There is no improvement of human rights in Tibet,” said Mr.
Jampa Monlam (Photo 1st right), Assistant Director, Tibetan
Centre for Human Rights and Democracy based in Dharamsala,
India.
He gave a testimony on the human rights situation in Tibet at
a briefing organised by Human Right Watch on the human rights
situation in China. The briefing took place during the UN Human
Rights Council Session in Geneva. The other key speaker was Ms.
Sophie Richardson, Advocacy Director Asia Division of Human
Rights Watch
Ms. Richardson said China continues to violate the basic
human rights. She said that top of the list was disappearance –
denying individuals being held by security forces.
The Asian Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch said that
the mass arrest that followed after the 2008 uprising in Tibet
by the Chinese security forces had gone un-noticed. The Chinese
authorities showed profound disrespect for Tibetans way of life.
Mr. Monlam said he was speaking as a former political
prisoner who was tortured during five years and six months
imprisonment. He was first arrested in 1987 and on two other
occasions for taking part in demonstrations in Lhasa.
“To maintain stability, the Chinese authorities in Tibet are
using every means of force to create stability,” he said. “In
the monasteries, there is no religious freedom.”
Mr. Monlam said that while the Chinese prisoners are allowed
to hire lawyers, the same right is denied to Tibetans. He said
this shows nationality discrimination. Also while the Chinese
people are allowed to listen to Radio Free Asia, Tibetans in
Tibet are forbidden.
“We are not against the Chinese government or people but want
the world to know the true situation in Tibet. I have spent half
of my life in Tibet,” he said.
There are over 500 Tibetans missing and 831 known political
prisoners in Tibet today.
About 50 people including representatives from 18 Foreign
Missions to the UN attended the briefing.
In July 2010 Human Rights Watch released “I saw it with my
own eyes: Abuses by Chinese security forces in Tibet, 2008
-2010” report. It documented that subsequent crackdown that
followed after the 2008 uprising across Tibet. The report was
based on more than 200 interviews with Tibetan refugees and
visitors conducted immediately after they left China.
The report details through eyewitness testimonies, a broad
range of abuses committed by security forces both during and
after protest incidents, including using disproportionate force
in breaking up protests, proceeding to large-scale arbitrary
arrests, brutalizing detainees, and torturing suspects in
custody.
The report decisively refutes the Chinese government’s claim
that it handled the protests in line with international
standards and domestic laws. The report details the Chinese
government’s own sources - the official willingness to use
lethal force against unarmed protestors.
Geneva (Switzerland) - 8 March 2011
UN discusses Special Rapporteur’s China report
The UN Human Rights Council 16th session discussed Olivier
de Schutter, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food's China
report today. The Special Rapporteur’s preliminary report issued
after visiting China from 15 to 23 December 2010 expressed
concern regarding the marginalisation of Nomadic herders in
Tibet.
The report highlighted “Nomadic herders in the western
provinces and autonomous regions, especially in the Tibet (Xizang)
and Inner Mongolian Autonomous Regions, also face increasing
pressure on their access to land.”
The Special Rapporteur recommended the Chinese authorities
that herders should not, as a result of the measures adopted
under the tuimu huancao (“removing animals to grow grass”)
policy, be put in a situation where they have no other options
than to sell their herd and resettle.
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights prohibits depriving any people from its means of
subsistence, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)
acknowledges the importance of indigenous communities as
guarantors and protectors of biodiversity. China has ratified
both of these instruments. The Special Rapporteur encouraged the
Chinese authorities to engage in meaningful consultations with
the herding communities.
The European Union expressed its support for the Special
Rapporteur’s recommendations to the Chinese authorities “to
engage in meaningful consultations with herding communities,
including in order to assess the results of past and current
policies, to examine all available options in order to combine
the knowledge of the nomadic herders of their territories.”
The EU asked the Special Rapporteur what measures could be
taken to effectively promote adequate forms of public
participations in decision-making.
Mr. Tenzin Samphel (Photo) Kayta speaking on behalf of the Society
Threatened Peoples made reference to the 2006 International
Conference on Poverty Reduction and the Important Role for
International Cooperation in Sichuan Province, China.
International development agencies at the conference said that
Tibetan nomads had been coercively removed, excluded from their
rangelands and made to settle in rows of houses in rigid lines
from the watershed, with no livelihoods, little compensation and
nothing to do but watch television.
He drew the attention of the Council and the Special
Rapporteur on the right to food that China’s Xinhua News agency
report dated 17 January 2011 quoting Mr. Padma Choling,
Chinese-appointed governor of Tibet saying that a total of about
300,000 families involving 1.43 million Tibetan nomads and
farmers had been moved into new or fixed settlement homes. He
further said that some 185,500 families were expected to move
into new homes by 2013.
“Since the very survival of Tibetan nomad’s traditional way
of life and livelihood is at stake, we would like to urge
Special Rapporteur to pay close attention on this issue and urge
the Special Rapporteur to request a follow-up visit which
include schedule to see those affected Tibetan nomads. We are,
of course, disappointed that the Special Rapporteur was not able
to visit Tibetan areas of present-day China,” said Mr. Kayta
during his oral statement to the Human Rights Council.
Zurich (Switzerland) - 20 February
2011
Kalon Tripa addresses Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Zurich
Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche arrived in Zurich,
Switzerland on 18 February evening. The Tibetan Swiss Friendship
Association and the Tibetan Community in Liechtenstein and
Switzerland invited Kalon Tripa.
On 19 February morning, the council members of the Tibetan
Youth Association in Europe called on Kalon Tripa at the hotel.
They thanked Kalon Tripa for his many years of dedicated service
to the Tibetan issue. They briefed him of their activities in
creating awareness about the Tibetan Elections, Tibetan language
classes for their own members and other political activities.
“You all are doing tremendous work for the Tibetan issue. I
appreciate your great motivation and determination,” he said.
In the afternoon, Kalon Tripa addressed Tibetan Swiss
Friendship Association’s Annual General Body meeting in Zurich.
“I take this opportunity to express our gratitude on behalf
of 6 million people of Tibet to all of you and through you to
the international community in general and people of Switzerland
in particular,” said Kalon Tripa. “Switzerland was the first
Western country to invite a large number of Tibetan refugees for
resettlement and these settlers have been the happiest among the
Tibetan Diaspora... We will never forget the kindness of Swiss
people and government for their help offered when we were badly
in need of it.”
Then he spoke about the democratic system practiced by the
Tibetans in exile and contribution of the Tibet Support Groups’
to the Tibetan struggle and their relevance in the future.
The Tibetan Swiss Friendship Association was established in
1983 to foster closer relationship between the growing Tibetan
Community and the Swiss people.
Kalon Tripa addressed a packed hall of Tibetan Community in
Liechtenstein and Switzerland members on 20 February morning.
In his opening address, Kalon Tripa thanked the Tibetan
community on behalf of the Kashag for their support. He said
that the Tibetan diaspora were living in about 55 countries
across the world. As the Tibetan Community in Switzerland is
largest in Europe, Kalon Tripa said that the community has a
greater responsibility and role in the Tibetan issue.
He emphasized the importance of the younger generation
speaking Tibetan language. He said that parents have a big role
to play in ensuring their children speak Tibetan language and
learn Tibetan culture.
At the same time, he said he personally knows many Tibetans
who don’t speak Tibetan language, but are very patriotic and
dedicated to the Tibetan issue. However, he said able to speak
Tibetan is an added advantage.
The question and answer session covered Sino-Tibetan dialogue,
Dhanglang Chatrel, Tibetan Communities, financial and education
affairs of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Over 450 Tibetans listened to Kalon Tripa initial address for
about 20 minutes and followed by one and half ours of questions
and answer session.
Kalon Tripa with members of the Tibetan Community in
Switzerland & Liechtenstein
Kalon Tripa with member of the board of Tibetan Youth
Association in Europa
President and Vice-President of Tibetan Community
Switzerland & Liechtenstein offerin Khatak to Kalon Tripa
Geneva (Switzerland) - 9 March 2011
Endwahlen zum Tibetischen Parlament
im Exil und Kalon Tripa
Final election of Tibetan
Parliament in Exile and Kalon Tripa
Öffnungszeiten der lokalen Wahlbüros in der Schweiz am 20.
März 2011:
Opening hours of local polling stations in Switzerland on 20
March 2011:
Kalon Tripa thanks Tibetans and Tibet supporters in Berlin
Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche yesterday evening
addressed the Tibetan community and the Tibet Supporters in
Berlin.
“Very dear friends of Tibet,” said Kalon Tripa in his opening
address. He then expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Kashag
for their support. He requested them to continue their support
for Tibet.
He said that the situation in the world is changing very fast
– referring to the recent changes in the Arab world. “The
Chinese totalitarian regime cannot remain forever. It is against
the law of nature. When positive changes come to China, then
definitely Tibetan people will get freedom,” he said.
It was difficult to predict, he said. But looking at the
speed of changes taking place in Mainland China, the dream of
freedom for all the people of People’s Republic of China is not
far.
In response to a question on sustaining the patriotism
amongst the younger generation of Tibetans, Kalon Tripa said “we
see more enthusiasm among the youth than the elder people. This
is amazing.”
The Tibetans below 50 years in Tibet have never seen His
Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s old culture. According to
China, these Tibetans were raised under the blessing of the Red
Flag. But in spite of that they have more devotion and faith in
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the traditional Tibetan
culture.
“If you analysis the uprising in 2008 in Tibet, more than 80
percent who participated in the demonstrations were below 40,
the younger generation,” Kalon Tripa said.
In the West, “We do have few Tibetan youths who do not speak
even Tibetan language but they are more enthusiastic to
participate in the Tibetan movement and do every bit for
regaining freedom of Tibet. Their patriotism and their arch for
regaining freedom are not less than the other generation if not
better. This is my experience from working with the Tibetans,”
said Kalon Tripa.
Tibetans waiting at Berlin Airport for
Arrival of Kalon Tripa
Kalon Tripa greeting Tibetans at the Berlin
Airport
Berlin (Germany) - 17
February 2011
The Tibetan people have to manage themselves
The Tibetan people have to manage themselves without His
Holiness the Dalai Lama’s patronage said Kalon Tripa Prof.
Samdhong Rinpoche today during a round table discussion with
journalist in Berlin.
“Better to face the reality now. Tibetans will have to face
it sooner or later,” he said.
During a media interview last November in New Delhi, His
Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his wish to retire from
political life. His Holiness further said that he will ask the
forthcoming session of the Tibetan Parliament in March to debate
on the issue.
Dharamsala has received hundreds of letters and appeals from
Tibetans all over the world. In early January, the Standing
Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile requested His
Holiness not to retire and continue to lead the Tibetan people.
When the issue is debated in the Tibetan Parliament, Kalon
Tripa said he will speak in favour of Tibetan people’s wishes as
he was directly elected by the Tibetan people. But as the head
of the Kashag, he will have to speak on His Holiness’ behalf.
Since the establishment of the Ganden Phodrang Government of
Tibet by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1642, successive Dalai Lamas have
been the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. There is an
extraordinary bond between the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan
people.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama established the Tibetan
Parliament in exile in 1960. For the first time in history, the
Tibetan people directly elected the Kalon Tripa in 2001. Since
then His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been saying he is “semi
retired.”
Speaking on the forthcoming Tibetan elections, Kalon Tripa
said the Tibetan people’s participation and awareness was much
higher. He said that the future role of the Kalon Tripa will
becomes more important given His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
recent statement.
When asked to comment on the present situation inside Tibet
he said, “The situation inside Tibet today is very serious. 2008
peaceful uprising was forcefully repressed. This repressive
measure continues. Tibetans and other minorities are in constant
fear. Detention and disappearance are order of the day. Tibetan
poets and writers are under attack.”
He expressed his admiration for the younger generation of
Tibetans. “They have the greatest patience and determination,”
he said. Only a small percentage of the youth talk about
violence but so far, no individual have advocated violence.
“Our commitment to non-violence is not a strategy,” said
Kalon Tripa. “It is our principle and faith.”
When asked why the Tibetan issue was more popular than other
movements, he gave three reasons:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama – a charismatic leader
Non-violence – strong commitment
Tibetan spiritual culture – day to day relevance to
people
Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche was invited to Germany by
the Tibet Initiative Deutschland, the oldest Tibet Support Group
in Germany. He said that the visit also provides him an
opportunity to thank people for their support for the Tibetan
issue. He said Germany is one of the most important countries.
Berlin (Germany) - 14
February 2011
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message for
Cinema for Peace anniversary
The Cinema for Peace Gala 2011 took place at
Berlin’s historic Konzerthaus on 14 February 2011.
For its 10th anniversary celebration, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama was the Patron of the Cinema for Peace Gala 2011.
Mr Jaka Bizilj, founder and chairman Cinema for Peace
Foundation in his address said, “I want to thank our Patron of
today’s Cinema for Peace Gala, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He
is not with us but he has sent a letter.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message said, “I congratulate
Cinema for Peace for its ten years of dedicated service in
utilizing the powerful film media to raise public awareness of
social problems. Film and arts greatly impact our world and our
view of the world. They have the responsibility as well as the
opportunity to contribute in changing the world for the better.”
The message further emphasised, “I have maintained that the
news media personal should be like elephants with long trunks,
with which they can smell politicians, businesspeople and other
personalities equally well from the front and behind. When they
catch wind of something, then they must report on it honestly
and objectively.”
Finally, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the
Cinema for Peace for its strong support for the Tibetan case,
which he said is also support for justice in the world.
During His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s last visit to Berlin in
May 2008, the Tibet Initiative Deutschland, the oldest Tibet
Support Group in Germany organised a solidarity rally for Tibet
in front at the Brandenburger gate on 19 May 2009. His Holiness
the Dalai Lama spoke at the rally - over 25,000 people were
present.
The Cinema for Peace’s Committee member actress Katja Riemann
took part at that rally with other celebrities and political
representatives for supporting free press and human rights in
Tibet and standing up for solidarity with the Tibetans peoples.
During its 2011 gala, it presented an award to Ngawang
Choephel’s film “Tibet in Song”.
Since 2002 the Cinema for Peace has been a worldwide
initiative, promoting humanity through film while inviting
members of the international film community to attend the annual
Cinema for Peace Award-Gala-Night during the Berlin
International Film Festival.
Dharamsala (Indien) - January 2011
Wahlkommission
veröffentlicht Biografien der Chitue- und Kalon Tripa-Kandidaten
(tibetisch)
Election Commission publishes bio-data of
Chitue- and Kalon Tripa candidates (tibetan)
The spirit of Tibet is strong despite the massive clamp
down on the Tibetan people by the Chinese authorities in Tibet,
said Mr. Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's
Representative based in Geneva, Switzerland.
He addressed a seminar on the current situation in Tibet
organised by the Associazione Italia-Tibet in Forli town near
Bologna, Italy. Associazione Italia-Tibet was established in
1988 and is a pan Italian Tibet Support Group.
Italian China expert Ms. Renata Pisu and other experts on
Tibetan culture and religion addressed the seminar.
Mr. Chhoekyapa said that the human rights situation in Tibet
is deteriorating. Seven Tibetans were sentenced to death since
March 2008 with two already executed and 12 Tibetans have been
sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)
Annual Report 2010: Human Rights Situation in Tibet said that
there are 831 known political prisoners in Tibet. 188 Tibetans
have been arrested and detained in 2010. Since 2008, over 60
Tibetan writers, bloggers, intellectuals and cultural figures
have been arrested.
Last October thousands of Tibetan students protested against
the proposed changes in education system by the Qinghai
government that all lessons and textbooks should be in Chinese
language in primary schools by 2015 except Tibetan and English
language classes.
He said despite these tragic developments in Tibet, the
Tibetan People's determination to fight for their rights and for
preservation of the Tibetan culture is very strong and alive.
"However, we are not seeking independence or separation from
China," said Mr. Chhoekyapa. "We want genuine autonomy so that
we Tibetans can preserve our religion, culture and language."
Mr. Chhoekyapa was also invited to address the Associazione
Italia-Tibet annual meeting. He thanked the members for their
continued support. He said that their support gives hope and
strength to the Tibetan issue. He briefed the assembly about His
Holiness the Dalai Lama's recent statement expressing his desire
to retire from political duties and the forthcoming Tibetan
elections to elect Kalon Tripa and members of the Tibetan
Parliament in Exile.
He said the Tibetans both in Tibet and in exile were using of
Facebook, Youtube and other modern technologies to reach out to
the world and to the Chinese people in China.
Sarnath (India) - 13
January 2011
Kalon Tripa tells Tibetans inside Tibet not to worry about
His Holiness' retirement
Kalon
Tripa Prof Samdhong said Thursday Tibetans living inside Tibet
should not worry about His Holiness the Dalai Lama's retirement
plan, saying "His Holiness had clearly said he would continue to
work for the cause of Tibet".
Kalon Tripa was speaking to a large gathering of over 1,800
Tibetans who have come from Tibet to receive His Holiness the
Dalai Lama's teachings in Sarnath.
Kalon Tripa said His Holiness the Dalai Lama had spoken about
taking complete retirement from the administrative work of the
Central Tibetan Administration in exile in March this year. The
Tibetans living inside Tibet expressed their deep concerns over
his remarks, he added.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has recently clarified his
statement on retirement during his visit to Sikkim and Kalimpong.
He made it clear that except some changes in his day to day
administrative obligations, he would never dis-associate from
the Tibetan people as 99 percent of them pin their hope and
faith in him. He said he would continue to work for the cause of
Tibet,” Kalon Tripa said.
Newly-elected
prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile, Lobsang
Sangay, is preparing to officially assume the role on August 8
amid high expectations in the Tibetan exile community - Sangay
will be the first premier to take charge since the Dalai Lama's
retirement from politics in March. 
The
current situation prevailing at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba in
northeastern Tibet is extremely grim because of the stand-off
between the Chinese military forces and the local Tibetans. The
monastery, housing approximately 2500 monks, is completely
surrounded by Chinese armed forces, who at one point prevented
vital food and other supplies from entering the monastic
compound.
Kalon
Tripa Prof Samdhong said Thursday Tibetans living inside Tibet
should not worry about His Holiness the Dalai Lama's retirement
plan, saying "His Holiness had clearly said he would continue to
work for the cause of Tibet".