Tibetan Youth UK

2006-12-10T20:57:00.000Z

International Human Rights Day observed with protest in London

2006-12-10T19:26:00.000Z

London, 10 December 2006: Tibetan Youth UK today marked the International Human Rights Day by staging protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in London.

The protestors attracted the officials of the Chinese embassy, who were looking from the windows after hearing the loud voices of "Free Tibet - China Out"; "Human Rights - Shame on China" and so on. While acknowledging the spirit of Tibetans in Tibet, a cold windy and freezing weather couldn't discourage the zealous protestors, who steadfastly stood throughout the protest and also managed to get support from the passers-by.

The protestors highlighted the China's continued gross violations of human rights in Tibet in general and particularly the recent killings of Tibetan escapees at Nangpa La Pass by the Chinese border guards. We also urge the international community, particularly the offices of the United Nations and Human Rights Council to strongly pressure the government of People's Republic of China for the appalling human rights situation in Tibet and also demands the unconditional release of all the political prisoners of Tibet.

The protest concluded with the recitation of "Prayer for Truth" and shouting 'Bhod-Gyalo - victory for Tibet' by keeping strong determination and pledge to continue their freedom struggle.

Tibetan activist sets himself on fire outside hotel of Chinese president in Mumbai

2006-11-23T12:06:00.000Z

AP[Thursday, November 23, 2006 10:47]
MUMBAI, India: A Tibetan activist unfurled a Tibetan flag and then set himself on fire outside the Mumbai hotel where Chinese President Hu Jintao was staying to protest Chinese rule in the Himalayan region.Police said Hu and his staff were inside the hotel at the time of the incident.

The man and six other Tibetan youths drove up to the hotel in two taxis, jumped out and began chanting slogans against China's occupation of Tibet. He then doused his pants with a liquid and set them on fire, according to an Associated Press photographer at the scene.Several policemen quickly jumped on the man, rolled him on the ground and doused the flames.Police took all seven men away.Mumbai police commissioner A. N. Roy said the activist was not seriously wounded.

"Doctors are monitoring his condition," Roy said.He also denied there had been a breach of security."The hotel has been secured since last night. This took place outside the barricades," he said.After the incident police cordoned off adjacent roads to the hotel.Separately, some 250 Tibetans held a protest in another part of Mumbai, chanting "Free Tibet" and "Down with China."India became a center for Tibetan exiles after their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled there in 1959 after a failed uprising, settling in the northern town of Dharmsala.Indian police have taken strong measures to prevent protests near Hu that could embarrass the Chinese leader.

Last week police barred a prominent Tibetan activist, Tenzin Tsundue, from leaving Dharmsala during Hu's visit.Tsundue has a reputation for publicity stunts that have embarrassed previous Chinese visitors and Indian police.

Police also barred gatherings of more than five people at places Hu was scheduled to visit while in New Delhi earlier this week.Most Tibetans say China has attempted to destroy Tibetan Buddhist culture by flooding Tibet with China's ethnic Han majority.The protesters have singled out Hu, who governed the Tibetan region between 1988 and 1992, saying he had adopted a repressive stance toward the region.

Tibetans breach security to reach site of Sino-Indian talks

2006-11-21T14:18:00.000Z

2006-11-21T11:50:00.000Z

India detains Tibetans protesting over Hu's visit

Tue 21 Nov 2006 11:33:21 GMT
NEW DELHI, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Indian police have detained 24 Tibetans protesting against the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Tibetan representatives said on Tuesday.More than 1,000 Tibetans living in India have been holding demonstrations under heavy police presence in the heart of New Delhi, condemning Hu's visit and calling for China to stop what they say are atrocities against their people.Ten of them were arrested for trying to enter the compound of the building where Hu was meeting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and another 10 for trying to burn the Chinese flag outside the hotel where Hu is staying.Four more were held on Monday after trying to stop Hu's motorcade as he arrived from the airport, said Tsultrim Dorjee, general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) -- a group of thousands of young Tibetans who advocate independence.

"Our position has been clear cut on this issue. Tibet has been a part of Chinese territory," she said. Jiang noted that India has made an assurance to China that it will not allow Tibetans living in the country to engage in anti-China political activities from Indian territory. Click more....

Hu’s afraid of the Dalai Lama

Financial Express

In particular, the shelter it has provided since 1959 to the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, and, by now, some 100,000 of his followers is an outstanding example of national hospitality. India is still a poor country that in the 1950s saw China, the Tibetans’ oppressor, as a "brother". Yet it provided a home big enough to accommodate the dream of Tibetan cultural survival.
So it is sad to see India follow the West in helping China by making even the limited political space available to Tibetan exiles even smaller. This week, for example, as India prepares to receive Hu Jintao, China’s president, from November 20th , it slapped a travel ban on Tenzin Tsundue, a young Tibetan activist in Dharamsala, seat of Tibet's government-in-exile. Mr Tsundue has staged protests when other Chinese leaders have come calling.

Exiled Tibetans protests in New Delhi against the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India.

2006-11-20T14:21:00.000Z

Unified and Massive Protests to Mar Hu Jintao's India Visit

2006-11-18T13:45:00.000Z

By Phurbu Thinley
Phayul Correspondent

Dharamsala, November 18 - As of now, there is no indication of what so ever that India will press Chinese President; Hu Jintao on any of the issues related to Tibet and its people when he visits India later in the coming week.

In fact, New Delhi has, earlier on November 12, served Tenzin Tsundue, a prominent Free-Tibet activist, an order not to move out of Dharamsala till November 25. Tsundue now has policemen watching him all the time.

While Tsundue, may not be able to repeat his usual highly provocative protest during Hu’s visit because of the strict restriction placed on him; the move has, however, helped trigger an intense reaction among Tibetans in exile.

Besides, the deep agonising impact of the recent Nangpa La Pass shooting, which also caused considerable international outrage, is still very much fresh in the minds of Tibetan people.

With all these and knowing there is little chance from New Delhi taking up the Tibetan issue with the Chinese counterpart during their forthcoming meeting, Tibetan refugees here in Dharamsala feel that the ultimate solution should come out of their desperate, yet peaceful actions.Tibetans here in Dharamsala are intolerant of the Hu’s forthcoming visit to India. Posters defying Hu Jintao are seen all over the places here. A collective and massive call for Tibetans, under the banner of six pro-Tibet organisations, to get prepared for action during Hu Jintao’s visit to India has been underway since the past one week.

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA), GuChuSum Movement, National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT), Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and Friends of Tibet (FOT) have been calling for Tibetans to stage massive protests on November 19-21 in New Delhi and elsewhere.The organising leaders here said that there is already a strong response from both Tibetans and Tibet-supporters around the world.

The organizers also said that donation-money, for the protest-activities, is continuously pouring in.

Organisers here are expecting varying and repeated protests to mar Hu Jinatao’s India visit and, are constantly calling for more Tibetans and Tibet-supporters to take part in them.

“We are working hard to make sure a unified and strong protests to continue during Hu Jintao’s visit to India”, says Tsundue, who is now actively involved in helping prepare for protests. “We are getting overwhelming response, but we still want more people to come forward. There can be no limit”, adds Tsundue.

More than 8 buses loaded with more than 500 Tibetans and Tibet supporters from Dharamsla left for Delhi late in the evening today to take part in massive rallying protests. Protests will begin from tomorrow, a day before Hu Jintao arrives in Delhi, and will continue till November 21.

The organisers are making sure that the protests during Hu’s India visit to be the strongest and the biggest of its kind so far.Another bus, filled mostly with foreign Tibet supporters, had already left for Delhi earlier in the afternoon today and still there many more are waiting to leave.

A 63 year-old Tibetan woman, Tsering Tsomo, presently staying in an old-age home here, was saddened because she couldn’t board one of the buses today. She had earlier registered herself to take part in the protests, but was stopped by the management of the old-age home due to her health concerns.

“I wish I can join them and be a part of the protesting group”, says Tsering with her eyes blurred by tears. “By the grace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I’m sure to see a free Tibet in this life time”, Tsering consoles herself.

According to the organisers, a large number of Tibetans from other parts of India have also left their respected settlements and are due to arrive in Delhi tomorrow morning. Also an overwhelming number of Indian friends will be joining them in Delhi.

See below for the joint-call statement released by the six organizations:

Call for Tibetans to Take Action during Hu Jintao’s India Visit

Chinese President, Hu Jintao, will be visiting India on November 20th to discuss trade relations and border issues with Indian Prime Minister, Man Mohan Singh. India essentially shares border with Tibet and not with China. Yet, if India and China settle on their border disputes, then political analysts fear that Tibetan issue will be diluted and Tibet’s case will soon lose ground. Hu Jintao is attempting to change history with his visit to India. He will try to hammer the final nail into Tibet’s coffin so that our struggle will be buried forever. This is our opportunity to let Hu Jintao and the world know that we ill not keep silent.

Despite continued effort by the Tibetan government not to offend the Chinese government, there has been o reciprocal effort from the Chinese. Just this past May, the Chinese government defamed His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibet and reinstated their patriotic re-education of the Tibetan People. Those who fought against the Chinese re-education policy were imprisoned and subjected to various tortures. Tibetans in Tibet enjoy no freedom under Chinese rule, and every year many thousands risk their lives escaping over the Himalayas into exile.

How many Nangpa La shootings must have occurred in the past that we do not know about? How much more evidence do we need of China’s disregard for human rights in Tibet before we act? Let us get together and raise a single and unified voice against the Chinese President, Hu Jintao, when he visits India. We will let him know that he will always be greeted with protests until Tibet is freee.

May we never forget Nangpala. May we never forget Tibet.

Let us work United for the Freedom of Tibet.TYC, TWA, GuChuSum, NDPT, SFT, FOT.Contacts: 9418339697, 9816330413, 9418324751, 9418079832, 9816368335

2006-11-18T06:10:00.000Z

CALLING ALL TIBETANS & SUPPORTERS: PLEASE SUPPORT A MASS PROTEST AGAINST HU JINTAO IN NEW DELHI!

Tibetans in India are planning a major protest in New Delhi during Hu Jintao's visit next week under the banner of the Tibetan People's Movement. As the Chinese President prepares for his first trip to India, Tibetans have an opportunity to tell him what they think of him
and China's policies towards Tibet, especially in light of the recent murder of Tibetan refugees at Nangpa Pass. The groundwork for this action is being done by an organizing committee of activists from Students for a Free Tibet (SFT),Gu Chu Sum, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Tibetan Women Association (TWA) and National Democrate Party for Tibet (NDPT). One of the biggest challenges they face is raising the funds to support this mobilization. The committee has been recently requesting Tibet Support Group's, NGO's, Tibetans and Tibet Groups to assist them financially to materialize the action plan. We (TYUK and Tibetan Community in Britain) appeal to every Tibetan and supporter who believes that President Hu must hear the voice of the Tibetan people to support this action.

Tibetans must send a clear and strong message that it is not just one person advocating for Tibetan freedom. Tibetans must demonstrate that the Tibetan issue is not about one man - it is about 6 million Tibetans suffering every day under Chinese rule.

PLEASE MAKE A PLEDGE TODAY AND DONATE!

Any amount of donations are welcomed and is worth every penny. If donating by cheque, please address it to "Tibetan Community in Britain" and post to

Please email back ASAP with your name, location and amount you would like to pledge. Alternatively, you can call us on following numbers if you have any doubts or queries.

Thank you for your support in advance. Bod Gyalo!

Sincerely,

TYUK ( Tibetan Youth in UK )
TCB(Tibetan Community in Britain )
Karma : 07725501995
Dekyi : 07789767997

2006-11-17T19:19:00.000Z

INDIAN GOVERNMENT GAGS TIBETAN ACTIVIST IN LEAD UP TO HU VISITTENZIN TSUNDUE THREATENED WITH DEPORTATION IF HE PROTESTS

Dharamsala – In anticipation of the first-ever visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India, the Indian Government today served Tibetan activist and writer, Tenzin Tsundue, with an order forbidding him to leave the “territorial jurisdiction of Dharamshala Town” until November 25. The letter, issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, threatens Tsundue with prosecution under the Foreigners Act of 1946 if he fails to obey the order. When asked what prosecution would mean, the Additional Superintendent of Police, Santosh Patial, replied: “Deportation to Tibet.” The pressure on Tsundue is the result of his high profile protests during the visits of Chinese Prime Ministers Zhu Rongji and Wen Jiabao in 2002 and 2005. Hu Jintao will visit India from November 20-23.

“This is an attack on the freedom of all Tibetans and people living in democratic India. It is a shame on the Government of India and disrespect to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and all those who struggled for independence in this country. Clearly this is pressure from the Chinese government,” said Tenzin Tsundue, General Secretary of Friend of Tibet India. “I was born in India and I am working only nonviolently for the human rights and freedom of my people. This issue is not about me but it is about the six million Tibetans who are suffering every day under Chinese rule and who are deprived of their voice to speak out against the occupation.” As of now, eleven policemen are following Tsundue around the clock and police have also taken up residence in the room next to his.

In a letter sent today to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, through the Dharamsala Superintendent of Police, Tsundue requested a meeting with Hu Jintao while he is in India. In it Tsundue stated: “It is because of the lack of this access that I have been demonstrating on your streets, drawing world attention to the atrocities that Tibet is subjected to. If such an opportunity to speak to Hu Jinato face-to-face does not arise this time too, we will again be compelled to come out on the streets in large numbers to voice our anger and frustration.” Tsundue also cited the recent shootings of defenseless Tibetan refugees by Chinese forces at Nangpala Pass as fresh evidence of China’s brutality in Tibet.

“The visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India is a rare and important opportunity for Tibetans to raise our voice for the restoration of Tibetan independence,” said Tenzin Choeying. National Director of Students for a Free Tibet India. “It’s our duty to use the freedom we find in India to bring attention to the Tibetan issue and push for an end to China’s ongoing occupation of our country. Rather than focusing on the actions of Tibetan youth born and raised in India, the Indian government should be concerned about what the Chinese are doing on their borders that threatens the national security of India.”

Hu Jintao will visit New Delhi, Agra and Mumbai (Bombay) from November 20-23 before leaving for Pakistan. While in New Delhi, he is expected to attend official functions at Vigyan Bhawan and the Hyderabad House. In the lead up to Hu’s India visit, government officials from both countries have been meeting to discuss trade and border issues.

The text of the order from the superintendent of police is below.

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE,DISTRICT KANGRA AT DHARAMSHALA (HIMACHAL PRADESH)

ORDER

You Mr. Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan national holder R/C No. 167/90/Tib/D’shala at present General Secretary, Friends of Tibet India (FOTI) were found indulging in agitational activities during the visit of Chinese delegations in the past and there is a credible information that you are likely to indulge in similar activities during the visit of the Chinese President w.e.f. 20/11/2006 to 23/11/2006.

Therefore, I, Ajay Kumar Yadav, IPS, Superintendent of Police-cum-Foreigners Registration Officer, District Kangra at Dharamsala (HP) in exercise of power vested in me under section 3 (2) (e) (ii) of the Foreigners Act-1946 hereby order that you will not leave the territorial jurisdiction of Dharamsala Town till 25/11/2006 from the date of issuance of this order, falling which you shall be liable for prosecution under the relevant provisions of law.

(Ajay Kumar Yadav) IPS,

Superintendent of Police-cum-Foreigners Registration Officer, Kangra at Dharamsala (HP).

Endst. No. 31945-90 /CB

Dated 12-11-06

Copy to: -

1. The Chief Secretary to the Govt of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla for information please.

2. The Principal Secretary (Home) to the Govt of H.P., Shimla for information please.

3. The Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla for information please.

4. The Commissioner of Police, Delhi for information please.

5. The Commissioner of Police, Mumbai for information please.

6. The Addl. Director General of Police, State CID H.P., , Shimla for information please.

7. The Dy. Inspr. General of Police, Northern Range, Dharamshala for information please.

8. The Sr. Superintendent of Police, Agra (UP) for information please.

9. All Superintendents of Police in Himachal Pradesh for information and necessary action

10. All SHO’S/o and I/C’s PP in Kangra District for information and necessary action.

11. Mr. Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan national, General Secretary, Friends of Tibet India (FOTI) for necessary action

(signature of Ajay Kumar)

Superintendent of Police-Cum-Foreigners Registration Officer, Kangra at Dharamshala (HP)

2006-10-12T02:19:00.000+01:00

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Tibetans in UK Protest Against Chinese Army Killing of Fleeing Tibetans

2006-10-11T22:21:00.000+01:00

London, October 11, 2006: Tibetans in UK staged a candle light vigil and demonstrate in front of the Chinese Embassy to protest against the recent fatal shooting of unarmed Tibetans as they tried to escape across the Himalayas from Chinese occupied Tibet into neighbouring Nepal.

Shocking eyewitness reports from members of the party that successfully crossed into Nepal have confirmed that Chinese forces opened fire on the party on 30 September 2006, killing a 17-year-old nun. Up to five more Tibetans are feared dead after the soldiers, stationed at the Nangpa Pass between Tibet and Nepal, opened fire on the caravan of more than 70 escaping Tibetans, which included children as young as seven. The news first broke on the popular mountaineering website www.mounteverest.net. Foreign mountaineers at the nearby Cho Oyu advance base camp witnessed the incident and described how the soldiers took careful aim and fired repeatedly on the defenceless Tibetans, even as they attempted to escape uphill.

Forty-three people from the group have successfully crossed into Nepal and have now reached the United Nations sponsored Tibetan Refugee Reception Centre in Kathmandu. The fate of the other Tibetans, including at least 14 children, remains unknown. There is concern that many of them may have been injured during the shooting and apprehended by the security forces.

Pema Yoko of Tibetan youth UK said “The killings expose the true nature of China ’s brutal rule in Tibet and contradict recent Chinese propaganda reports touting China ’s benevolent policies towards Tibetans. As a Tibetan living in the UK , it is important for me to voice my protest to the Chinese government on behalf of Tibetans in Tibet who face this persecution and cannot speak out for fear of government reprisal.”

Tibetans and its supporters strongly protests against the China’s inhuman act against innocent Tibetans in Tibet shouted slogans of “Stop killing in Tibet”; “Stop torture in Tibet” and “Free Tibet”. Lighting of candles and recitation of prayer pays tribute to the brave Tibetans who have lost their lives.

There are frequent reports of Tibetan refugees being shot at on both sides of the Nepal-Tibet border but this is the most serious known attack in recent years. The fact that many Tibetan traders frequently cross the Nangpa Pass to sell goods in a nearby market without attracting the attention of the border patrol suggests that this was a calculated attack.

“Every year, 3,000 Tibetans attempt to escape into Nepal and India to seek freedom and education in Tibetan culture and Buddhist studies. If the situation in Tibet is fine as claimed by the official Chinese propaganda, then there would not be any need for Tibetans to risk their lives to cross over into Nepal and India. We condemn this atrocity and call on the Chinese government to immediately halt their oppression and violence against the Tibetan people.” Metok Sither, a spokesperson from the Tibetan Youth in the UK stated.

Tibetans and their supporters call on the Chinese government to immediately release the detained children and other refugees and to halt their persistent violence against the Tibetan people.

Tibetan Refugee Shot Dead by Chinese Guards

2006-10-06T18:09:00.000+01:00

Chinese guards 'kill Tibetans'
BBC

At least two Tibetans were killed and seven others wounded when Chinese border guards opened fire on them, a refugee support group has said.

The head of the UN-sponsored Tibet Refugee Reception Centre in Nepal, Loudhup Dorjee, said the alleged incident happened on Saturday.

He said about 70 Tibetan men, women and children had been trying to cross the Nangpa La pass from China into Nepal. Forty-two managed to enter. He had no information on the fate of the others.

'Two people down'
Earlier, mountaineering website MountEverest.net carried what it said was an eyewitness report of the shooting from an unnamed climber in the area.

"Without warning, shots rang out. Over, and over and over. Then the line of people started to run uphill," the climber said.

"We saw two shapes fall. The binoculars confirmed it: two people were down, and they weren't getting up. Then more Chinese army swarmed through Advanced Base Camp."

Tibetan refugees shot dead as Everest Climbers watch
By Leonard Doyle, Independent News

Within sight of horrified climbers preparing an assault on Everest, Chinese troops stationed on the Tibet-Nepal border have shot dead at least two Tibetan refugees trying to cross the bordre.

The refugees were trying to reach Nangpa La pass last Saturday and the Everest advance base camp was swarmed by Chinese troops after the shootout. Climbers regularly see caravans of traders and refugees crossing out of Tibet, but this is the first witness report by western climbers of the People's Liberation Army shooting refugees. Click More...

Chinese 'Kill nun' in Tibet refugee attack

by Jeremy page, Timesonline.co.uk

Chinese border guards who fired on Tibetan refugees heading for the border near Mount Everest killed a Buddhist nun and possilbly one other person.

However, several climbers reported watching in horror from Everest's advance Base Camp as the border guards started shooting early last Saturday morning. Click More...

by Mounteverest.net

Five days back, people including children were shot at right before the eyes of a large international community of mountaineers. At least one young nun lost her life. A couple of climbers made sure the world knew.

An American climber reported straight from Cho Oyu to ExploresWeb, "There is a story that happend here on 30th and the 1st that is not being told," he reported on October 2nd. His email was a horrible eye-witness report of climbers on summit push spotting Tibetan refugees getting shot while crossing Nangpa La. "Watching the line snake off thru the snow, as the shots rang out, we saw two shapes fall. The binoculars confirmed it, 2 people were down, and they weren't getting up." More click

2006-09-13T23:10:00.000+01:00

WEN YOU GO HOME, TAKE BLAIR WITH YOU !

2006-09-13T10:58:00.000+01:00

[London] The long arm of the Chinese government was witnessed again today during the arrival in the UK of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. A large crowd of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) supporters had gathered to welcome Wen Jiabao upon his arrival at London’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge. The media and human rights activists were kept in the dark as to his movements and schedule.

“The CCP supporters had flags, drums and even a Chinese dragon! Such extravagance clearly required beforehand planning. But the London police claimed they had no knowledge of Wen’s itinerary and were not making it public. So how did the CCP supporters know when to be where?” asked Pete Speller speaking on behalf of Students for a Free Tibet UK.

Xinhua, China’s state news agency, made headlines yesterday for announcing that foreign media in China now needed to seek its approval before distributing any news and pictures within China, raising state censorship on foreign media to a higher level.

“It appears that the British government has caved in to pressure from the Chinese embassy and decided to keep the people in the dark, a tactic regularly used by Beijing and other authoritarian regimes,” said Alice Speller, National Coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet UK. “ChinaChina itself is proving them wrong. Instead of liberal western corporations coercing china to open up and introduce more political freedoms, so far China has successfully forced western corporations and free countries to compromise their values and principles.” apologists have advocated free trade and open market economies as catalysts for freedom and democracy, but

Pundits have speculated that Wen Jiabao try to influence Britain’s policy on the EU arms embargo during his meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair today. Students for a free Tibet and Tibetan Youth UK will be demonstrating at Downing Street during Wen’s meetings. Since the Tiannaman Square massacre, which inspired the embargo, Tibet and China have seen little change in terms of freedom of expression.

“My country has been destroyed and everyone looks the other way. My people are suffering and everyone looks the other way. My religion and culture are being annihilated and everyone looks the other way,” said Karma Churatsang, president of Tibetan Youth UK. “Tony Blair must use this chance to stand firm on trade and the embargo. To stand firm for those whose voices have been ignored for too long. He should end his political career on a high and positive note by standing up for freedom and human rights, not on a shameful note for underhanded tactics and media secrecy. It is a shame to see the British government support China’s clamp down on freedom and human rights.”

No Trade With China Until Tibet Is Free

2006-09-12T10:53:00.000+01:00

IMMIDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Alice Speller: 07786 982 222
Karma Chura-Tsang: 07725501995

[LONDON] Tibetans and Tibet supporters will call on Britain not to trade with China until TibetUK this week. Students for a Free Tibet and Tibetan Youth UK will be demonstrating throughout his visit including outside Downing Street is free as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visits the on Wednesday as Wen Jiabao meets the Prime Minister Tony Blair.

It is likely that Wen Jiabao will try to put pressure on the British government to support a lifting of the European Arms Embargo on China. During the recent EU-China summit held in Helsinki he made several public attempts to push the Finnish government into supporting a lifting of the ban.

Speaking on behalf of Tibetan Youth UK Karma Chura-Tsang said, “The British government must not miss this opportunity to push Wen Jiabao on Tibet. Findings of the recent Foreign Affairs Select Committee East Asia Report demonstrate that China is doing little to deal with the ongoing human rights and environmental abuses. With such current evidence in the hands of MPs it would be embarrassing for the government not to demand change in Tibet but to kowtow to Chinese trade demands.”

Alice Speller, National coordinator for Students for a Free Tibet UK added “Students and young people must demand change from our government on Tibet. Tibet has been ignored or pushed to the sidelines for too long. It is time we took a stand in support of a non-violent movement. Blair must not support the removal of the EU arms embargo and must realize that increased trade with China comes at a cost, Tibetan freedom.”
SFT UK is part of the international organization Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), with Headquarters in New York and offices in Vancouver, Canada and Dharamsala, India, seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile. Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, SFT campaigns for Tibetans fundamental right to political freedom.

http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx/t270537.htm

China Detains Tibetan Abbot in Sichuan

2006-09-07T20:10:00.000+01:00

DHARAMSALA—Authorities in the Tibetan region of Karze in southwestern China's Sichuan province have detained the abbot of a major monastery, possibly in connection with the appearance of posters supporting Tibetan independence one year ago, sources in the area said.

"Chinese security officials arrested Khenpo Jinpa of Choktsang Taklung Monastery based in Choktsang village, Serda county, Karze prefecture, on Aug. 23," a caller from the region told RFA's reporter in Dharamsala. Karze is known in Chinese as Ganzi.

"His room was raided and searched without any kind of advance notice," the caller added.

Media will be free to roam during Olympics, pledges Beijing

2006-09-06T16:06:00.000+01:00

Jonathan Watts in Beijing
Wednesday September 6, 2006
Guardian

Beijing's Olympics organisers have promised that the international media will be allowed to travel freely around China by the time the Games start in 2008, Britain's minister for culture, media and sport Tessa Jowell said yesterday.

The assurance - given by the head of the organising committee, Liu Qi - would require a loosening of some of the tightest restrictions on foreign journalists in the world. Correspondents are frequently detained by police and sent back to Beijing when they try to cover sensitive stories in the provinces.

Britain, Germany and other European countries have urged China to drop these controls and to grant the same freedoms permitted to Chinese reporters in London, Berlin and other western capitals.

Mrs Jowell, who is visiting Beijing as UK Olympic minister, said she received a positive response when she raised the issue with her counterpart, Mr Liu. "He gave me a clear assurance that he would support unimpeded movement of accredited and non-accredited journalists to report not just on the Games but on China," she said. Read More....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,1865766,00.html

British minister to raise press freedom with Beijing

2006-09-05T07:00:00.000+01:00

By Nick Mulvenney Reuters
Monday, September 4, 2006; 8:13 AM

BEIJING (Reuters) - Britain's Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said on Monday she would raise the issue of press freedom in a meeting with Beijing Olympic organizers (BOCOG) this week.

Jowell, who is responsible for her government's media and sports portfolios as well as the 2012 London Olympics, said reports of harassment of journalists in China were "matters of concern."

"I will be talking about press freedom with organizers tomorrow," she told reporters at the site of the main stadium of the 2008 Olympics.

"I think what is to be welcomed is that I understand BOCOG have made it clear that access will be granted to accredited and non-accredited journalists.

"This is an important step in the commitment the organizing committee gave the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that hosting the Games would turn China to face the rest of the world.

"These kinds of basic freedoms are freedoms the rest of the world in some cases take for granted and in others aspires to." Read More........

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/04/AR2006090400219.html

Time running out for Tibet : French senators

2006-08-30T20:39:00.000+01:00

Wed Aug 30, 1:52 AM ET Reuters

Time is running out to reach an agreement on Tibet's future which, if not sorted out by 2008, could become a blemish on the Beijing Olympics, a French parliamentary delegation said on Wednesday.

After meetings with Communist officials in Tibet, the group said they had the impression the authorities took a more "nuanced" tone toward the region's problems than the propaganda would suggest, but questions on Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, were rebuffed.

"There is one chance for Tibet and that's before the Olympics," Louis de Broissia, president of the French Senate's Information Commission on Tibet, told a Beijing news conference

after returning from the remote far-western Himalayan region.

"With so much international attention, the Tibet question could become a stain on the Olympics. After that, it's all over," he said.

De Broissia said it was possible a new generation of Tibetan leaders could espouse more violent forms of protest once the Dalai Lama dies.

The Dalai Lama, accused by Beijing of being a separatist, has lived in exile in the Indian hill station of Dharamsala since fleeing Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese Communist rule.

"The youth in exile are very impatient," he said. "It's in the interests of China to work fast and concretely."

The group was allowed only very limited contacts with people in Tibet other than officials, de Broissia said.

When they asked about the Dalai Lama, officials responded with questions about unrest among young Muslims in France, or the problem of Corsican separatists, he added.

"They told us the Dalai Lama was forgotten, discredited," the senator said. "We couldn't get anyone to really talk about the Dalai Lama. They would hide behind a disarming smile." Read More......

UK Parliamentary Committee Says China's Assertion on Dalai Lama Flies in the Face of His Public Statements

2006-08-19T20:29:00.000+01:00

International Campaign for Tibet
August 16th, 2006

The Select Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom has said that "the Chinese assertion that the Dalai Lama advocates Tibetan independence flies in the face of public statements made by the Dalai Lama." It has recommended that the British Government continue to press the Chinese Government on the issue of the Dalai Lama's return to Tibet.

This conclusion and recommendation are contained in the seventh report of the Committee that was made public in July 2006. The report was compiled after committee members visited TibetChina, met Chinese and British government officials and heard from expert witnesses as well as from the Office of Tibet in London. and

Committee members Sir John Stanley, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Andrew Mackinlay, Ms Gisela Stuart, and Mr. Richard Younger-Ross visited Lhasa and Tsethang from May 13 to 15, 2006 and met the Abbot and Management Committee of Sera Monastery, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region, Vice Chairman of the Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Deputy Mayor of Lhasa Municipal Government, Officials from the Development and Reform Commission, Public Security Bureau and Environmental Protection Bureau, Tibet Autonomous Region, Tsering, Deputy Director-General of the Working Committee of the People's Congress of Lhoka Prefecture, and the Abbot and Management Committee of Samye Monastery.

The Committee has said "freedom of religious belief and worship in Tibet remains significantly restricted." Further, it said that China's appointment of a Panchen Lama "is a serious abuse of the right of freedom of religion" and has recommended that the British Government press China to respect the right of the Tibetan religious leaders in choosing the next incarnation.

In response to a question by a Committee member on the British Government's views on Tibet, Rt Hon Margaret Beckett, a Member of the House, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, said, "We are also seeking to use what I think is a degree of goodwill and mutual confidence that we are gradually building up with the Chinese Government to encourage political dialogue and try to encourage from all quarters an approach of trying to identify a greater degree of common ground so that there can be a more peaceful approach and peaceful settlement in the area of Tibet."

The Foreign Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the administration, expenditure and policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its associated agencies.

Following are the full text of the Tibet section of the conclusions and recommendations, the Tibet section of the report, and proceedings of the examination of British Foreign Office officials on Tibet. The full report is available at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmfaff/860/86002.htm.

Conclusions And Recommendations Read More.........

Beijing pledges' a fight to the death' with Dalai Lama

2006-08-15T12:39:00.000+01:00

From Jane Macartney, of The Times, in Beijing

China’s new top official in Tibet has embarked on a fierce campaign to crush loyalty to the exiled Dalai Lama and to extinguish religious beliefs among government officials.

Zhang Qingli, was appointed Communist Party secretary of the Tibetan Autonomous Region in May. An ally of Hu Jintao, China’s President, Mr Zhang, 55, has moved swiftly to tighten his grip over this deeply Buddhist region.

He was previously head of the paramilitary Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in that mainly Muslim western region, overseeing migration of ethnic Han Chinese as well as border security.

Mr Zhang’s drive to stamp out allegiance to the Dalai Lama, who fled to India during an anti-Chinese uprising in 1959, has adopted a tone rarely seen since the mid-1990s. At the time Beijing launched a barrage of angry rhetoric against the region’s god-king and banned his photograph after he enraged China by unilaterally announcing the discovery of the reincarnation of Tibet’s second holiest monk, the Panchen Lama.

In May Mr Zhang told senior party officials in the region that they were engaged in a "fight to the death" against the Dalai Lama. Since then he has implemented several new policies to try to erode the influence of the 71-year-old monk who China’s rulers believe is waging a covert campaign to win independence for his Himalayan homeland. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,25689-2312796,00.html

China to extend Tibetan rail link

2006-08-10T18:51:00.000+01:00

BBC 10thAug08
China's government plans to extend its new Tibetan rail link to reach the region's second-biggest city, Xigaze, according to China's state news agency.

The existing track opened in July, and connects Tibet's capital Lhasa to Qinghai, and from there to Beijing.

It has already caused controversy. The government says it will help the region but critics fear increased control.

They also say the railway line threatens both the delicate Himalayan environment and Tibetan culture.

'Great opportunities'

The line to Xigaze will extend the railway by some 270km (170 miles) and should be completed within three years, the state news agency Xinhua reports.

"The railway will offer great opportunities for the social and economic development of Xigaze," local official Yu Yungui told Xinhua. Read More ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4778521.stm

China's "Railway To The Roof Of The World" Is Sinking And Cracking

2006-07-29T14:50:00.000+01:00

July 28, 2006 4:01 p.m. EST

Komfie Manalo –

All Headline News Foreign Correspondent

Beijing, China (AHN) - Chinese officials declared Friday that China's "Railway to the roof of the world," is developing cracks in its concrete structures while its permafrost foundation is sinking and cracking.

Chinese Railway Ministry spokesman Wang Yongping explains the problems with the railroad to Lhasa in Tibet as "The frozen ground that forms the foundation of the railway is sinking and cracking in some sections, making the railway unstable in some places."

"The concrete is cracking on some of the railway structures and bridges, forming a hidden danger to the railway line quality."

Chinese President Hu Jintao opened the railway to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa on July 1 with much fanfare. He called the railway a magnificent engineering feat and a miracle of the world.

The $4.2 billion railway which runs 1,142 kilometers from the Golmud desert in QinghaiLhasa, Tibet, is the highest railway in the world. province to

It climbs a peak of 5,072 meters above sea level along the Tibetan plateau, with the railway using supposedly state-of-the-art cooling techniques to ensure the permafrost foundation remains frozen.

Yaks threaten China's 'miracle' train line

2006-07-29T14:35:00.000+01:00

Jonathan Watts in Beijing
Friday July 28, 2006
The Guardian

The safety of passengers on the world's highest - and newest - railway is threatened by cracks, yaks and shifting sands, the Chinese government has admitted.

Less than a month after the opening of the line across the Himalayas to Tibet, it has become unstable in places because the foundations are sinking into the permafrost, railway ministry spokesman Wang Yongping, told the Beijing News today.

Crossing the rugged Qinghai plateau and climbing to 5,072 metres (16,640ft) above sea level, the $4.2bn (£2.3bn) railway was hailed by president Hu Jintao as an engineering miracle for the world. But it was always likely to be harder to maintain than to build.

The line depends on coolants to stop the ice upon which it rests from melting. But global warming has raised temperatures in the mountain region faster than expected. As well as damaging concrete pillars and bridges, it has added to the problem of sand dunes that encroach upon the track.

Tunnels were built under elevated sections so that the endangered Tibetan antelope could pass by without danger. But planners have failed to cope with a far less timid and more numerous beast - the yak, thousands of which graze along the tracks and wander across them.

"These form dangers to passengers on the train," Mr Wang said. Click Link for More

http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,1832885,00.html/
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004364128/
http://indiaenews.com/2006-07/16578-controversial-tibet-railway-sinking.htm/
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-07/28/content_652320.htm/
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/traveloutdoors/2003156488_webtibettrain28.html/

Commentrary manuscript lands Tibetan youth 10 years in prison

2006-07-25T15:18:00.000+01:00

TCHRD[Tuesday, July 25, 2006 16:15]
According to confirmed information received by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), a 29-year old Tibetan youth, Dolma Kyab, has been sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment term for writing and maintaining a commentary manuscript about Tibet. He is currently imprisoned at Chushul (Ch: Qushui) Prison, "Tibet Autonomous Region" ("TAR").

Dolma Kyab a.k.a Lobsang Kelsang Gyatso (pen name) was arrested on 9 March 2005 in Lhasa where he was teaching History at a Middle School. As a passion for writing, he maintained a commentary manuscript written in Chinese titled "Himalaya on Stir" (Chinese: Sao dong de Ximalayashan), which was a compilation of 57 chapters written on various topics about democracy, sovereignty of Tibet, Tibet under communism, colonialism, religion and belief etc. Along side the manuscript, he also began writing another one on the geographical aspects of Tibet, which was comparatively short, yet touched on sensitive topics about the location and number of Chinese military camps in Chinese occupied Tibet etc.

Upon arrest in March 2005, Dolma Kyab was first detained at the "TAR" Public Security Bureau Detention Centre, popularly known as Seitru in Tibetan. On 16 September 2005, Lhasa People’s Intermediate Court wrongly charged him of "Endangering State Security" and passed a verdict of ten years’ imprisonment term. Although his family appealed for a just retrial, the court upheld the sentence on 30 November 2005. Upon the declaration of sentence, he was shifted to the then newly opened Chushul Prison. However, the prison officials refused to accept him as a prisoner because Dolma had contracted Tuberculosis whilst in detention. After some treatment, he was transferred to Chushul Prison in March 2006 soon after the Tibetan New Year and continues to be imprisoned there. Read More....

Tibetan dissident to accuse Chinese of Torture & Genocide

2006-07-03T20:38:00.000+01:00

By Clifford Coonan

Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan poet and activist, takes his fight to Britain today when he files a sworn testimony detailing atrocities he says he saw and experienced while in prison in the remote Himalayan region.
Mr Tsundue's testimony is a stark litany of beatings and torture doled out during his imprisonment without trial in 1999, and will be submitted today to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office legalisation office, where it will be officially notarised.
The testimony is for a criminal suit filed in Spain's High Court by three Tibet support groups accusing former president Jiang Zemin and ex-parliament chief Li Peng, both of whom retired in 2003, of committing genocide and crimes against humanity in Tibet.
"Many European countries speak of peace and human rights and harmony. But on business they all cosy up to China, it's hypocritical. Through asking for justice in an international court I hope they will have second thoughts," Mr Tsundue said. "The Tibetan people should have the right to run their own country, not the Chinese people," he said.
The case accuses the retired leaders, who were in office during the 1980s and 1990s, of authorising massacres and torture in Tibet. The court could call for the Chinese government to arrest those accused of human rights abuse - and even impound their property.
Tibet has been under the control of China since 1950 when the People's Liberation Army marched into Tibet. Less than a decade laterthe Himalayan region's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled after a failed uprising. Tales of torture and abuse have abounded over the past four decades.
China has condemned the lawsuit, calling it absurd, and Beijing has accused Madrid of meddling in its affairs. Madrid is also investigating charges of genocide against the Falun Gong spiritual movement.
Emilie Hunter, a spoke-sperson for the Madrid-based Friends of Tibet Committee, said she hoped that the effect of filing the testimony in Britain would be to stimulate broader government and public interest in the issue. More....................

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=697214/

Tsundue & Choeying Speaking with Tibetans in London

2006-07-02T21:45:00.000+01:00

Tenzin Tsundue Interview with BBC on China's Railway

2006-07-01T16:15:00.000+01:00

Protesting Against China's Railway - Infront of Chinese Embassy

2006-07-01T16:00:00.000+01:00

Tibetan activist addresses MPs in Westminster

2006-06-29T20:55:00.000+01:00

Release by Tibet Society of UK

[London] Tibetan activist and writer Tenzin Tsundue yesterday addressed MPs and Tibet supporters in the House of Commons, Westminster at a forum on Tibet organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (APPGT) and the Tibet Society of the UK.

During the forum, Tsundue provided evidence of Tibet’s independence prior to 1959, showing a National Geographic article from 1934 featuring flags of the world and which records the flag of Tibet as entirely distinct from that of China. Tsundue also circulated copies of a Tibetan passport issued in 1947 containing official stamps from Britain demonstrating Britain’s recognition of Tibet as an independent nation. Holding a coin from independent Tibet, Tsundue said "these coins are now displayed in museums; if Tibetan people and their supporters don’t fight for independence, next we Tibetans will be in museums".

He went on to stress the urgency in finding a solution to Tibet, citing ongoing human rights abuses and social distrust through use of informers, saying "Inside Tibet, Tibetans do not speak about Tibet, parents are even afraid to tell their children about Tibet". He went on to say, "Tibet has a very clear history of independence and Britain is a witness to this. The British government has a clear responsibility to speak up on the issue and for its policy to support Tibet." More.............

July 1st - Reject China's Railway to TIBET

2006-06-23T16:06:00.000+01:00

Come and Join the protest against the launch of China's Railway to Tibet on Saturday July 1st. The Chinese government claims that this railway will benefit Tibetans and is a project that all Tibetan want. They tell the media and the world that the railway will bring progress and positive benefits to Tibetan. But we know the truth: China's railway to Tibet is not meant to benefit Tibetans and is only meant to consolidate Beijing's control over the region. Rise up and show your solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet by REJECTING THE RAILWAY. Help us show Beijing that while they may have completed the railway, the fight is not over and Tibetans will continue to resist China's illegal occupation of Tibet.

There are two ways you can show your solidarity.

1. Join the Tibetan Youth UK and SFTUK protest outside the Chinese Embassy in London which will form part of global demonstrations at Chinese embassies and consulates on this day.
49-51 Portland Place, London

2. show that July 1st is a black day for Tibet by wearing a black armband from now until July1st. Take of photo of you wearing your armband and email it to photos@studentsforafreetibet.org. Check out the photos on http://www.rejecttherailway.com

Beijing Releases Smokescreen to Fool the Dalai Lama

2006-05-17T13:42:00.000+01:00

Central News Agency- The Epoch Times May 17, 2006

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso (Claudio Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)
TAIPEI - According to reports from The Bowen Press , prior to Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States, there was endless news of "the Dalai Lama returning to Tibet next month." In addition, officials of the Tibetan government in exile posted messages on their website calling on Tibetans in the U.S. not to protest during Chairman Hu's visit. Such news and actions left many people wondering. Further inquiries revealed that it was all a smokescreen designed by the Chinese authorities in Beijing.

Thorough investigation and inquiries have determined that the tactics used by the Chinese authorities in Beijing on the Tibetan issue had once again fooled the Dalai Lama, who longs to return to his homeland. An unidentified source in Beijing said Hu was aware that the U.S. held a firm position on Tibet. China's Bureau of Religious Affairs and the Public Security Bureaus began talks with the U.S. prior to Hu's visit in an effort to reduce political pressure. One of the results of those talks was to "stabilize" the relationship of the Tibetan government and people in exile, which is headed by the Dalai Lama.

Even though many insiders are reluctant to reveal details, they cannot deny the fact that the arrangements achieved great "success." Results showed that the U.S., to a very large extent held back attempts to use the Tibetan issue to embarrass Hu.

As to why the Dalai Lama was not aware of Beijing's intent and made calls requesting his followers not protest during Hu's visit to the U.S., an insider at the Bureau of Religious Affairs in Beijing suggested that, "the Dalai Lama had no choice because his age and physical condition is making him feel that he is at the end of his abilities."

When questioned further regarding the possibility of the Dalai Lama's returning to Tibet, political insiders all expressed skepticism. First, the current political regime in Beijing cannot tolerate the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet. In addition, Beijing is still imprisoning the 11th Panchen Lama selected by the Dalai Lama, so how could they be foolish enough to allow the Dalai Lama to return?

Secondly, even though the Dalai Lama has given up fighting for Tibet's independence, he still presents himself as a political figure and continues to call for "true Tibetan autonomy." These words have made Beijing feel very awkward because for the past 50 years Beijing's official rhetoric has always been that Tibet is an autonomous region. Even Beijing's official name for Tibet, "Tibet Autonomous Region," suggests that Tibet has already been granted autonomy.
According to some well informed people, if Beijing authorities were to allow the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet, the only acceptable way this could be explained would be for the Dalai Lama to have returned as "a retired religious figure or as an elderly person returning to his homeland in retirement. In other words, returning to his ancestral home, but not as a person in power or influence."

Monk from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery joined the Vigil London

2006-04-26T01:54:00.000+01:00

Vigil for the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama

2006-04-14T21:50:00.000+01:00

"The safety of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his proper religious training is of particular concern for me. I, therefore, appeal to all governments, religious and human rights organizations for their intervention in ensuring the safety and freedom of the young Panchen Lama."

- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima turns 17 on 25th April 2006. At the age of six, he was proclaimed as the true reincarnation of the late 10th Panchen Lama, the second highest spiritual leader of Tibet. On 14th May 2006, His Holiness the Dalai Lama officially recognised Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama (http://www.tibet.com/PL/may14a.html). Within three days of the announcement, on 17th May 1995, the six year-old boy and his parents disappeared from their home. It was reported that the Chinese authorities have taken them into their custody. Since then, he was known as the world's youngest political prisoner of conscience and the whereabouts and well being of the 11th Panchen Lama is unknown.

On 28th May 1996, China finally admitted that they were holding the young boy and his parents. It is essential for the 11th Panchen Lama to be free from the continued illegal detention by the Chinese authorities so as to receive his tradition and religious studies that befits him. The relationship between the institutions of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama has to be preserved as an established custom for the future of Tibet. So, the safety and future of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is of serious concern.

Please join the protest and candle light vigil for the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama.

What: Candle Light Vigil and Protest
When: Tuesday, 25 April 2006 @ 7-8pm
Where: The Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL
(Nearest tubes: Great Portland St/Oxford Circus)
Street Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=528731&amp;y=181868&z=0&sv=W1B+1JL&st=2&pc=W1B+1JL&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

For further information, please contact:

Contact: +44-7725501995
E-mail: tibetanyouthinuk@yahoo.co.uk
Visit: www.tibetanyouthuk.blogspot.com

2006-03-24T01:12:00.000Z

2006-03-15T21:43:00.000Z

Phuntsog Nyidrol, last of the "Drapchi Nuns," Arrives in US Released into ICT's Care
The prominent Tibetan nun, Phuntsog Nyidrol, has arrived today in San Francisco and released into ICT's care, nearly two years after her release from Drapchi prison, Lhasa. Thirty-four year old Phuntsog Nyidrol, who was imprisoned for 15 years after peaceful protests in 1989 and suffered from ill-health following torture while in custody, was greeted at the airport by Phuntsog's former cell-mate Ngawang Sangdrol and ICT Executive Director, Mary Beth Markey.

Phuntsog Nyidrol, a Tibetan nun who was imprisoned for 15 years after peaceful protests in 1989, arrived in San Francisco this morning more than two years after her release from Drapchi (Tibet Autonomous Region) prison, Lhasa. Thirty-four year old Phuntsog Nyidrol, who has suffered from ill-health following torture while in custody, was accompanied by a US Embassy official on the flight and released into ICT's care on arrival. She had an emotional reunion at the airport with her former cell-mate Ngawang Sangdrol, who now lives in the US, as well as Mary-Beth Markey, Executive Director of ICT.

Mary Beth Markey said: "Phuntsog Nyidrol and Sangdrol have been hugging, holding hands and crying, overjoyed to be reunited. This release is wonderful for Phuntsog and her former prison comrades. However it is important to note that despite serious engagement between the US and China over the years, there has been little or no progress on fundamental human rights issues in Tibet. Tibetans like Phuntsog Nyidrol continue to suffer torture and imprisonment simply for the peaceful expression of their views."

The release to the US of Phuntsog Nyidrol appears to be a gesture in advance of Chinese President Hu Jintao's Washington, DC summit with President Bush on April 19-20. It also follows the fifth round of dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and Beijing, which concluded last month.

Phuntsog Nyidrol, a former Mechungri nun from Lhasa who won the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1995, is the last of a high-profile group of nuns detained for acts of peaceful resistance over the past decade to be released. She was arrested on October 14, 1989, for taking part in a peaceful protest against Chinese rule, linked to the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. She was subsequently sentenced to eight years' imprisonment by the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court on November 25, 1989. In September 1993, she received a nine-year sentence extension after she joined 13 other nuns, including Ngawang Sangdrol, in secretly recording songs about their prison experience and hopes for Tibet's future on a tape cassette that was smuggled out to the outside world. After a one-year sentence reduction for good behavior in March 2001, the remainder of her sentence was commuted on February 26, 2004, and she was released from prison.

Since then, Phuntsog Nyidrol has been held at home in Lhasa under close surveillance and denied a passport because her political rights have been under restriction. Last August, a delegation from the US Commission for International Religious Freedom was allowed to have a brief interview with her in Lhasa, and reported: "[Phuntsog Nyidrol] remains under constant surveillance, is restricted in her movements and associations, and has debilitating health problems that cannot be addressed in her locality." The US Commission said that the Chinese authorities had denied that she was under surveillance.

Phuntsog Nyidrol's arrival in the US today follows a number of other early releases of well-known political prisoners from Tibet and one from Xinjiang (East Turkestan) in recent years, generally timed to coincide with specific periods of US-China engagement involving criticisms of Beijing's human rights record. Uyghur prisoner Rebiya Kadeer was released to the US in March 2005 after serving six years of an eight year sentence, soon before US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice traveled to the PRC. Ngawang Sangdrol's release to the US in March 2003 after serving 11 years of a 21-year sentence came before a significant visit of the then Chinese President Jiang Zemin to America.

Phuntsog Nyidrol, who was serving the longest sentence of female political prisoners after Ngawang Sangdrol's 21 years, was released soon after the US State Department released its annual human rights report that found China guilty of 'serious human rights abuses' in Tibet, including "execution without due process, torture, arbitrary arrest, detention without public trial, and lengthy detention of Tibetans for peacefully expressing their political or religious views." The report was thought to lay the path for the US to table a critical resolution on China at the UN Commission of Human Rights meeting in Geneva that year.

Ngawang Sangdrol, who shared a cell with Phuntsog Nyidrol for several years, said today: "It is overwhelming to see Phuntsog Nyidrol again. In prison, she was always so strong, we thought she could do anything, and she had great self-confidence and courage. We had no chance to study in prison, but she was so hard-working in the labor tasks assigned to her, and very devoted in her Buddhist practice."

Visit : www.savetibet.org

National Uprising Day London

2006-03-14T00:43:00.000Z

Tibetan & Supporter marching through Central London

2006-03-14T00:19:00.000Z

Protest Rally to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day

2006-03-01T23:47:00.000Z

Come and Join us..

11th March 2006 (Saturday)

This year marks the 47th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising. On 10 March 1959, Tibetans stood against the illegal occupation of Tibet by the Communist China and thousands of Tibetans were killed in this historic uprising. Since then, Tibetans and its supporters from all walks of life commemorate and remember this day with gratitude and reverence for all those Tibetans who have sacrificed and still continue to sacrifice their lives for a free Tibet.

Some of the highlight of events to commemorate this day is as below:

11.30 am Freedom March from the Chinese Embassy to Westminster

Assemble from 11am opposite the Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London WC1.

Nearest Tube Stations: Great Portland St/Oxford Circus

Street Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=528731&amp;amp;y=181868&z=0&sv=W1B+1JL&st=2&pc=W1B+1JL&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Namdrol Lhamo and Gyaltsen Drolkar (two of the 'Drapchi 14' nuns) and Harry Cohen MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet are the guest speakers for this event.

After the march, there will be a function and cultural event hosted by the Tibet Commemoration Committee at Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue, London SW1.

There will be a sale of the latest Tibetan traditional and modern songs collection at TYUK's stall.

Freedom Gathering from 7:30 pm till late...

At Nelson

48 Stanhope St, Regents park, London NW1 3EX
Nearest Tube Stations: Warren Street, Euston Square and Gt. Portland Street
Buses: 24, 29, 27 and 30

Street Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=529076&amp;amp;y=182495&z=0&sv=nw1+3ex&st=2&

Please join us to show your solidarity, support and our strength to free Tibet, which is the world's largest remaining colony under China.

Happy Losar Fire Dog Year 2133

2006-02-26T17:53:00.000Z

SFTUK & TYUK Leadership Conference 10-11 2006

2006-02-13T01:40:00.000Z

STUDENTS AND TIBETAN YOUTH HOLD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

2006-02-12T13:33:00.000Z

SFT/TYUK [February 12, 2006]

London – Approximately 50 students and young Tibetans met at the School of Oriental & Asian Studies (SOAS), University of London yesterday for an annual leadership training jointly organised by Students for a Free Tibet UK and Tibetan Youth UK that started on 10^th February. Members of TYUK and SFT met at 9 am to begin a full day of trainings that included workshops on topics ranging from the theory and practice of non-violent direct action, media strategy, group management, fundraising, political lobbying, and action planning.

“The goal of the conference is to inspire and empower the participants while providing them with the skills necessary to work effectively and creatively for Tibetan independence,” said Conall Watson, Chairperson of SFT UK board.

The second day of leadership training began with an introduction to TYUK by Karma and Pema. TYUK represents the strength of youth to free Tibet from the occupation of China. It is supported with active participation by the Tibetan living in UK, especially young Tibetans to express their views, discuss the Tibetan issues and further its movement in UK.

Tendor of SFT headquarters, who came from New York for this leadership training spoke on overview structure of SFT, followed by the briefings on Olympics, Railway and Google as the latest.

Tsering Topgyal from London School of Economics spoke on “Chinese Security Practice and Tibet Policy” and . from Tibet Watch, a new organisation based in Dharamshala spoke on the current situation in Tibet.

The training also includes questions and answers session on each topics addressed by the resource persons and some practical activities where the participants have to act from news reporters to commentators on various political issues. One of the highlights of the leadership training was ‘how to work with MP’ by Riki Hyde Chambers, President of the Tibet Society, UK who works closely with MPs and lobbying the UK government on the issue of Tibet through All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. He spoke on various issues in order to strengthen our cause while working with MP.

“It is very motivating to see many Tibetans and young supporters come together to inspire each other and learn from each other,” said Karma Chura-tsang of the newly founded organization TYUK. “I hope that for us Tibetans living in London, this will be the first of many political gatherings where we discuss the Tibetan problem and explore bold solutions.”

The first ever leadership training jointly organised by SFTUK and TYUK felt to be intensive, but provides the participants to learn more on the issue of Tibet practically to make themselves ready for any future course of action. By the end of day, participants were fully exhausted, but revitalized their energy by holding a get-together party at Nelson. Though all the participants were unknown from each other when they met, but departed well known with a promise to work together to FREE TIBET.

First Ever Leadership Training in UK

2006-02-11T13:29:00.000Z

London, February 10: The first ever Leadership Training jointly organised by the Students for a Free Tibet (SFTUK) and Tibetan Youth in UK (TYUK) started today with the registration of participants and screening of the most amazing, inspiring and controversial film ‘What Remains of Us’ at Kailash Centre in London. It was well attended by the Tibetans and members of the SFT, who came from different parts of the United Kingdom. After the screening of film, Mr. Tendor from the SFT headquarters eloquently answer the questions about the films and the Tibetan freedom movement, where discussion continues till midnight.

Thereafter, Mr. Karma from TYUK briefly gave an introduction that highlights the second day of leadership conference, which will be held at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), London on 11^th February. This will includes a series of activities from effective campaigning, non-violent direct action training, the current situation in Tibet, media training, blogs & online actions, fundraising, how to run group and screening of ‘Destiny’s Children’ (documentary on the exile Tibetan Youth).

Leadership Programme & Party on Sat 11th Feb 2006

2006-01-07T20:37:00.000Z

SFTUK and TYUK present

Leadership Programme and get-together party on the 11th Feb 2006

This is the first ever joint venture of Students for Free Tibet(SFTUK) and Tibetan Youth in UK (TYUK).Everyone is requested to make the most of it and attend in great number would be appreciated.You will get the chance to meet some of the active and most inspiring people in Tibet movement. Along with that you will also learn how to make the campaign more effective and practical. Everyone is welcome for a weekend of training, networking and fun.

Programme will include the following:

1.Effective campaigning and non-voilent direct action training.
2.The current situation in Tibet.
3.Media training.
4.Blogging and online action.
5.Fundraising.
6.How to run a group.
7.Screening of Destiny's Child (documentary on the exile tibetan youth)

Venue: SOAS, Russell square, London.
Date:11th february 2006
Time:10am to 6pm
Lunch provided
Nearest Tube: Russell Square http://tinyurl.com/79btj
You are kindly requested to register and mail your name at the earliest to : dhargyal77@yahoo.com

Those who come from far and wide will get a free accommodation for the weekend at Kailash centre.Don't forget to bring your own sleeping bag as you are not likely to get a warm cuddle.
And finally come along for the get-together evening party to enjoy various music:Hip-Hop, pop, R&B, Tibetan and Hindi Pop.

At the Nelsons
Warrent Street,London.
Nearest Tube: Warren Street
Buses: 24, 29, 27 and 30
Free Entry

For more information please contact;
Alice- 07786982222
Pema-07886362244
Dhargyal-07886312677

Looking forward to see you

SFTUK/TYUK

Let's show our strength !!!! BHOD_GYALO

Listen the Voice of UK Youth

2005-12-10T23:59:00.000Z

2005-12-10T23:57:00.000Z

2005-12-10T23:16:00.000Z

Tibetan Youth in UK observes the International Human Rights Day and demands the immediate end of China's Patriotic Education campaign in Tibet.

"Let us be clear: torture can never be an instrument to fight terror, for torture is an instrument of terror. [...]

Today, on Human Rights Day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and let us rededicate ourselves to wiping the scourge of torture from the face of the earth."
Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General [10 Dec 2005]

December 10, 2005

On International Human Rights Day, Tibetan Youth in the UK (TYUK), a grassroots movement of young Tibetans in the UK, call for the immediate end of China's Patriotic Education campaign in Tibet and the release of imprisoned monks and nuns that were unjustly arrested, detained and tortured. We call upon China to uphold international human rights standards that guarantee freedom of religion and thought.

In the recent times, there has been intensification of religious repression in Tibet. Under the name of the "Patriotic Education" campaign, Tibetan monks and nuns are forced to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama as "Separatist" and to accept "Tibet as part of China." The monks and nuns in Tibet showed their disagreement and refused to do so were arrested, expelled and even led to take drastic steps due to severe torture. According to confirmed information received by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy [www.tchrd.org], Ngawang Jangchub, 28 years old, died in the first week of October 2005 under mysterious circumstances in his quarter in Drepung Monastery in Tibet following a “patriotic education” session.

On 23 November, five monks were beaten and arrested at Drepung monastery by Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB). Two days later, 400 monks staged a mass silent protest to call for the release of the arrested monks. The People's Armed Police, the Army, and PSB officials immediately arrived at the monastery and quelled the protest by beating the monks. The Chinese authorities also secured the monastery, and controlled all incoming and outgoing traffic.

After a decade of severe restrictions and repression in the Chinese occupied Tibet, a mass non-violent protest took place in Drepung Monastery in Tibet clearly show that Tibetans are deprived of their freedom of speech and religion under the Chinese regime. The recent crackdown on the Tibetan monks and nuns’ peaceful protest came at a time when the People’s Republic of China and its President Hu Jintao gave assurances of improving human rights in Tibet and China during the latest visits of US President George Bush to China, followed by the visits of UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Mr. Manfred Nowak in Tibet. But on the other hand, China continues the violation of human rights, imprisonment and torture of the Tibetans inside Tibet denying their fundamental rights of freedom.

We call upon the international community to stand united against the oppression of religious freedom inside China occupied Tibet.

BHOD-GYALO

Issued by: Tibetan Youth in UK [TYUK]

Contact: +44-7725501995
E-mail: tibetanyouthinuk@yahoo.co.uk
www.tibetanyouthuk.blogspot.com

2005-12-10T21:39:00.000Z

TYUK Candle Light Vigil Outside Chinese Embassy London 10th Dec

Boy Cott Made in China 10 Dec London

2005-12-10T17:07:00.000Z

Boycott Made in China- Outside Hamley shop and walking all through Oxford str-Picadilly Circus

Candle Light Vigil & Protest at the Chinese Embassy on Sat 10th Dec

2005-12-08T13:43:00.000Z

Dear friends,

Recently, our brothers & sisters in Tibet was imprisoned and killed by China during Patriotic Education campaign in the monasteries & nunneries in Tibet. Around 400 monks staged a mass non-violent protest against China to call for the release of the arrested monks and refused to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama as "Separatist" and to accept "Tibet is part of China". Perhaps this might be one of the biggest protests ever held after a decade of severe restriction and religious repression in Tibet. The tenth [10th] December is observe as the International Human Rights Day throughout the world. But China continues to torture and violate human rights in Tibet.

The recent crackdown on the Tibetan monks and nunsí peaceful protest stand in stark contrast to assurances by Chinese President Hu Jintao that human rights is improving in Tibet. Hu Jintao is said to have made these assurances during the latest
visits of US President George Bush to China, followed by the visits of UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Mr. Manfred Nowak in Tibet.

Let's stand united to protest against the Chinese regime and to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Tibet. To observe the International Human Rights Day, Tibetan Youth in UK is holding candle-light vigil and protest at the Chinese Embassy in London on 10th December 2004 at 4-6 pm.

Join the protest and candle light vigil. We do apologize for the short notice, but hope that you will definitely come to voice for the voiceless people.

What: Candle Light Vigil and Protest
When: Saturday, 10th December 2005 @ 4-6 pm
Where: The Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL
(Nearest tubes: Great Portland St/Oxford Circus)
Street Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=528731&y=181868&z=0&sv=W1B+1JL&st=2&pc=W1B+1JL&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Yours sincerely,

TYUK
Contact: +44-7725501995
E-mail: tibetanyouthinuk@yahoo.co.uk
Visit: www.tibetanyouthuk.blogspot.com

2005-12-01T03:49:00.000Z

On Going >>>>>>>>

2005-11-30T23:52:00.000Z

An Evening to Remember

2005-11-16T00:36:00.000Z

Dear Friends,

Tibetan Youth UK and SFT invite everyone for a “Get Together” and a party to thank you all for your dedication and support during Chinese president’s state visit in UK. Our campaign & demonstration have been very successful as demonstrated in various media.

It would not have been possible without your support. We are at the preliminary stage of setting Tibetan Youth UK to express the views of younger generation of Tibetans. There has been talk & discussion about setting a Tibetan Youth Movement here in UK to further the cause of Tibet and it has been well received by many Tibetans so far.

We believe it is important that we make our voices heard as Youths of today, we shoulder the responsibility for The Future of Tibet.

Please join us for the discussion at this very important time and participation from all age groups will be appreciated.

“Let’s take this important step together hand in hand to realise our dream so that future generations of Tibetans do not have to go through what we went through.”

Venue : Rampart, 15-17 Rampart St, London E1 2LA (Off Commercial Rd)

Start : 25^th Nov 05 Friday 7pm – 2am

Music : Tibetan, Bollywood, R‘n’B, Hip Hop & Trance

Tube : Aldgate East, Whitechapel & Shadwell

Bus : 15, 25 & 205

Contact : 07786982222 & 07725501995

Web : http://www.tibetanyouthuk.blogspot.com/ & http://www.sftuk.org/

Email : alice@sftuk.org & tibetanyouthinuk@yahoo.co.uk

Donation : £3

Map : http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=534641&y=181230&z=0&sv=E1+2la&st=2&pc=E1+2la&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Note : Momo & Drinks will be available for Sale !!!

Regards,

TYUK & SFTUK

Please Leave your Comment. Thank You !!!

2005-11-13T17:40:00.000Z

Tibetan Youth in UK call on PM Tony Blair to encourage Hu Jintao to meet the Dalai Lama

London, 8-10 November: Tibet was a fully independent country until the Chinese occupied it in 1959. China's violation of Tibet's territorial integrity was denounced as an aggression by virtually all states of the free world. For the past 46 years, under the dynamic leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan people have been struggling to regain their lost country through non-violent movement.

In recent years, the People’s Republic of China and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has re-established their contacts to resolve a peaceful solution on Tibet by holding meetings between their representatives. A fourth meeting was held in Berne, Switzerland, the first time the two parties have met outside of China. So far, there was no fruitful outcome from the meetings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has clearly stated that the Tibetan approached from dialogue to a meaningful negotiation is sincere and genuine for the interest of both China and Tibet. Instead the leaders of People’s Republic of China are pushing the time behind for negotiation with unnecessary preconditions, thus delaying a process.

Tibet has a historic relation with the British government. So, it is imperative that the British government should encourage China’s leaders to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the issue of Tibet. The British government should also facilitate practical, substantive and genuine support to Tibet.

On the occasion of China’s President Hu Jintao’s State Visit to the United Kingdom [UK] from 8-10 November 2005, we the Tibetan Youth in UK are calling upon PM Tony Blair to urge Hu Jintao to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama in order to resolve 55 years of occupation of Tibet. By meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Hu Jintao will prove that he indeed wants a peaceful and sustainable solution to the issue of Tibet.

“Today, the Tibetan Youth in UK are in the street of London to protest against Hu Jintao and the Chinese government for their brutal killing of our brothers and sisters. We want to show our strength and solidarity to our brave Tibetan fellow inside Tibet” said Karma, a youth activist living in London.

About hundred Tibetan youth joined by Tibet support groups are staging a series of demonstrations during the two days state visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao in London. “China, the only communist country in the world is still occupying Tibet and continues to torture our brothers and sisters. We are the voice of voiceless people. ” said Dhargyal, another youth activist.

Mr.Hu and his wife Liu Yongging will meet Prime Minister Tony Blair and stay at Buckingham Place at the invitation
of the Queen.  He will also meet the Lord Chancellor, Lord Mayor and the All Party Parliamentary Group on China at
Westminster Hall.  Her Majesty and Hu Jintao will formally open and tour the ‘China: The Three Emperors, 1662-1795’
exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.

FREE TIBET!

Issued by: Tibetan Youth in UK
E-mail: tibetanyouthinuk@yahoo.co.uk
Contact: +44-7725507995

web: www.tibetanyouthuk.blogspot.com

2005-11-12T06:18:00.000Z

Tibetan Youth UK

2005-11-12T03:15:00.000Z

Tibetan Youth UK

2005-11-10T14:29:00.000Z

Tibetan Youth UK

International Human Rights Day observed with protest in London

Tibetan activist sets himself on fire outside hotel of Chinese president in Mumbai

Tibetans breach security to reach site of Sino-Indian talks

Exiled Tibetans protests in New Delhi against the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India.

Unified and Massive Protests to Mar Hu Jintao's India Visit

Tibetans in UK Protest Against Chinese Army Killing of Fleeing Tibetans

Tibetan Refugee Shot Dead by Chinese Guards

WEN YOU GO HOME, TAKE BLAIR WITH YOU !

No Trade With China Until Tibet Is Free

Premier Wen Jiabao to attend the China-EU Summit, Asia-Europe Summit Meeting, the SCO Prime Ministers Meeting and to visit Finland,Britain and Germany

China Detains Tibetan Abbot in Sichuan

Media will be free to roam during Olympics, pledges Beijing

British minister to raise press freedom with Beijing

Time running out for Tibet : French senators

UK Parliamentary Committee Says China's Assertion on Dalai Lama Flies in the Face of His Public Statements

Beijing pledges' a fight to the death' with Dalai Lama

China to extend Tibetan rail link

China's "Railway To The Roof Of The World" Is Sinking And Cracking

Yaks threaten China's 'miracle' train line

Commentrary manuscript lands Tibetan youth 10 years in prison

Tibetan dissident to accuse Chinese of Torture & Genocide

Tsundue & Choeying Speaking with Tibetans in London

Tenzin Tsundue Interview with BBC on China's Railway

Protesting Against China's Railway - Infront of Chinese Embassy

Tibetan activist addresses MPs in Westminster

July 1st - Reject China's Railway to TIBET

Beijing Releases Smokescreen to Fool the Dalai Lama

Monk from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery joined the Vigil London

Vigil for the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama

National Uprising Day London

Tibetan & Supporter marching through Central London

Protest Rally to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day

Happy Losar Fire Dog Year 2133

SFTUK & TYUK Leadership Conference 10-11 2006

STUDENTS AND TIBETAN YOUTH HOLD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

First Ever Leadership Training in UK

Leadership Programme & Party on Sat 11th Feb 2006

SFTUK and TYUK present

Listen the Voice of UK Youth

Boy Cott Made in China 10 Dec London

Candle Light Vigil & Protest at the Chinese Embassy on Sat 10th Dec

On Going >>>>>>>>

An Evening to Remember

Please Leave your Comment. Thank You !!!

Tibetan Youth UK

Tibetan Youth UK