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11 April 2008: Dalai Lama's interview with Ann Curry on MNSBC, USA

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8 April 2008
Tibet Society of the UK, Tibetan Community in Britain, Tibetan Youth UK Press Release

Increased repression in Tibet - International Olympic Committee must hold China to account
Where is the International Olympic Committee’s condemnation of China for the flagrant hijacking of the Olympic flame for its own ends? China’s cynical use of the flame as a giant PR opportunity in the run up to the Beijing Olympics has backfired badly with demonstrators against the Chinese regime vociferously putting their message across in London and Paris where groups and individuals made their presence felt along the route of the Olympic Torch. These protests were not against the torch or the athletes, but were directed at the Chinese government and its continuing and increasing repression in Tibet.

As the torch is paraded under the charade of the ‘Journey of Harmony’, worrying reports are filtering out of Tibet that tell of further brutal crackdowns and horrific acts by Chinese authorities. In one incident, the Chinese Army opened fire on an unarmed crowd resulting in ten people being killed, including a 22 year old girl and 16 year old boy. Tibet remains isolated, with no media access, no independent monitoring of the situation, no medical aid for those injured or amnesty for demonstrators. More than 2,500 Tibetans have been arrested, rewards are being offered by the Chinese authorities for information on demonstrators and political re-education is being stepped up with monks and nuns being forced to renounce the Dalai Lama.

Philippa Carrick of the Tibet Society commented, “What further atrocities will be carried out in Tibet before the Torch arrives in June? If the International Olympic Committee and world governments continue to turn a blind eye to these appalling and reprehensible human rights abuses and allow China to use the Olympic Games for its own ends, it will be a huge backward step in what is acceptable and responsible behaviour in the world today.

“The International Olympic Committee has to question its acquiescence with the Chinese government’s flagrant abuse of the Olympic ideals and must take some responsibility for allowing these values in becoming politicised. Jacques Rogge has finally expressed concern for what is happening in Tibet, but he is in danger of appearing like Pontious Pilate in washing his hands of responsibility, as he has done with the pledges given by China on media freedom and human rights. This is a key moment where the International Olympic Committee can be seen to be supporting its own ideals by insisting that China takes up the offer of constructive dialogue put forward by the Dalai Lama and find a peaceful negotiated resolution for Tibet.”

It is the continued capitulation to China by the International Olympic Committee that is in danger of tarnishing the image of the Olympic Games. The use of Chinese security guards to surround the flame on its ‘Journey of Harmony’, is a very worrying precedent. There will be many demonstrations and protests against the Chinese government all along the route of the Olympic Torch as people stand up for freedom of expression and human rights. These rights must be upheld in a free and democratic world and not be prevented by Chinese pressure on national Olympic Committees. If China wants to be part of this world, its government must acknowledge these rights and not continue to draw a curtain down on any criticisms. It is time to be open and constructive.

With the use of Chinese supplied security guards in London, it does not augur well for a free and relaxed sporting games in Beijing. The British Olympic Committee and the government must get assurances from China that such heavy handed security will not be used in Beijing and that athletes will be allowed to express their own opinions when at the games without fear of reprisals.

4 April 2008
Tibet Society of the UK, Tibetan Community in Britain, Tibetan Youth UK Press Release

Ten Tibetans killed in latest unrest in Kanze, Tibet
Chinese soldiers opened fire on local peaceful protesters”

On Thursday, monks in a small monastery in Dhonkar, Kanze, Tibet were told to denounce the Dalai Lama by local Chinese officials. When they refused, the monastery was searched. On finding an antique ceremonial pistol that is occasionally used in religious ceremonies, soldiers moved in to make arrests. A senior monk was taken to the nearby police station, where local people and monks gathered to protest. Soldiers opened fire on the unarmed crowd, resulting in ten people being killed and more than 75 injured. The causalities are unable to get medical help from the nearby hospital due it being cordoned off by Chinese troops.

Amongst the dead is a 22-year-old girl, Tse Yangky. Her brother, Thupten, who lives in London, is shaken and appalled by this grim news, saying “I am just so sad and sickened that China denies its brutality to the world but continues to kill innocent people. It is not only for me, but many other families have lost their sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers. Please help the Tibetan people find peace and justice in their own country.”

Philippa Carrick from the Tibet Society said, “This is shocking news and shows China’s continued disregard for basic human values. It makes a mockery of the Olympic torch’s “Journey of Harmony” that is due to go through London on Sunday and to Tibet in June. I call on Gordon Brown to think hard about receiving this tainted torch at Downing Street. Acts like this are simply not acceptable, as a man with high moral principles he must speak out for justice and condemn China’s brutal actions in Tibet.”

4 April 2008
Tibet Society of the UK, Free Tibet Campaign, Tibetan Community in Britain, Students for a Free Tibet, Tibetan Youth UK Press Release

Joanna Lumley to join huge London demonstrations on Sunday in support of Tibet.

Dedicated Tibet supporter Joanna Lumley is to join hundreds of Tibetans and their supporters when they demonstrate against the passage of the Olympic torch through London on Sunday, April 6.

The actress will speak out against China’s recent brutal crackdown in Tibet during The Tibetan Freedom Torch Rally in Argyle Square, immediately following protests outside Downing Street and elsewhere on the route.

Explaining her involvement in the rally, Joanna said: "The Olympic Charter defines the Olympic ideals as: 'respect for universal ethical fundamental principles'. Despite being the host for the 2008 Games, the Chinese government has shown clear contempt for such values in its recent brutal crackdown in Tibet. The IOC must therefore break its silence on China's human rights record and defend its own Charter's values. The best place to start would be by insisting that the Olympic Torch is not allowed into Tibet. China's parading the torch triumphantly in front of a cowed and repressed Tibetan population would be an abhorrent sight for anyone concerned with true Olympic values."

The demonstrations have been organised by a coalition of London-based Tibet groups determined to protest at the way the Chinese government has hijacked the Olympic Torch for its own propaganda purposes. A full list of the protesters’ demands is listed below.

The protesters’ key demand is that the Olympic Torch should not be allowed to be taken through Tibet by the Chinese authorities. China intends to take the Olympic torch to the summit of Mount Everest on the domestic (Chinese) leg of the relay to underscore its baseless aims to sovereignty over Tibet. It will also parade the torch triumphantly in front of a Tibetan population cowed and repressed as a result of the recent crackdown.

Norman Baker MP, Vice Chair of The All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet and President of the Tibet Society said: “It is deeply sad that the Chinese through their brutality in Tibet have contaminated the Olympic ideal. We obviously wish all our athletes well in Beijing but the thundercloud hanging over the Olympics cannot be ignored by governments and will not be ignored by millions of people across the world.”

10 March 2008
Tibet Society of the UK, Free Tibet Campaign, Tibetan Community in Britain, Students for a Free Tibet, Tibetan Youth UK Press Release

Will Gordon Brown stand up for basic human rights in Tibet
UK Tibet support groups call on Gordon Brown to meet the Dalai Lama when he visits London in May.

On Saturday 8 March, Tibetans and Tibet supporters march through London to commemorate the 1959 Tibetan people’s uprising in Lhasa against the brutal and oppressive occupation by the People’s Liberation Army of China. In an open letter to the Prime Minister, to be delivered to 10 Downing Street during the march, UK Tibet support groups call on Gordon Brown to meet the Dalai Lama whilst he is in London in May and give a positive commitment to finding justice for the Tibetan people.

Citing the recent examples set by President George Bush and Chancellor Angela Merkle, who both met the Dalai Lama in 2007, the groups urge the Prime Minister to, “grasp the opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama and proactively support his unflaggingly non-violent campaign for a just and fair solution for the people of Tibet”.

With the world’s attention on China for the Beijing Olympics in August and London hosting the next Olympic Games in 2012, the groups go on to say “it would be a great example to the world if the United Kingdom took the lead in calling for the Chinese government to act on its promises of reform for its people.” They also quote David Miliband who recently warned, “with the economic success of China, we can no longer take the forward march of democracy for granted”.

Tibet Society President, Norman Baker, MP, said “Gordon Brown needs to demonstrate that his relations with China are about more than trade. By meeting the Dalai Lama, he can send out a message that the plight of the Tibetan people matters to him, that human rights are on his radar, and that he will support those pursuing a non-violent approach. To fail to meet him will tell us the opposite.”

A letter will also be delivered to the Chinese Ambassador where the groups urge the Chinese government to stop its demographic aggression in Tibet and start real negotiations, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in Exile to find a just and fair solution to Tibet.

Letter to the Prime Minister:

Dear Prime Minister,

The Dalai Lama will be in London in May at the invitation of the Tibet Society and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. In view of the examples recently set by President George Bush and Angela Merkle, we urge you, as Prime Minister, to grasp this opportunity and meet the Dalai Lama and proactively support his unflaggingly non-violent campaign for a just and fair solution for the people of Tibet.

Following the completion of the China-Tibet rail link in 2006, a critical crossroads is fast approaching with more and more ethnic Han Chinese migrants settling in Tibet. Tibetans are fast becoming an ethnic minority in their own land with their own culture and language being supplanted by that of the ethnic Han Chinese. If we do not act soon Tibetan culture will disappear entirely, which will not only be a great tragedy for the Tibetan people but also for the whole world.

Tibetans across the globe, both inside and outside Tibet, are now taking the lead in advocating for their right to freedom and justice for their country. The Tibetan People’s Uprising Movement has been established and on 10th March they will be setting out from Dharamsala, north India with the aim of marching back to their country to seek a peaceful resolution to the issue of Tibet. Tibetans inside Tibet are also risking their own safety by calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Only last November a Tibetan nomad, Runggye Adak, without regard for the acceptable rule of law and fair legal process, was jailed for eight years for simply calling for the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet at a local horse racing festival.

With the Olympics being held in Beijing this year, China is under world scrutiny. This gives world governments a unique opportunity to hold the Chinese government to account not only on the pledges to given to the International Olympics Committee but also on its continuing abysmal record of human rights abuses, repression of religious freedoms, freedom of expression and cultural genocide of ethnic minorities.

As London will host the next Olympic Games in 2012, it would be a great example to the world if the United Kingdom took the lead in calling for the Chinese government to act on its promises of reform for its people. China has had great economic growth, but as the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, recently said, “Now, with the economic success of China, we can no longer take the forward march of democracy for granted”. A first step in encouraging China towards democracy would be to urge the government to stop its demographic aggression in Tibet and start meaningful negotiations with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in Exile for a just and fair solution to Tibet. This would get commendation and plaudits worldwide.

Next year will mark 60 years since the People’s Liberation Army first went into Tibet and 50 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to flee his country for a life in exile. In the intervening years over 100,000 Tibetans have chosen to escape the ongoing draconian regime in Tibet and have made, and continue to make, the gruelling journey over the Himalayas. The world needs to act now to ensure Tibetans do not spend another 50 years in exile. It would be an unforgivable and completely avoidable tragedy if the culture, traditions and religion of this unique country were allowed to die.

We look forward to your response. In view of your public stance to human rights abuses in Burma and Zimbabwe, we would expect you to both meet the Dalai Lama and give a positive commitment to finding justice for his people.

Letter to the Chinese Ambassador Fu Ying:

Your Excellency,

The 10th March sees the annual commemoration of the 1959 Tibetan people’s uprising in Lhasa against the brutal and oppressive occupation by the People’s Liberation Army of China. It is a sad reflection of the Chinese government that 49 years later there is still no resolution to the plight of the Tibetan people, despite the Dalai Lama’s unflaggingly non-violent campaign for a just and fair solution for the people of Tibet and his willingness to seek meaningful negotiations with your government.

Following the completion of the China-Tibet rail link in 2006, a critical crossroads is fast approaching with more and more ethnic Han Chinese migrants settling in Tibet. Tibetans are fast becoming an ethnic minority in their own land with their own culture and language being supplanted by that of the ethnic Han Chinese. If you do not act soon Tibetan culture will disappear entirely, which will not only be a great tragedy for the Tibetan people but also for the whole world. Does your government want to be remembered as the regime that was responsible for this?

With the Olympics being held in Beijing this year, China is increasingly under world scrutiny. This gives your government a unique opportunity to set an example to the world by honouring the pledges made to the International Olympics Committee and really making these Olympics a “force for good”. A first step in this process would be to stop your demographic aggression in Tibet and start real negotiations, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in Exile to find a just and fair solution to Tibet. This would get commendation and plaudits worldwide.

Undoubtedly, China has had great economic growth, but as the British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, recently said, “Now, with the economic success of China, we can no longer take the forward march of democracy for granted”. Whilst the eyes of the world are on your country for the Olympics, what better time is there to stand up and show the world that not only can China be a success economically, but is also committed to modernising and bring democracy to its people including ethnic minorities. At the very least your government could move forward to take its place as a member of a free and democratic world by honouring your own constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and be open to objective appraisals and benchmarking. It would be a brave step to take, but one that would be supported and applauded by the Chinese people and world governments.

Next year will mark 60 years since China’s People’s Liberation Army first went into Tibet and 50 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to flee his country for a life in exile. In the intervening years over 100,000 Tibetans have chosen to escape the Chinese administration’s ongoing draconian regime in Tibet and have made, and continue to make, the gruelling journey over the Himalayas. Your government needs to act now to ensure there is resolution to the Tibet issue. It would be an unforgivable and completely avoidable tragedy if the culture, traditions and religion of this unique country were allowed to die.

We look forward to your response. It would be very heartening if it showed real willingness by your government to move forward and embrace the commencement of meaningful negotiations for the emancipation of the Tibetan people.

The signatories to the open letters are:
Philippa Carrick, CEO Tibet Society
Anne Holmes, Acting Director Free Tibet Campaign
Tenzin Samphel, Chairman Tibetan Community in Britain
Karma Chura-Tsang, Chairman Tibetan Youth UK
Iona Liddell, Board Member Students for a Free Tibet UK