The Tibet Post International Online Newspaper

53rd Anniversary of Tibetan Women’s Uprising Page 2 Vol. 02, Issue 61, 15 March, 2012

I n t e r n a t i o n a l B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

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I will not stop my peace march until the PRC accepts my demands www.thetibetpost.com

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Kalon Tripa Awarded Gold Medal

Major Figures in Tibetan Administration Commemorate 53rd Uprising Day

By The Tibet Post International

Kalon Tripa being presented with Gold Medal of the College Historical Society of Trinity College Dublin by the Society’s Auditor, Ms Ursu Ni Choill.

(Photo: Bryan O'Brien / THE IRISH TIMES)

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

DUBLIN, 1 March: Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, was awarded the Gold Medal of the College Historical Society of Trinity College Dublin for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse by the Auditor of the Society, Ms Ursula Ni Choill.

Addressing a packed audience on Trinity College’s campus, Dr Sangay said: "It is an honour and a privilege for me to be here in Dublin and to accept See Page 4 ...

TYC Members Detained for Protesting

Protest During 15th Sino-India border talk in new Delhi-17-1-2012 photo: RTYC Rohini

By Tibetan Youth Congress

New Delhi: - Beginning at 10:15 AM this morning sixteen members of The Tibetan Youth Congress Rohini protested the meeting of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna and were detained by police for doing so.

The students, eight of whom were female and eight of whom were male, gathered outside of the See Page 3 ...

Dharamsala: - At 9.00 this morning three major figures in Tibetan culture, His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Tibet political leader Dr. Lobsang Sangay, and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering, gathered with nearly five thousand supporters of the Tibetan cause at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala to commemorate the 53rd Uprising Day since the flight of His Holiness in 1959.

Also in attendance was Gianni Vernetti, member of the Italian Parliament and president of The ItalyTibet Parliamentary Association, as were a number of Chinese supporters of the Tibetan cause.

To initiate the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay raised the Tibet's flag to Tibet's national anthem. Afterwards, Penpa Tsering offered words on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament.

This year, The Dalai Lama offered no words on this Uprising Day, as he no longer considers himself the political head of the Tibetan people. It is the first time in 53 years that he has chosen not to do so.

Instead, the formal address to the Tibetan People was made by Dr. Lobsang Sangay, who declared that the transition of power did nothing to weaken the Tibetan exile base. In his speech, Dr Sangay called for free and fair elections inside of Tibet,

Commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamsala, India, on 10 March 2012. Photo: TPI

criticized unequal hiring practices exercised by the Chinese, and addressed the need for greater autonomy within the Tibetan province. He also echoed his request to the international community to send a fact-finding delegation into Tibet.

One Tibetan Killed in Golok, Two Injured

Dr Sangay placed a great deal of emphasis on the denial of fundamental human rights to Tibetans, stating "Today, there is no space for any conventional protests such as hunger strikes, See Page 2 ...

Monks Arrested at Tsenden Monastery

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: Today, flyers were distributed for a third time near the Sok Tsenden Monastery ,calling for the return of the Dalai Lama and for the freedom of Tibet.

This is not the first time flyers have been dispersed See Page 5 ...

Tibetan Students Arrested in Nepal

Dharamsala Family to March to Tibet

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Kathmandu: - Phayul has reported that the thirteen Tibetan Students who were detained for protesting against Chinese human rights abuses have been released after being charged 3,51,000 Nepali Rupees for bail.

The students paid bail after being denied an appeal from The Supreme Court of Nepal for their release.

The students were arrested on February 24 for protesting in front of the UN building in Kathmandu. They had five specific demands for the United Nations, which included sending a factfinding mission to investigate the increasingly dire situation inside of Tibet.

This situation is reflected in the 26 self-immolation See Page 5 ...

The nuns incense burning in Dargo, during the H.H the Dalai lama's Brith day On 6th july 2011.

Photo: TPI

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: An attempt by Tibetans to stop the arrest of their peers has resulted in the death of one Tibetan and the serious injury of two others.

Chinese security personnel opened fire on a crowd of Tibetans in Pema of the Golok region on Tuesday after arresting one Tibetan for his suspected participation in January anti-China protests.

Increased security had been implemented in the region after January's protests in which a Chinese flag was pulled off a government building. Many escaped from their homes to

evade arrest.

The Tibetan who perished was shot in the face and died immediately. His name was Choeri and he was 28 years old. He leaves behind a wife and child.

The two Tibetans who were injured are brothers Jamphel Lodoe and Karkho, they remain in the regional hospital.

Similar incidents have occurred throughout Tibet, with Chinese forces indiscriminately firing into protesting crowds. Manhunts for protest participants have been reported throughout the region, with Chinese forces allegedly searching door to door.

Tsetan Dorjee, 35 years old, has decided to stage a peace march in honor of the 53rd anniversary of the 10th of March uprising.

Photo: TPI

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: His name is Tsetan Dorjee. He is 35 years old, and he has decided to stage a peace march in honor of the 53rd anniversary of the 10th of March uprising. In doing so, Tsetan plans to march from Dharamsala to the Tibetan border, accompanied by his mother and sister.

See Page 2 ...

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15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

53rd Anniversary of National Tibetan Women’s Uprising Day

By Gillian Stewart, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: Hundreds of women marched from McLeod Ganj to Lower Dharamsala today, in order to mark the 53rd Anniversary of National Tibetan Women's Uprising Day. Many businesses in McLeod Ganj were closed and the town was markedly quieter without many of its female citizens, with many Tibetan nuns, schoolgirls and women choosing to show their support for their countrywomen by taking part in the march from Tsuglagkhang to Lower Dharamsala.

The Twelfth of March commemorates the women's uprising of 1959 in Lhasa, which followed the Tenth of March uprising against Chinese forces. The march today is especially poignant, following a spate of self-immolations from within Tibet during the past year most notably those of a young woman and a single mother of four.

The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA)issued a statement commemorating the uprising, praising the strength of the Free Tibet movement, and expressing concern for those inside Tibet: "We remain gravely worried about the

well-being of 850 known Tibetan political prisoners languishing in Chinese prisons, and fear for those living under the constant threat of arbitrary detentions, disappearances, and the ruthless military control of Tibetan areas. The undeniable presence of armed security confirms China's open declaration of 'war' against Tibet and has created a cauldron of tensions amongst the international community.

During their march, the TWA pronounced Chinese President Hu Jintao to be a failed leader and condemned his brutal policies of bloodshed and provocation in Tibet" (TWA).

Kirti Dolka Lhamo, president of the Tibetan Womens' Association, issued a speech next to the Tsuglagkhang, condemning the suffering in Tibet and outlining the productivity of the Association in the past.

On March, 12, 1959 two days after the National Uprising Day, thousands of women gathered in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. This demonstration was the spark that initiated the Tibetan women's movement for independence.

53rd Tibetan Uprising Day ..... ...... Continues From front Page demonstrations and even peaceful gatherings in Tibet. Tibetans are therefore taking extreme actions such as the measures taken by the 26 Tibetans who have committed selfimmolations since 2009. The fault here lies squarely with the hardline leaders in Beijing, as does the solution. These self-immolations are an emphatic rejection of the empty promises of the so-called ‘socialist paradise.'"

Gianni Vernetti spoke on behalf of the Italian Parliament to show solidarity with the Tibetan people. In his speech, he declared that self-immolations are a direct result of the military occupation of Tibet and the denial of freedom of expression and religious beliefs. He also criticized the Chinese government's undeclared martial law in Tibet, stating that the Italian Parliament adopted a resolution asking for a formal initiative demanding that the government of China end violence in Tibet, allowing for freedom of religion, and a resuming of dialogue with The Dalai Lama.

"For more than 60 years after the military occupation of Tibet in 1959 the government of the People's Republic of China has been implementing a policy of forced assimilation and marginalization of Tibet. Human rights are being systematically denied to the Tibetan people. They are deprived of

all political freedom and Tibetan language and culture are being gradually assimilated." Vernetti said.

Two speeches were also given by men who intended to initiate peaceful marches on behalf of Tibet.

Amongst them is Tsetsen Dorjee, who intends to initiate a peaceful march back to Tibet with his mother and sister today.

In an interview with Phayul, he claimed that the march will raise awareness about the Tibetan cause. His intention is also to call for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

After his speech, a number of weeping attendees offered him money to help him along his way.

A man named Migmar also gave a speech while wearing a black blindfold around his eyes. During his speech, he declared his intention to travel around India wearing the blindfold to represent the blindness of the international community to the Tibetan issue.

The attendees also engaged in a short prayer ceremony to honor those Tibetans who have died for the cause of bringing human rights to Tibet.

Afterwards, the attendees marched to lower Dharamsala.

Uprising Day is observed on March 10 to remember the Tibetans who rose up in armed resistance against the Chinese invasion force.

TPI EXLIE Enormous processions were carried out in the streets of Lhasa and independence memoranda was handed to the Chinese authorities, coinciding with appeals to Consulates in neighbouring India, Nepal and Bhutan in Lhasa. Chinese authorities responded by resorting to brute force and arrested the leaders of the movement and many other innocent women. They were sentenced to indefinite prison terms, and many of them were mercilessly beaten to death.

However, these repressive measures did not dampen the women's courage.

After forty-years of occupation, Tibetan women inside Tibet continue to play a pivotal role in the struggle against China's illegal occupation of their country. Consequently, they suffer particular brutality at the hands of the Chinese authorities. Like their male counterparts, Tibetan women continue to be imprisoned for participating in peaceful non-violent demonstrations.

They are also detained, sentenced and jailed, in many cases without any formal trial, for activities such as displaying the Tibetan national flag, distributing independence posters and leaflets or communicating news and information.

Today, one of TWA's main objectives is to promote awareness at the local and international level of human rights abuses in Tibet, particularly those targeted at women, such as genderspecific torture and forced sterilization and abortions. The TWA also emphasizes the preservation of Tibetan traditions in exile, by organizing activities promoting Tibetan culture and religion. TWA has also initiated projects to address the various social welfare, educational and environmental needs of the exiled community.

TWA's expansion is now represented by 56 regional chapters and 16,000 members across the globe. They seek to empower Tibetan women in exile on social, political, economic, cultural and educational grounds. Today, on the 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Women's Uprising Day, they also announced a fellowship for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

"I think a great contribution has been made by women both inside and outside of Tibet. Outside Tibet, Tibetan women are participating more forcefully and effectively at various levels in many fields, and also the women's

The Tibet Post

Tibetans From Kham Bawa Offer Tenshug to His Holiness

Tibetans from Kham Bawa hold Long Life Prayer Ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, India, on 7 March 2012. Photo: TPI

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

DHARAMSHALA: Tibetans, both in and outside Tibet representing Bawa region of Tibet's traditional province of Kham, offered long life prayers (Tenshug) to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala yesterday.

Thanking the Bawa Tibetan community for organising the Tenshug ceremony, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the small region of Bawa has produced many learned Buddhist scholars, including renowned senior masters like Pema Gyaltsen and Nyima Gyaltsen.

His Holiness said he had the opportunity to receive many teachings from these two masters.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama continued

associations are very active in social activities, especially education. The Tibetan Women's Association has also made a great contribution to the freedom struggle. Inside Tibet, in recent years, nuns have been leading most of the demonstrations in Tibet. The past also reveals many brave women who have struggled peacefully for freedom. On the 12th of March, 1959, a big women's demonstration took place in Lhasa and many heroic activities happened. So there has been a great contribution made".

- His Holiness The Dalai Lama, as stated in an interview to TWA on July 20, 1995, Dharamsala H.P. India

to say that many important political figures have also evolved from Kham province such as Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal, Bawa Tashi Tsering and Yangling Dorje. His Holiness recounted his relationship with Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal, a Tibetan communist official, and described him as one of the great nationalists.

His Holiness also mentioned about a book written by Tibetan communist official Yangling Dorje after the rise of Zhao Ziyang to the Chinese leadership.

"It was a remarkable book. Had the Chinese government implemented the recommendations of Yangling Dorje, the current unrest in Tibet would not have occurred at all. There was hope for a positive outcome, but it was thwarted by hardline stand of a Chinese leader at that time. As a result, even today the Chinese government is unable to cope with the situation in Tibet. As for Tibetans, we have been undergoing suffering for many years," His Holiness said.

His Holiness lauded those Tibetans from Bawa who have made great service for both spiritual and political cause of Tibet.

Similarly, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, the present and future generations of Bawa must make great efforts in education, develop sincerity and courage to work for the cause of Tibet.

........ March to Tibet ...... Continues From front Page They will bring with them five demands for the future of Tibet. Tsetan's determination to complete this journey is unwaivering. "I might be arrested, or go to jail, or even die but it doesn't matter, I will not stop until Tibet gets freedom or until the Chinese government accepts my demands".

Tsetan Dorjee was born in 1977 in Labrang, a town in the Amdo region of Tibet. In his youth he studied for three years at primary school before becoming a monk in 1993 at the Labrang Tashi Kyil monastery.

Three years later he journeyed to Kanataka to join the Dripong Gomang monastery and in 1997 Tseten returned to Tibet. He returned again to India in 1998 and joined TTS, a school in the valley below Dharamsala. In 2008 Tsetan met and married an Israeli girl, Gangkar Lhatso, and they returned to Israel where they had two children. He has written four books in Tibetan.

Q: When you discussed your plans with

your wife, did she support you?

A: "No, it was difficult for her at first because she has a country, she has a home and cannot completely understand the position of someone who has lost their country and their home. If we only think about our family situation then we cannot struggle for our country. Finally, she agreed with my struggle and took legal custody of our children so that I might pursue my cause".

Q: What is the meaning behind your demands to the Chinese government?

A: They are as follows: 1.) Without any conditions, His Holiness the Dalai Lama must be allowed to return to his homeland, Tibet.

2.) Without any conditions, the 11thPanchenRinpocheGedunChoekyiNyima and all the Tibetan political prisoners must be released.

3.) Without any conditions, Tibetans must be provided with the freedom to learn their own language in schools and

monasteries.

4.) Tibetans in Tibet must be provided with the full freedom to preserve their culture and traditions.

5.) There must be an immediate withdrawal of all the soldiers from Tibet who are oppressing the Tibetans people.

Q: Who decided to join your march?

A: My mother, Dongpo Kyi, who is 54, and my sister, Lhamo Kyi, who is 18.

Lhamo is currently studying at Bir Sujia School, 9th class.

Tsetan Dorje is sacrificing his family life and himself for the Tibetan cause. He has legally separated from his wife so that he may carry out his mission. He is supported by his wife and children and will be joined by his mother and sister in his journey back to his homeland, Tibet.

His hope is that China and the world will meet his demands and empathize with the plight of the Tibetan people.

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Teenage Tibetan Self-Immolates in Wake of Increasing Oppression in Ngaba

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

3

A Teenage Schoolgirl and a Mother of Four Self-Immolate in Protest

By Dane Holding, Tibet Post

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala- A press release from the exile base of Kirti Monastery has reported that a teenager named Dorje, age 18, has become the third Tibetan to commit self-immolation this week, and the twenty-sixth to commit selfimmolation since 2009.

He allegedly immolated at 6.30 PM on March 5 while marching towards the local government building in Cha Township. Sources say that he shouted slogans of protest against the severe policies implemented in Ngaba County.

The locals did not put out the flames, nor did security forces arrive quickly enough to extinguish Dorje. As a consequence, he passed away during the protest.

He belonged to the Garkyatsang household and his father's name is Chacha.

Chinese Security Forces were slow to arrive at the scene, but forcibly took the remains of Dorje from the local

people.

Dorje is the third Tibetan to commit an act of self-immolation this week, the first being a teenage girl named Tsering Kyi on March 3, and the second being a mother named Rinchen, in Ngaba on March 4.

These protests have occurred not only in the wake of the Chinese imposing more stringent policies in Tibet, but are occurring with greater frequency as Uprising Day approaches on March 10.

As a consequence, many parts of Tibet are considered to be under undeclared martial-law, which has been implemented as a measure to reduce the number of self-immolations and protests against Chinese rule.

This is particularly true in Ngaba County, where greater security measures have been implemented due to both the sheer number of selfimmolations that have occurred there and past resistance to the Communist Party by the monks in Kirti Monastery.

Tibetans Demonstrate in Assam

By Nava Thakuria

Guwahati: The people of Assam in northeast India had seen the Tibetan flag for the first time, as hundreds of Tibetans in the region observed 53rd Tibetan National Uprising Day in Guwahati on March 10.

Clad in traditional dress and holding Tibetan national flags along with the Indian tricolor, the nearly 300 Tibetan exiles moved through the streets of Guwahati, the virtual capital northeast India. A rally was also organized at the bank of historic Dighalipukhuri in the city, where Tibetan leaders and Assam based intellectuals delivered inspiring speeches. The day long activities culminated with a candlelight procession in the evening.

"We have organized the March 10

Uprising Day for the first time in Guwahati, commemorating Tibetans first massive uprising against the Chinese occupation in 1959. It represents an important day of national pride for Tibetans everywhere and has traditionally been a day of protest inside and outside of Tibet", said Dawa Thakchoe, an activist-organizer, who briefed the local media.

March 10th also marks the 53rd anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama's exit from Tibet (to India through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam) after the uprising against the Chinese authority failed. It was followed by the Chinese aggression towards India in 1962, when the Chinese troops arrived in Tezpur of

Tibet: - A Teenage Schoolgirl in Amdo region and a Mother of Four in Ngaba County have become the two latest Tibetans to commit self-immolation in protest of the Chinese government.

Tsering Kyi, 19, and Rinchen, 33, have become the twenty-fourth and twentyfifth Tibetans to commit acts of selfimmolation since 2009.

Tsering Kyi committed her act of protest in a busy market in Machu, located in the traditional Amdo region of Tibet, at 3.00 PM Tibetan time on March 3.

According to sources, local vendors threw stones at Tsering while she burned.

Chinese Security Personnel arrived on the scene and attempted to lock down the market by confiscating cell phones and issuing strict orders to locals not to discuss Tsering’s protest, which almost prompted a conflict between local Tibetans and Chinese Security Forces. In addition, local websites in the region have been shut down.

Tsering’s body is currently in the custody of Chinese Security Forces.

Rinchen, mother of four children, performed her protest at 6.30 AM on March 4 in Ngaba County in front of a special security office located in front of Kirti Monastery. She was confirmed to be dead at the scene, and her remains were recovered by the monks of Kirti Monastery.

The special security office was set up as a measure to prevent further protests by the monks in Kirti Monastery, who have been under increasing pressure from The Communist Party to cease protesting the Chinese Government.

Rinchen was the mother of four children, the youngest of whom is only a few months old. Her self immolation protest follows the passing of the children’s father last year.

During her protest, she shouted demands that His Holiness the Dalai Assam, after capturing Arunchal Pradesh. The Communist forces soon fled afterwards, as Beijing received warnings from America and France following pleas from Jawaharlal Nehru.

Organized by the Tibetan Solidarity Community of Northeast India, the Saturday protest march was joined by Tibetans living in various States of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

A statement from Tibetan exile government head, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, was read aloud both in Tibetan and English.

Dr. Lobsang, to whom the Dalai Lama ceded political power last year, urged the UN to live up to its objective and address the crisis in Tibet through sending a delegation to Tibet.

The international community and media must send a fact-finding delegation into Tibet to remove the veil of censorship and disinformation campaign, he insisted.

The prime minister of Tibetan exile government also appealed to the officials and member states of ASEAN and SAARC to include the issue of Tibet on their agendas. However, he clarified that the Tibetan struggle is not against the Chinese people or China as a nation. It is against the PRC governments politics. China must

list of recent self-immolations in Tibet. Photo: TPI/File

Lama be allowed to return to Tibet and for Tibetan Freedom.

Ngaba County has been the site of sixteen of the twenty-four selfimmolation protests since 2009. These protests have resulted in heavy regulations in the area, specifically on Kirti Monastery, by Chinese Security Forces.

One reporter from The Guardian, who managed to sneak past Chinese Security Forces, described the area as reminiscent of conflict zones in Iraq and Northern Ireland, and that the weapons that the Security Forces were using were “medieval.”

Since Rinchen’s self-immolation protest, measures that Chinese Security Forces employ have allegedly become even more stringent.

News regarding the condition of Rigzin Dorje and Lobsang Kunchok, two Kirti Monastery Monks who committed acts of self-immolation, has also surfaced.

Rigzin Dorje, 19, who committed an act of self-immolation on February 8, passed away in a Chinese military hospital on February 21. He lived in Me’uruma Township in Ngaba, and was the youngest of six siblings.

According to Kirti Monastery, the

Chinese government declined to return the remains to the family or to the Monastery, but rather cremated Rigzin without proper Buddhist Ceremony.

In addition, the Chinese Government is strongly discouraging locals in Ngaba County from having prayer vigils or religious ceremonies for Rigzin.

Lobsang Kunchok - a monk in his late teens who committed self-immolation on September 26, 2011, while shouting protests against the Chinese Government - has had all of his limbs amputated.

Sources say that he is currently being fed through a tube while suffering abuse from hospital staff for aspiring to “destroy his country.”

His family is currently being denied the right to visit him.

The official stance of the Chinese Government is that any act of selfimmolation is considered to be terrorism.

They also assert that The Dalai Lama and The Tibetan Government in Exile fully support all acts of self-immolation.

Meanwhile, Tibetan authorities outside of Tibet have expressed concern that these kinds of protests may increase with Uprising Day fast approaching on March 10.

TYC Members Detained for Protesting Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Delhi ... ...... Continues From front Page Hyderabad House, where the meeting between Krishna and Yang was taking place, draped in Tibetan flags and displaying anti-Chinese signs. The protesters shouted slogans like the "Communist Chinese regime has no business talking about a border which does not belong to them." Shortly thereafter, they were detained by police forces.

Yang is visiting India in order to lay the groundwork for Chinese President Hu Jintao's trip to India in March.

While visiting, Hu will participate in the BRICS summit with

representatives of the emerging world powers of Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa. There, a host of issues will be discussed.

Additionally, tensions were raised over the issue of northern Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims to be a part of Tibet, and by extension within its borders. Tibetan protesters were upset that The People's Republic of China was exploiting historic Tibetan borders to exert pressure on India.

The students are currently in the custody of police forces at The Parliament Street Police Station.

acknowledge the depth of the problems in Tibet and understand that they cannot be solved through violence, he added.

"To address the tragedy in Tibet, I call on Beijing to accept our Middle Way Policy, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the framework of the Chinese constitution, as proposed in the Memorandum and Note of 2008

and 2010 respectively". Hong Kong and Macau have been granted a high degree of autonomy. Despite resistance from Taiwan, China has offered them a high degree of autonomy towards re-unification.

"Why are Tibetans still not granted genuine autonomy, as stipulated in the Chinese constitutions?", questioned the prime minister.

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TPI TIBET’S UPRISING DAY

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

Hundreds of Tibetans and Taiwanese Commemorate Uprising of 1959

DPP legislator Chen Chiech is amongst the protesters during the 10th March Uprsing in Taipei, Taiwan, 10th March 2012. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Taipei: Tibetan community members and supporters in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan have joined the worldwide commemorations of the March 10 Tibetan National Uprising that occurred in 1959 in Tibetan capital Lhasa, after a half century of the Chinese invasion of Tibet and to remember the Tibetans who have set themselves on fire to protest China's violation of their freedoms of religion and expression.

An ocean of Tibetan flags, banners and supporters marched through the busy streets of Taipei amid a head-turning outpouring of solidarity as 53rd Anniversary of Tibetan national uprising was marked in Taiwan.

Here in Taipei, carrying model coffins covered with Tibetan flags and with pictures of the 28 Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest at Chinese rule in Tibet since March last year, 18 of whom have died, and following banners that read "Burned for Tibet" and "Immolated for freedom," nearly 1000 Tibetans and supporters chanting slogans marched from the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station to Taipei 101. Fifiteen members of various Tibetan NGOs from India who are currently visiting Taiwan also have participated Taipei March.

Tibet was an independent country until the Chinese invasion in 1950, which turned us into refugees," Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Taiwan president Tenzin Chompel told demonstrators before they began their march. "Since 1950, we Tibetans have been fighting for our freedom, and recently 28 people set themselves on fire for our freedom and religion."

Tibetans have never ceased their resistance to Chinese occupation since the invasion in 1950. In 1959, a largescale uprising occurred, leading to a brutal crackdown by the Chinese, and the escape of the 14th Dalai Lama across the Himalayas into Tibet.

"For [exiled Tibetans'] right to go home and for the independence of our country, we will continue the struggle," Tenzin Chompel said.

Taiwan Friends of Tibet president Chow Mei-li called on Taiwanese to show their support for the Tibetans' struggle, because the majority of Taiwanese, like Tibetans, are Buddhists.

She also urged President Ma Ying-jeou's government to speak out on Tibet and current Chinese crackdowns in the Himalayan region.

"When President Ma keeps silent as Tibetans suffer, he is an accomplice," she said. "Ma should stop all cross-strait religious exchanges until China withdraws armed forces from Tibetan temples and monasteries."

A number of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politicians - including legislators Tuan Yi-kang, Yu Mei-nu, Chen Chieh-ju, Taipei City Councilor Chien Yu-yen, former Tainan County commissioner Su Huan-chih and DPP deputy secretary-general Kao Chien-chih - took part in the march.

"I'm ashamed to be the citizen of a country where government officials have close ties with Chinese officials and pretend they do not see what is happening in Tibet - I apologize to you [Tibetans] for it," Tuan said. "But I assure you that not all Taiwanese are cowards like our government officials."

Once the parade reached Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, all of the marchers lay down on the road in silence for three

minutes in memory of Tibetans who had sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

"When you lie on the street, think of the Tibetans who fell on the soil of Tibet because they were shot by Chinese troops as they took to the streets calling for freedom, just as we are doing now," one parade organizer said.

In addition to Tibetans and their Taiwanese supporters, there were participants from many countries.

"The Tibetan situation is getting more and more severe, and it's unacceptable to anyone in the world. That's why people in many countries around the world are taking to the streets today to express their support for Tibet," said Julie Couderc, a French national and doctoral student at National Taiwan University's Graduate Institute of National Development. "This is also why I feel that I must come here to stay with the Tibetans - human rights is the most fundamental thing."

Amnesty International Taiwan board member Tashi Tsering, an Indian-born Tibetan-Taiwanese, thanked the Taiwanese for their support, which, he said, made them proud of telling exiled Tibetans in India that they are from Taiwan.

"I've been in Taiwan for 14 years. Ten years ago, we felt ashamed to tell other Tibetans that we're from Taiwan, because at the time, no one knew about the Tibetan issue, and that the government considered Tibet an inseparable part of the Republic of China," Tashi said.

"Now we're proud to tell other Tibetans where we're from, because all Tibetans living in exile or within Tibet can see how supportive the Taiwanese are of our struggle for freedom," Tashi said.

The Tibet Post

Hundreds of People Commemorate Tibet's Uprising of 1959 in London

Hundreds of Tibetans and ‘Free Tibet’ supporters in London marching on 10th March 2012. Photo: TPI

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London: An ocean of Tibetan flags, banners and supporters marched through the busy streets of London amid a head-turning outpouring of solidarity as 53rd Anniversary of Tibetan national uprising was marked in Britain. Around 700 marched from 10 Downing Street through the busy streets of the capital, raising their voices, urgency and message of solidarity amid gaining support on the way to the Chinese embassy.

Amplifying the urgent message from Tibet into the hearts and minds of the British public and politicians, a peaceful march of solidarity marking the March 10th 1959 uprising, supporters sent a clear message: the world needs to act, Tibetans in Tibet will not be forgotten.

Kalon Tripa Awarded Gold Medal at Trinity College, Dublin... ...... Continues From front Page this award with deep humility on behalf of the Tibetan people, inside and outside Tibet. Thank you for giving this recognition to the Tibetan struggle. Any such recognition of support is very much appreciated and gives voice to the voiceless inside Tibet."

After giving an amusing and well received account of his upbringing in India, his 16 years spent in the United States of America, and his election last year as the Kalon Tripa, he summarised it all with: "From my parents selling one of their three cows for 500 rupees to send me to school to my becoming Kalon Tripa has been my destiny, my karma, and I will do the best I can. Ultimately, it will be the Tibetan spirit, the Tibetan pride that will carry our struggle forward, and it is a privilege and honour to serve the Tibetan people."

Self-Immolations Referring to the recent and growing number of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, he said: "Since 2009, 24 Tibetans have self-immolated - including 12 already in 2012 - and 14 have died, others have been badly injured and some have disappeared. Given a choice, anyone would live rather than die, to spend time with their parents, family and friends. But Tibetans are doing so because they have no other means of calling for freedom and for the return of the Dalai Lama. When you cannot have a peaceful demonstration, or paste up posters, or have a rally - when there is no possibility for protest without the likelihood of being arrested or shot, then their only way is self-immolation."

"In Tunisia, one led to the Arab Spring.

Our biggest worry is that self-immolators will become numbers, rather than human

beings with lives and families, just like us."

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama has always discouraged them and I also have appealed for them to refrain - but they continue to choose this method to send a message to the world: ‘We want our dignity'. The Chinese government, instead of responding positively and peacefully, has sent hundreds of truckloads of armed forces with guns into Tibet, journalists have been banned, and even Chinese people have been forbidden from visiting Tibet.

"We are concerned that many Tibetans will gather on the forthcoming 10th March and that they will be shot at. But we are still, after 50 years, committed to non-violence. This is one of our four principles. We seek genuine autonomy with the People's Republic of China in accordance with the Chinese Constitution. Yet still the hard-liners in Beijing respond with guns and violence."

"Tibet is also of global environmental importance - Asia's rivers begin in Tibet, which also has the world's third largest supply if ice - Tibet is the Earth's Third Pole. Already half of our pristine forests have been cut down and are lost for ever.

"The Tibetan struggle is real, it is tragic, and we are fighting against all odds. My job description is extremely difficult, but for thousands of year Tibetans have survived at the highest part of the world.

Genetically we are strong and our identity is strong and we will remain strong until our Dalai Lama returns to Tibet.

"In many ways our struggle is similar to the Irish experience. When the Good Friday Agreement was signed it was an inspiration to us. It proves that, step by step, reconciliation is possible where

many people think it is impossible. In that sense it is fitting that I am being recognised here in Ireland as a representative of the Tibetan people."

Universal Human Rights Asked to comment on Ireland's developing trade links with China, Dr Sangay said: "It is for the leaders of an individual country to decide how you want to define and determine your identity.

We do not want a negative relationship with any country, including China. If developing trade between Ireland and China helps people get out of poverty that is a good thing.

"But Ireland is also an example that human rights are universal. Ireland is founded on the principle of freedom and many fought and died for that principle. The question for Irish people is: how much do you treasure that principle?

"Human rights should be equally important to economic rights and profits.

Bread, butter and shelter are not all we ask for as human beings - because being human is more than that. What did Irish people fight and die for? Tibetans have the same aspirations as you."

Then asked: "What is the Chinese Government afraid of?" Dr Sangay replied: "That is a good question for Xi Jinping! There is nothing for them to be afraid of - the Chinese authorities have 2.5 million soldiers in Tibet, 3.0 million including paramilitary forces with automatic machine guns, for 6.0 million Tibetans, or one to every two Tibetans.

"We Tibetans are absolutely confident that our day will come - just as Ireland had its day, and Northern Ireland had its day."

Report by Tibet Support Group Ireland

A coalition of UK Tibet groups began outside Downing Street, where an official letter was handed over which called upon Prime Minister David Cameron to make a public statement on the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet. The letter urges China to ease tensions in Tibet by immediately withdrawing its armed forces from Tibetan regions, and for Prime Minister Cameron to personally ask President Hu Jintao to allow international observers, world media and humanitarian agencies into Tibet.

Traffic stopped and shoppers stared, as the peaceful march led its way past the iconic Trafalgar Square, through the busy shopping centre of Oxford Street, and finally to the Chinese Embassy at Portland Place.

A minute of silence was held for those suffering under Chinese rule in Tibet, and the revered Geshe Tashi sung a prayer (tse may yonten) written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The performance of a Tibetan song of unity, which was originally written by a Tibetan songwriter and has since become an anthem both in and outside the Land of Snows, was performed to the awestruck audience of protesters and passers-by.

A statement by Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) Lobsang Sangay was read to those gathered, which emphasised how non-violence and democracy are two of the constant principles of the Tibetan struggle. It stated: ‘I also call on old and new friends alike to re-invigorate the Tibet support groups around the world, we need you more than ever at this critical time. To our dear brothers and sisters in Tibet, you are always in our hearts. In our hearts we will walk side by side with you until freedom is restored, and when His Holiness Dalai Lama returns to Tibet.'

A passionate speech was led by Tsering Pasang, who last month convened a group of UK based Tibetans, meeting with representatives of the Foreign and Commonwealth office and the London based European Council in the UK. In his rallying speech, he stated: "Tibetan freedom! Tibetan justice! More and more Tibetans and Tibet supporters are informing the public about the situation in Tibet. We are calling for international intervention; such actions have had a positive effect. Today, on the 53rd anniversary of the national uprising, outside the Chinese embassy, I wish to say to those in Beijing: your Chinese economy sucks! Your attempt to wipe out the nomadic and peaceful Tibetan culture is not only sickening, it is Continues on Page 5 ...

TPI TIBET’S UPRISING DAY

The Tibet Post

Australians Support Tibetan March 10th National Uprising Day

Mr. Thupten Dhondup is among the Austrian supporters and Tibetans in Melbourne, 10th March 2012. Photo: TPI

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Melbourne: Across Australia today Tibetan community members and supporters have joined the worldwide commemorations of the March 10 Uprising that occurred in 1959, a decade after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Today marks the 53rd anniversary of the Uprising and the ensuing deadly crackdown by Chinese authorities, as well as the 4th anniversary of similarly suppressed uprisings in 2008 in the lead-up to the controversial Beijing Olympics.

Here in Melbourne, the large group congregated on the steps of Parliament to hear several key speeches by Community leader Thupten Dhondup, Federal MP Kelvin Thomson, as well as a representative for Australian Greens MP Michael Danby, and George Woo and Frank Ruanjie of the Chinese Democratic Party. Safeguarded by

members of the Federal Police and Protective Services, they marched from Parliament through the busy streets to the Chinese Consulate to continue the demonstration.

Mr Thomson acknowledged the immense suffering of the people in Tibet and noted that the recent string of tragic self-immolations was a sign of desperation and a cause for concern, adding that "China is becoming very powerful, but with power comes responsibility". His address was followed by a message of solidarity on behalf of Greens MP Michael Danby, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. Mr Danby's representative spoke of the Greens' continuing support for Tibet and the hope of future meetings with H.H. the Dalai Lama, regardless of the feelings of the Liberal and Labor parties on the

...... Continues From Page 4 unsustainable! Your attempt to silence the voices of the Tibetan people, who call for freedom, democracy and the return of the Dalai Lama have not succeeded, and these will never succeed in the future. You can kill and torture Tibetans but you will never break our spirit. We will uncover your lies. We will tear down your great firewalls. We will see the end of communism in Tibet. We will resist. And we will rise'.

‘Tibetans in Tibet, we are with you!'

Director of Students for a free Tibet UK, Pema Yoko inspirationally called upon Tibetans and supports in exile, urging the public to: ‘Pick up your phones, lobby your MPs: Put pressure on China.' She added: ‘Tibetans in Tibet have seen what's happened in Libya, and Syria, they want to be there today, people around the world are saying the time is up for the dictators: Tibetans in Tibet are saying time is up for China. Every time they light that flame and immolating, they are hoping that this time, their suffering will speak out to the world. Tibet will be free, we will gain our independence, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return to the Potala Palace. Bhoe gyalo!'

The day of solidarity concluded in London with the Tibetan national anthem. Tenzin Tsephel of Students for a Free Tibet UK highlighted the success of the event: ‘Tibetans inside Tibet instead of taking on arms, they are making the ultimate sacrifice they can make, to use

themselves: to set themselves on fire and offer their lives for freedom. It's been 53 years since Tibetan since Tibetans rose up against Chinese rule, we are really pleased with how many came to show their support, not just Tibetans but a huge variety of supporters'.

Across Britain growing support was pursued for Tibet, amid a week of lobbying Members of Parliament. The 53rd anniversary was observed in Edinburgh with a peace walk, to mark the Tibetan National Uprising, and flowers were laid along with pictures of Tibetans that have been killed or selfimmolated outside the Edinburgh Chinese embassy.

Since January this year 13 Tibetans have set themselves alight amid a worsening crisis; 11 have been known to have died.

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

5

Taiwanese Lawmakers To Honor March Uprising Day of Tibet

By The Tibet Post International

Taipei: Two Taiwanese DPP Legislators Chen Chiech-Ju and Wu Yi-chen speaks out for Tibet in Taiwan's congress, on 9 March 2012. Taiwanese Minister Luo Ying-shay came under fire Saturday for turning down an invitation from lawmakers to take part in a parade tomorrow to mark the 53rd anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.

Will you join me in the parade to show your support for Tibetans' struggle for freedom?" Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Tuan Yi-kang asked Luo during a question-andanswer session at a meeting of the legislature's Internal Administration Committee. Finally four Taiwan lawmakers will join in the parade to mark 53rd Tibetan National Uprising Day in the capital on Sunday.

According to a report by Taipei Times, Luo said Saturday that she fully understood the situation in Tibet and sympathized with the Tibetans in their struggle, but declined to join the parade.

"I will not take part in it. I am a government official, and I have to take everything into consideration. I will not take part in such a politically oriented event," she said, adding that despite her decision, she would not intervene if other commission staff wanted to join the march. Her response drew criticism not only from Tuan, but also from other DPP and Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) lawmakers.

DPP and TSU lawmakers also condemned Taiwanese government for not wanting to take part in Sunday's parade and for not making an official statement condemning human rights matter.

From the Chinese Democratic Party, Mr George Woo addressed his "Tibetan brothers and sisters", telling them "It is not only Tibetans who are suffering, but also the Chinese. We need to show the world that Chinese and Tibetans are suffering, and who's to blame- the CPC [or CCP]". Others who attended the demonstration included Alison Ribush of the Australia-Tibet Council, and Sonam Dolkar, President of the Melbourne branch of the Tibetan Women's Association.

Commemorative demonstrations were also held at the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, the nation's capital, Sydney's Martin Place, Chinatown in Brisbane, and Perth. A silent vigil was also held in front of Parliament House in Hobart. The demonstration in Sydney drew particular attention, and appeared on the national television programme SBS World News Australia later in the evening.

Monks Arrested .....

Taiwanese DPP Legislators Chen Chiech visiting Tibetans protesters in Taipei, Taiwan.

Photo: TPI

violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Tuan Yi-kang strongly urged other congress members to join four lawmakers in the parade to show their support for Tibetans' struggle for

freedom. DPP and TSU lawmakers also condemned Taiwanese government for not wanting to take part in Sunday's parade and for not making an official statement condemning human rights violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet.

Tibetan Supporters in Hong Kong to Honor Uprising Day

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Hong Kong: - Supporters of the Tibetan cause intend to hold a candlelight vigil in the cultural center of Tsim Sha Tsui on March 10 to honor the 53rd Uprising Day since thousands of Tibetans chose to rise up against the Chinese Invasion of Tibet, according to a press release by The United Nations for a Free Tibet.

These supporters in Hong Kong join human rights activists in over 30 countries to stand in solidarity against the increasingly dire situation inside of Tibet instigated by the oppressive policies of the Chinese Government.

They intend to hold a candlelight vigil to honor Tibetans who have given the ultimate sacrifice in order to protest against Chinese rule.

"As Tibetans in Tibet continue to resist China's violent regime to the point of taking their own lives in protest, we go to the streets to ensure that their calls for freedom echo around the world." said Dorothy Hui, one of the Candlelight Vigil organizers in Hong Kong, " We share the pain of the self-immolated Tibetan martyrs and condemn the PRC's suppression in Tibet."

"On 10 March 2012, We commemorate Tibet Uprising day. The history of resistance of Tibet is rich with the stories of heroes, inside and outside of Tibet.

All of them deserve to be remembered and become an inspiration for continuing struggles against China's occupation." said Brigitte von Bulow, chair of United

Nations for a Free Tibet."We vow to intensify our efforts in support of Tibetans who are engaging in resistance to take back their freedom. We call on world governments to intensify their efforts to create multilateral pressure on China and immediately end its siege on the Tibetan nation before more lives are lost."

China has recently announced that it's intending to prepare for "war" against "Tibetan Saboteurs" who are aspiring to destroy their nation from within.

A recent document released by the UN expressed concerns about Chinese Human rights abuses, and recommended that a fact-finding delegation be sent into Tibet. Additionally, it concluded that Chinese policies "Not only curtails the right to freedom of religion or belief, but further exacerbate the existing tensions, and are counterproductive."

Since 2009, twenty-six Tibetans have committed self-immolation protests against the Chinese government. Their frustration echoes the same sentiments of those who partook in the original Uprising Day.

Students Arrested in Kathmandu

...... Continues From front Page here. On the 16th of December, 2011 police entered the monastery to investigate a similar incident, with one monk under suspicion.

That same monk, Kelsang Tsultrim age 19, disappeared one month later, on the 15th of January 2012. Inititally, Kelsang's father, Ang Juk, friends, and family suspected that he had escaped.

However, they have not heard from him since then and now believe he had been arrested by Chinese authorities.

On the same day, January 15th, the

Chinese also arrested four other monks, Choeying Jampa and Choeying Lobga, who were detained and interrogated for ten days; and Choeying Lojam and Choepel, who were given a sentence of undetermined duration a the beginning of February. Choeying Lojam and Choepel were initially arrested for having contraband images on their laptops, namely pictures of the self immolations at Ngaba Kirti Monastery.

They are being held in the Nagchoe county prison.

...... Continues From front Page protests which have occurred since 2009.

During their detention, the students staged an unsuccessful hunger strike in order to appeal for their release.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern for ongoing denial of human rights to Tibetans in Nepal who attend pro-Tibetan or anti-Chinese rallies. The UN body monitoring human rights in

Nepal was closed December 8, 2011.

The United Nations Council on Human Rights has chided Nepal for its ongoing denial of human rights to Tibetan refugees, particularly their denial of the right to gather to Tibetans and Nepalis of Tibetan origin.

The Nepal government, who has strong economic ties with the Chinese, officially recognizes that Tibet is a part of China.

6

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

UN Special Rapporteur challenges China's forced resettlement policy in Tibet

Mr. Olivier De Schutter. Photo: AP

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

GENEVA, 6 March: The UN Special Rapporteur right to food Mr. Olivier De Schutter this afternoon challenged China's forced resettlement policy in Tibet during the interactive debate at the UN Human Rights Council 19th Session in Geneva.

"I believe there are many serious problems in China and not least the situation of herders in Tibet," he said.

The Special Rapporteur's China report was released on 20 January 2012. It called for the suspension of the nonvoluntary resettlement of Tibetan nomadic herders from their traditional lands. And said China must improve employment opportunities, education and health services in "new socialist" villages, in order to enable the realization of the right to adequate food of all resettled rural habitants. He visited China in December 2010. (Read report) The report urged China to "allow for

meaningful consultations to take place with the affected communities, permitting parties to examine all available options, including recent strategies of sustainable management of marginal pastures."

During the interactive debate the European Union said, "We are concerned about the impact of these resettlements on Tibetan nomads, herders and other rural residents, and would like to hear more about whether the SR has been able to engage the Chinese authorities with the view to the implementation of these recommendations."

The Chinese delegation expressed concerns about the content of the report. China rejected the allegations made by the Human Rights Watch and Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in their oral statements.

The delegation said that the nomadic

herders were resettled to improve the sustainable economic and social developments in the region and has been widely supported by farmers and herders. The resettlement of nomads and herders in China's Western provinces including Tibet were "very popular polices".

In response, the Special Rapporteur made references to a September 2011 Xinhua news report which said, "Most of the new migrants still miss their nomadic lives, yearning to listen to the yaks and tread the grasslands of their ancestral home."

He said the Xinhua news report quoted a Tibetan saying that his family now lives on an annual governmental subsidies that is "less than the price of two yaks. Everything is so expensive here in town."

The Special Rapporteur said the figures he had given - 200,000 nomads in Qinghai resettlement program alone, 64,000 families since 2009. And the plan is to move 50,000 Tibetan nomads to be resettlement by end of 2012 were data from China's official News Agency Xinhua.

"This policy of forcible resettlement demonstrating that this is very largescale development," he said.

Mr. Schutter said that the resettlement policies were failing because since March 2011, 25 Tibetans self-immolated in protest against the policies that are implemented in this region. He said 18 of the 25 who burned themselves were actually herders forcibility resettled in the new socialist villages. "This I have to say is not compatible with the idea that these would be I quote "very popular polices", he said.

Responding to Chinese delegation statement that the Special Rapporteur hadn't been to Tibet, he said, "I am told that I can't comment on this because I cannot travel to Tibet."

In his final remark he said "regularly the communication system, internet,

The Tibet Post

US Under Secretary of State raises Tibetan issue at UN

At the UN Human Rights Council, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Maria Otero, expressed that the US is concerned over Sri Lanka as “time is slipping away� and requested that the LLRC recommendations be implemented.

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

GENEVA: Ms Maria Otero, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights addressed the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva this morning.

Expressing US Government's grave concern at the current situation in Tibet, Ms Otero said, "Lastly, the United States remains gravely concerned about recent violence and continuing tensions in Tibetan areas of China. We call on all governments including China to respect the fundamental freedoms of religion

phones, sms are blocked and that Tibet is currently completely closed to independent observes including the media, in fact BBC journalist was threatened with expulsion if he reported on Tibet.

and expression of all of its citizens including members of ethnic minorities."

She said human rights have universal application. All governments must respect the human rights of individuals, protect the ability of individuals to exercise their rights, and create mechanisms for transparent and accountable governance.

Ms Otero also serves as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the US Statement Department. Mr. Tenzin S Kayta, Tibet Bureau in Geneva's Human Rights Officer thanked Ms. Otero for her statement on Tibet at the UN. His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Geneva Representative Mr. Tseten S Chhoekyapa and Mr. Kayta briefed the US Mission in Geneva's Human Rights officials the present situation in Tibet in run up to the UN Human Rights Council's 19th session - 27 February to 23 March 2012.

Taiwan Free Tibet Festival Highlights Day of International Protest

Tibetans from Tibetan NGOs and Media in exile seen meeting with general secretary of Taiwan Solidarity Union, Taipei, 9th March 2012. Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibetpost

Taipei: - The Free Tibet cultural festival in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, has been running since the end of February and is due to conclude on March 11, following an international day of protest about the Tibet situation on March 10.

The Tibet Post International's Editor, YC. Dhardhowa, interviewed four of the festival's organizer and Tibetan participants.

Chow Mei-li, Chair of Taiwan Friends of Tibet "I'm Taiwanese. I've been working on Tibetan issues in Taiwan for four years. Taiwan Friends of Tibet was the first Tibet support group in

Taiwan. Our members are all Taiwanese people who are concerned about the freedom and struggle of Tibet.

"The 2012 Free Tibet Festival was organized with Dark Eyes Performance Lab. My idea was to bring many different types of Tibetan culture to Taiwanese people at the same time.

The festival started at the end of February and goes on till March 11, highlighting the March 10 rally.

"We intend to introduce more Taiwanese people to Tibetan culture, through films, dancing, performance, drama, singing and many different talks.

"The response from Taiwanese people has been quite good. Many Taiwanese friends came to our events frequently -like they became old friends and really showed interest and support. Hopefully we want to collect more people for the March 10 rally this year.

"This is the first time we have invited so many people from the exile community in India. It's really a tough job for us and very difficult to arrange so many things, especially at the same time. Even when we were applying for the visas, there were so many difficulties but we are glad that we conquered all the problems, went through all the obstacles and difficulties, and the event was presented to Taiwanese people well.

"The concert, more than 500 people attended. They were all enjoying the show. For many, it was their first time to hear Tibetan songs. We were quite happy with the result.

"We are very happy because the festival was designed to reach out to many different audiences - people who love music, people who love dancing, people who love reading - whatever. I think this is a good way to present the Tibet issue.

"Before, we always collected people who were more politically oriented Taiwanese advocates who are also concerned about human rights in

Tibet. At this event, we tried to reach out to different kinds of people, though many different forms of culture. That was one of the most important successes. " Dorje Tseten, President of All-India Students for a Free Tibet "I met Taiwanese students here and other members of the younger generation. We talked about the responsibilities of the Tibet struggle for Tibetans all over the world. I visited three Taiwanese universities and plan to visit some more.

"Three or four days ago, we met seven Taiwanese members of parliament. They were very concerned about the Tibet issue and we talked about the recent self-immolations. We displayed the Tibetan flag in the Taiwanese parliament. Tomorrow, March 10, we plan to stage a big demonstration in Taipei.

"We are particularly concerned to explain the Tibet situation to Taiwanese university students and to build ongoing relationships with them."

Ngawang Wober, Ex-president Gu-ChuSum Movement of Tibet "I came to discuss environmental issues in Tibet. On March 8, we presented a drama. We also met the nominated chair of the Taiwan Democratic Progressive party and discussed the 26 Tibetan people who have self-immolated, and the many Tibetans who are being held

in Chinese prisons. Tomorrow, March 10, I will be joining the demonstration in Taipei.

"A member of Taiwan's Green Party attended my talk on Tibet's environment. He said that responsibility for Tibet's environmental problems should be taken by the whole world, and that he will attend the International Environment Conference 2012 and raise these issues.

"He asked me to provide documentation, so I gave him information on the melting of the glaciers and on mining."

Gang Lhamo, General Secretary of GuChu-Sum Movement of Tibet.

"I have visited four universities, including two visits each to the two most famous universities in Taiwan.

When I spoke on the Tibet issue, most students didn't show much concern because they had not received much information about it."

On Saturday, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Tuan Yi-kang atrongly urged Taiwan congress members to join her in the parade to show support for Tibetans' struggle for freedom. DPP and TSU lawmakers also condemned Taiwanese goverment for not wanting to take part in Sunday's parade and for not making an official statement condemning human rights violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet.

The Tibet Post

TPI INTERNATIONAL

Tibet: Rights Violations- UN intervention is Necessary: Andrikiene MEP

Tibetan national flags set up at European Parliament. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Brussels: - "The human rights situation in Tibet is becoming critical. Since February 2011, twenty-six Tibetans monks, students, and women - have set themselves on fire in protest of the ongoing repressions and denial of the basic rights of the Tibetan people including freedom of religion", said Laima Andrikiene. MEP who has been attending the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Ms Andrikiene pointed out the latest three cases of self-immolation including 18-year-old Dorjee, who set fire to himself and died on 5 March in Eastern Tibet. This was the third self-immolation in a row in March 2012. On 3 March, Tsering Kyi, a 20-year-old student, set

herself on fire in Nyima Town. On 4 March, Rinchen, aged 32, a widowed mother of four children, set herself on fire in front of the police station, which has been established by the main gate into Kirti Monastery, Ngaba.

"We are raising our voices in support of the fundamental rights of Tibetan people at this critical time. The Chinese Government must immediately and unconditionally release all Tibetan political prisoners. The persecution of Tibetans for their legitimate demands of freedom of religion and their fundamental rights is not only in contradiction with the principles of humanity, but is a clear infringement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights", stated Laima Andrikiene who

is a long-serving Member of the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the European Parliament.

Tibetans, especially in Eastern Tibet, are increasingly, but peacefully, showing their resistance to the continued brutal suppression by the Chinese authorities. According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy based in Dharamsala, India, there are over 830 known political prisoners in Tibet. On 23, 24 and 26 January 2012 the Chinese police fired on hundreds of Tibetans who had gathered peacefully to protest against the deteriorating situation and serious violations of their basic rights. At least five Tibetans were killed by the Chinese police gunfire, over sixty were injured and many more were arrested.

"It is unacceptable and deplorable that the Chinese Government is hindering the access of six UN Special Rapporteurs to visit the affected Tibetan areas, which are under Chinese rule, following the March 2008 uprisings. The United Nations should make the visit of these people possible, including the visit of the Special Rapporteur on religious freedom or belief, seeing as China invited him in 2004. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Hon. Navanethem Pillay, should also have the deteriorating situation in Tibet high on her agenda, and we look forward to hearing her voice in defence of the innocent people of Tibet", stressed Laima Andrikiene.

UNHRC Publishes Statement on Discrimination Faced by Tibetans in Tibet

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Geneva: - The Secretary-General of the United Nations Human Rights council has published a written statement regarding Chinese Human Rights abuses inside of Tibet and issued a recommendation that a fact-finding delegation be sent to investigate discriminatory practices committed against Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians inside of China.

The published document details many different kinds of discrimination experienced by Tibetans inside of Tibet, and criticizes The People's Republic of China for using increasingly discriminatory practices against both the Tibetan population and those who practice the Buddhist faith since 2008.

It not only gives numerous examples of legal discrimination, it places great criticism on China's attempts to vilify The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, who monks and nuns are legally required to denounce in order to continue practicing their faith.

It also attacks China's legal attempt to regulate the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

The Chinese Government's restrictive policies, "not only curtail the right of religion or belief, but further exacerbate existing tensions, and are counterproductive," said Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt, the Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Religion and Belief The document claims that all of the selfimmolation protests have been directly related to oppressive Chinese policies, and that The People's Republic of China has continuously ignored recommendations made by the UN's Human Rights Council.

It criticizes the Chinese authorities for disregarding laws on Regional Ethnic Autonomy by ignoring clauses that require areas within Tibet to be administrated by native Tibetans.

Additionally, it critiques China's policies regarding restrictions on teaching the

Tibetan language in schools.

The document continues by detailing discriminatory law enforcement against the Tibetan people, particularly citing the "excessive use of force following the 2008 demonstrations that swept across the Tibetan Plateau," which saw a "disproportionate use of force against ethnic Tibetans." The document also cites the maltreatment of Tibetans detained for participation in the uprising.

It continues on to describe discriminatory law practices against protesting monks at Labrang Monasteries, one of whom are currently serving a fifteen year prison sentence, another of whom is spending life in prison. Family members of these monks were denied the right to visit them during the pre-trial period.

At Kirti monastery, two monks were given long jail terms for attempting to protect a monk who had self-immolated. They were charged with "intentional homicide" and denied the right to choose their lawyer, and information regarding their whereabouts is being denied from their family.

The document also states that, like these monks, many Tibetans are denied the right to choose their lawyer, including two Tibetans who were executed. It also claims that many lawyers are actually threatened with disbarment if they choose to represent Tibetans.

The declaration also cites unfair use of force by Chinese police in a number of situations in which they fired into crowds of unarmed protesters. Several towns are currently being placed under undeclared martial law.

Finally, the document describes economic discrimination against Tibetans, who are

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

7

Tibetan Political Leader Meets Presidents of South Tyrol and Trento

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Milan, 28 February: There is a deep and strong friendship between our people, said President Luis Durnwalder of South Tyrol Autonomous Region in Italy to Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay this morning. "It is good to know that a young and dynamic leader will continue this friendship," he said.

South Tyrol has three ethnic groups and the autonomy status had bought peace and security in the province.

China can learn from the South Tyrol model of autonomy said President Durnwalder.

Kalon Tripa said that the unique autonomous status that South Tyrol enjoys is well known amongst the exile Tibetan Community.

The Tibetan political leader met with South Tyrol Provincial Council President Mauro Minniti. Council President Minniti said the visit of the Kalon Tripa is very important in highlighting the suffering of the Tibetan people. South Tyrol knows the suffering of the Tibetan people and democracy cannot be denied to anyone.

In the afternoon, Kalon Tripa called on President Lorenzo Dellai of the Autonomous Region of Trento. The President congratulated Kalon Tripa on his successful election and said he has been monitoring the tragic situation in Tibet. He further said he have supported the Tibetans in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay Meets Presidents of South Tyrol and Trento, 28th Feb 2012. Photo: TPI

Kalon Tripa also met President Bruno Dorigatti of Trento Provincial Council.

Then Kalon Tripa inaugurated a photo exhibition "The resistance of Tibet" in the lobby of the Provincial Council.

During his meetings with the leaders of South Tyrol and Trento, Kalon Tripa said that the continued repression in Tibet by the Chinese authorities had resulted in more protest from the Tibetans. The situation in Tibet is very grim with increasing number of selfimmolations. Total of 23 selfimmolations have taken place since February 2009 of which 15 have died.

Before leaving for Milan, Kalon Tripa spoke at the around table discussion organized by the University of Trento on "The autonomy and Tibet".

The Tibetan political leader said that Tibetans are seeking a genuine autonomy within the Peopleยนs Republic of China. He said China had given autonomy to Hong Kong and Macao.

China is ready to give autonomy to Taiwan. Why isnยนt China willing to give autonomy to the Tibetans?

On his arrival in Milan around 9pm, over 50 Tibetans welcomed Kalon Tripa at the Ghe Pel Ling Center Tibetan Buddhist Centre. After dinner, Kalon Tripa addressed the members of the Tibetan community.

Kalon Tripa thanked the Tibetan community for taking part in various global joint initiatives on Tibet and asked the community members to continue their active participation in the Tibetan issue.

Report sent by Office of Tibet, Geneva

often the victims of discriminatory hiring practices and wage gaps with Han Chinese. It also cites the resettlement of nomads who practice sustainable lifestyles into sedentary communities.

A recommendation has been issued by the Council to the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to both closely monitor the situation faced by Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians and to seek a fact finding mission to China.

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Advicer Advicer Editor in Chief Chinese Editor Project Manager Tibetan Editor Assistant Editor Circular Publisher Editor, Tibet Post Europe Designer

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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Ms. Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Mr. Sangay Dorjee Ms. Pema Tso Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Sonam Sangay Mr. James Dunn Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Dane Holding

Carly Selby-James Samuel Ivo Liz Delehant Dennis Barbion Rajeshwari K Gillian stewart YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

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8

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

Tibetans Protest at UN Information Centre, Delhi

Tsultrim Dorjee Rangzen, a Tibetan student from Delhi University injured himself by hitting a stone on his head. Photo: RTYC

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: Yesterday, under the leadership of RTYC Rohini and RTYC Samyeling Delhi, approximately 200 Tibetans staged a protest at UN Information Centre.

Their protest was in solidarity with the people in Tibet and in support of the three Tibetans who are on indefinite hunger strike at UN headquarters in New York.

TPI EXLIE The crowd gathered at the main gate in Delhi and shouted "UN: Tibet is burning! UN: we need your response! and UN: we need justice!".

A number of University students attempted to jump over the police barricades placed in front of the gate while many protesters were in tears out of frustration and desperation at their situation.

Tsultrim Dorjee Rangzen, a Tibetan student from Delhi University, harmed himself in protest, casting a stone onto his own head. The result was a severe head wound, yet it did not stop Tsultrim from continuing to loudly protest against the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

This, among many other examples of self sacrifice, is a clear sign of "growing frustration and increasing impatience among many Tibetans, especially among the younger generation".

Three members of RTYC Delhi presented a petition to the chairman of the UN Information Centre to be given to the general secretary of the UN. The crowd dispersed after almost two hours of protest, concluding with the singing of the Tibetan national anthem.

TWA Mourns the Self-Immolation of Two Women

Tibetans and supporters take out a candle light vigil in Dharamshala in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators inside Tibet on March 5, 2012. Photo: TPI

By The Tibetpost International

Dharamsala, March 05, 2011: The Tibetan Women's Association, and its global network of regional chapters, called for a candlelight vigil this evening to mourn the deaths of two Tibetan women over the weekend: Rinchen (33), and Tsering Kyi (19), in Amdo, Eastern Tibet.

Yesterday, Richen, a widowed mother of 4 children from Ngaba, died after setting herself alight in front of a Chinese police surveillance station at the main gate of the Kirti monastery.

She called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for freedom in Tibet. On Saturday, March 3, Tsering Kyi, a student from the Tibetan middle School in Machu, set herself ablaze at the vegetable market in Tro Kho Menma Shang village.

Dolkar Kyab, a Machu native and member of Tibetan Parliament in exile, said that there is tightened security and communications blackout throughout Machu. Every Tibetan household is being checked and the Tibetan middle school is under strict surveillance.

The subsequent incidences mark the

first self-immolations by laywomen in Tibet's history. On October 17, 2011, nun Tenzin Wangmo (20) from Dechen Chokorling, near Ngaba town, called for religious freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama as she set herself on fire and died outside of the nunnery.

On November 3, 2011, in Tawu, Kardze, 35-year-old Palden Choetso of Gaden Choeling Nunnery died after she self-immolated and shouted "Tibetans will reunite soon" and "long life for His Holiness the Dalai Lama," and called for basic human rights in Tibet. On February 11 of this year, a nun from Dechen Chokorling, Tenzin Choedron (18), died after setting light to her self near the nunnery while shouting slogans of protest against the Chinese government.

Since Tapey's self immolation on February 27, 2009, 24 additional selfimmolations have been carried out.

TWA mourns the death of 18 martyrs who died in self-immolation protests, and continues to express grave concern regarding the conditions of

the 7 martyrs whose status is either unknown or involves hospitalization and the denial of family visitation rights.

TWA remains grossly worried over the fact that since last year, Tibet has remained under lockdown with a heavy military presence. We fear for those living under the constant threat of arbitrary detentions, disappearances, and the ruthless military control of Tibetan areas.

The two self-immolations took place on the eve of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) parliamentary meeting commencing today, where Tibetan unrest is expected to reach the debate table.

TWA urges the Chinese government to address the genuine aspirations and demands of the 25 martyrs who burnt their bodies in the name of ‘freedom for Tibet' and for the ‘return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet'.

TWA requests global intervention to save Tibetan lives: "We ask world governments to apply multilateral pressure and take action against China to end the crackdown and allow free press inside Tibet. We call on the honorable Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to visit the troubled areas in Tibet and assess the situation with a fact-finding mission".

TWA sends a message to Tibetans and supporters to commemorate the upcoming 53rd anniversary of the National Tibetan Women's Uprising on March 12 and partake in TWA global actions on the day, honoring female martyrdom and lending a voice to the growing female resistance in Tibet against Chinese oppression.

TWA believes that the steadfast, undeterred presence of Tibetan women and their resilience in the face of oppression encourages this selfsustaining struggle to rise against injustices and a repressive regime.

The Tibet Post

Dalai Lama: India Can Make Significant Spiritual Contribution

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

DHARAMSHALA: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today visited Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College as the Chief Guest of IAPSMCON 2012, 39th Annual National Conference of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine 2012 in Tanda at Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

The Conference with the title of "Epidemiological Transition: Are We Up to the Challenge" is organized by the Department of Community Medicine of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College from 2729 February 2012. More than 900 medical delegates from all over India, consisting of 24 States and 3 Union Territories of India, and Nepal, are participating in the conference.

His Holiness began his speech by stating that, when he first arrived in Dharamshala in 1960, there were only two shops in Mcleod Ganj. But now after five decades, there is huge development with restaurants and hotels. Along with such development, "Education centres are very important, particularly Medical Centres".

His Holiness stated that medical service, if done with warm heartedness and sense of responsibility, "is one of the best spiritual practice in helping others cure pain and problems".

His Holiness the Dalai Lama eulogized "in terms of cultural and philosophical prospect, India is the most advanced country...thousand years of religious harmony and Ahimsa in India is very much relevant in today's world...Indians brothers and sisters, you should feel proud of your rich cultural heritage".

Audience listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the program (Photo: Sangye Kyap) Wherever he goes, His Holiness considers himself as a messenger of Indian thoughts and spirit, that is Ahimsa.

On His Holiness' earlier claim of Son of India, some Chinese interpret it as

His Holiness gestures during the 39th Annual National Conference of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine 2012 at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda.

Photo: Tenzin Choejor/ OHHDL

political. But His Holiness says, "Every particle of my brain is filled by Nalanda thoughts," and "still I consider myself as a student of Buddhist Philosophy."

Physically, His Holiness said that he has survived by Indian dal, rice and chapati for the last 50 years. So, His Holiness claims that it was not a mere political statement.

Regarding corruption, India being a religious minded nation, where "you believe in spirituality, worshiping gods almost every day, but in real life, not concern about corruption. It is quite a pity and a big contradiction." says His Holiness.

His Holiness stressed that "corruption is also a form of violence. If you truly believe in Ahimsa, then you will live a honest and truthful life". On the contrary, "If you are hypocrite and corrupted, then the individual can not live a honest life."

"With rich tradition and philosophy as a strong backbone, younger generation of India must build this country." His Holiness acknowledges that with high moral values and hard works, India can make a significant contribution on this planet. In Future, India can become a good model for the rest of the world.

Dr. Tsering Wangchuk, Kalon of the Department of Health, Dr. Tsetan Dorjee, Chief Medical Officer of Delek Hospital and Mr. Dawa Phunkyi, member of Parliament attended the program.

Tibetans Detained in Kathmandu Stage Hunger Strike

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Kathmandu: - Reuters has reported that Thirteen Tibetans who were detained earlier this week for protesting against the Chinese occupation of Tibet in front of The United Nations building have begun a hunger strike in protest of their arrest.

The detainees claim that their detention is a violation of fundamental human rights, and have begun their hunger strike in order to procure their release.

The protesters were demanding that The United Nations send a fact-finding committee into Tibet to investigate Chinese human rights abuses.

In addition, the protesters sought to raise awareness about the increasingly dire situation inside of Tibet, which has resulted in the self-immolation protests of roughly twenty-four Tibetans since 2009, a great number of which have

occurred in recent.

Nepal, which is home to 20,000 documented Tibetans, has come under increasing pressure from China to crack down on pro-Tibetan and anti-Chinese protests, which have increased in recent months in the wake of numerous selfimmolation protests within Tibet.

Nepal, which trades heavily with and receives a great deal of aid from China, officially recognizes Tibet as a part of China.

TPI

The Tibet Post

Tibet In the spotlight: Tibetan Culture Day in Brussels

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

Brussel: On Sunday 4th of March 2012, the Tibetan Cultural Center in Belgium has organised a very successful Tibetan Culture Day in Brussels. About 100 people participated in this interesting cultural event at "Le Cercle" in Etterbeek, among them several representatives of Tibet organisations and quite a lot Belgian Tibet supporters.

Everyone was welcomed warmly with a cup of Tibetan butter tea, and meanwhile a video was shown with traditional Tibetan dancing and singing. Before the programme started, the participants enjoyed the butter tea and took a look at the small exhibition in the hall and some craft stalls. The different kinds of Tibetan hand writing were exposed on a wall, and at one of the stands people could buy a Tibetan calender of the New Tibetan Water Dragon Year 2139 or a poster with vegetables and fruits with the Tibetan names.

Mrs. Kelsang of the Tibetan Cultural Center gave a welcoming speech and asked the participants to go to the garden of the hall together, for the fire offering and prayers led by two Tibetan monks. According to a very old tradition, everyone took a little bit tsampa, roasted barley flour, to throw in the air, an expression of good wishes for your own and others happiness and the overcoming of all obstacles.

Back inside the hall, a picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was placed by the monks on a beautiful throne.

Khatas, silk scarves, were offered to honour the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.

Afterwards, everyone was asked to stand up for the Tibetan National Anthem. Earlier, a paper with the phonetic lyrics of the National Anthem was given to the westerners, to sing along. Afterwards one symbolic minute of silence was asked, to commemorate all the Tibetan victims who have died.

After this, Mrs. Kelsang explained why this Tibetan Culture Day was organised: "This cultural event is not organised for fun or our amusement.

The situation in Tibet is very difficult now, so it's not the time to have a party.

The Tibetan Cultural Center wants to present the rich Tibetan culture and today we want to show different aspects of our precious culture, that's the reason why this event is organised."

More prayers were done by the two monks, throat singing, prayers with a very deep voice that is so typical in

Tibetan rituals, and Tibetan chanting.

Mr. Lhakpa Tsering announced a video about the activities of the Tibetan Cultural Center (TCC) in Belgium, an association that is established in November 2008. The TCC has set up three Tibetan schools, in three different cities in Belgium. For several years already, the Tibetan children who are living in Belgium attend weekly classes in which the Tibetan culture and history is taught, but also the Tibetan language, singing and dancing and dharma classes, lessons about buddhism and compassion. At present there are 60 students. All the people involved in the TCC are volunteers, even the teachers of the Tibetan schools. Once a month around 40 students between 15-20 years attend the dharma classes, each time at another place, for example at the Tibetan buddhist temple in Brussels or the library in Antwerpen via Skype with Khenpo Yugyal from Esukhia in Dharamsala. Each year, a one week summer camp is organised for the children. During this week, the children also get lessons, but of course there's also enough time for recreation, games, music and sport activities. The parents of the children are closely involved with the TCC, because the association also organises meetings with the parents on a regular base, to discuss one and another.

After a short speech in Tibetan by the representative of the Office of Tibet in Brussels, a part of the children of the Tibetan schools performed a nice song, "Om mani padme hum". On a poster they all showed one syllable of "Om mani padme hum" in Tibetan. The children wore a very colourful and beautiful chupa, a Tibetan dress.

Then lunch was served, it was a delicious Tibetan-Indian buffet, with rice, noodles, vegetables, chicken tandoori and of course also Tibetan momos.

After the lunch it was time for music.

Traditional Tibetan songs were performed by several members of the Tibetan community in Belgium. Mr. Tenzin Norbu played the dranyen, a stringed instrument, like a small guitar.

Mr. Lhakpa Tsering gave two demonstrations, how to make pake (with tsampa) and how to prepare Tibetan butter tea. Mr. Lhakpa Tsering explained everything very carefully while showing it step by step. Mrs. Kelsang translated in French.

Everything was filmed, so the visitors could follow the details of the

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

7

New Enemies of the Internet – The fight for freedom of speech continues

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

To mark ‘World Day Against CyberCensorship', Reporters Without Borders is releasing an updated 2012 list of "Enemies of the Internet" and "countries under surveillance." Two countries, Bahrain and Belarus, have passed from the "countries under surveillance" to the "Enemies of the Internet" category.

Venezuela and Libya have been dropped from the "under surveillance" category while India and Kazakhstan have been added to it.

"The changes in this list reflect recent developments in online freedom of information," states Reporters Without Borders. ‘Netizens' (i.e. people who are frequent or habitual users of the Internet), have been particularly prevalent concerning political changes in the Arab world in 2011. Like journalists, they have tried to resist censorship but in doing so have paid a high price.

"Last year will be remembered as one of unprecedented violence against netizens. Five were killed while engaged in reporting activity. There were nearly 200 arrests of bloggers and netizens reported in 2011 alone, a 30 % increase from 2010. In turn, more than 120 netizens are currently detained. These unprecedented figures risk being exceeded in 2012 as a result of the indiscriminate violence exerted by Syrian authorities in particular.

Reporters Without Borders latest report, released in March 2011, highlighted the demonstrations on a big screen. Mr. Lhakpa Tsering also talked about tsampa, and how good it is for the health.

Another aspect of the Tibetan culture are the philosophical debates by the Tibetan monks. Such discussions are a part of the training of the Tibetan monks, in all the monasteries. Two monks debate about one subject, and on the Tibetan Culture Day the monks discussed bodhicitta, the awakening mind or the mind of enlightenment. One monk was sitting down, the other one stood in front of him, and clapped one time in his left hand after finishing an opinion or question. The hand clapping is so typical in these debates.

Afterwards the popular bingo game was played. The person who got all the numbers on his paper first, won.

The numbers were said in Tibetan, French and English, so it was a way to become a little bit more familiar with the numbers in Tibetan.

At the end of the afternoon, a short but very beautiful documentary was shown, about a Tibetan nomad family.

At 5 pm the Tibetan Culture Day was ended. Several Belgian participants of this event were asked for a reaction, and they all found it "very good and interesting", "enrichting" and "well organised". The Tibetan Cultural Center in Belgium has done a very good job indeed. In one afternoon so much different aspects of the rich Tibetan culture were presented, the public was also involved to participate in things, and everything was presented in a modest way, restrained and not exhuberant at all.

For more information about the Tibetan Cultural Center: http:// www.tibetcultur.be/. Donations for the TCC are always welcome. The association is financed by private sponsoring.

fact that the Internet and online social networks had been conclusively established as tools for organizing protests and circulating information in the course of the Arab world's mass uprisings. In the months that followed, repressive regimes have responded with tougher measures to what they regard as unacceptable attempts to destabilize their authority.

At the same time, supposedly democratic countries continue to set a bad example by putting ‘security' above other concerns and by adopting disproportionate measures to protect copyright. Technical service providers are under increasing pressure to act as Internet cops, with companies specializing in online surveillance becoming the new mercenaries in an online arms race. More than ever before, online freedom of expression is now a major foreign and domestic policy issue.

The intention of ‘World Day Against Cyber-Censorship' is, according to Reporters Without Borders, to pay tribute to the ordinary citizens who often risk their lives and/or their freedom to keep the public informed about the brutal crackdowns that often occur without the outside world's awareness. Reporters Without Borders added: "As online censorship and content filtering continue to increase, solidarity among those who defend a free and openly accessible Internet becomes even more essential for the spread of information."

Two new Enemies of the Internet Bahrain and Belarus.

Bahrain and Belarus have joined Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam in the "Enemies of the Internet" category. These countries combine often drastic content filtering with access restrictions, tracking of cyber-dissidents and online propaganda.

Bahrain offers an example of an effective news blackout based upon a remarkable array of repressive measures: keeping the international media away, harassing human rights activists, arresting bloggers and netizens (one of whom died in detention), smearing and prosecuting free speech activists, and disrupting communications, especially during major demonstrations.

In addition, Belarus sinks further into political isolation and economic stagnation with President Lukashenko's regime lashing out at the Internet in response to an attempted "revolution via the social media." In Belarus, the Internet has been blocked during a series of "silent protests" and the list of inaccessible websites continues to grow. Internet users and bloggers have been arrested or invited to "preventive

conversations" with the police in a bid to get them to stop demonstrating or covering demonstrations. Law No. 3173, which took effect on 6 January 2012, has given the regime additional Internet surveillance and control powers.

India and Kazakhstan added to "under surveillance" list Since the Mumbai bombings of 2008, the Indian authorities have stepped up Internet surveillance and pressure on technical service providers, while publicly rejecting accusations of censorship. It would appear that even the national security policy of the world's biggest democracy is undermining online freedom of expression and the protection of Internet users' personal data.

Kazakhstan, which likes to think of itself as a regional model after holding the rotating presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2010, appears too to be taking the road of cyber-censorship. This has been on the increase since an unprecedented oil workers strike which served to increase government tension in 2011.

The authorities responded by blocking news websites, cutting communications around the city of Zhanaozen during the unrest and imposing new, repressive Internet regulations.

Venezuela and Libya dropped from "under surveillance" list Before his removal and death, Col. Gaddafi had tried to impose a news blackout by cutting access to the Internet. Whilst many challenges remain in Libya, the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime has thankfully ended an era of censorship.

In Venezuela, access to the Internet continues to be unrestricted. The level of self-censorship is hard to evaluate but the adoption in 2011 of a legislation that could potentially limit Internet freedom has yet to have any damaging effect in practice.

Thailand and Burma may be about to change places If Thailand continues further down the slope of content filtering and jailing netizens on lèse-majesté charges, it could soon find itself transferred from the "under surveillance" category to the club of the world's most repressive countries as regards online freedom.

Burma, on the other hand, could potentially soon leave the "Enemies of the Internet" list. This is due to its recent reforms that have included freeing journalists and bloggers and restoring access to blocked websites. Time will tell it this will result in the abandoning of censorship altogether, however, and depends on the dismantling of the Internet surveillance apparatus and a repeal of the Electronics Act.

8

15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

TPI EXLIE

The effects of Nuclear Testing in East Turkestan

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

BRUSSELS: On Wednesday 29th February 2012, an important issue was discussed at the European Parliament in Brussels, a topic that is so unknown and that is kept silent by the Chinese authorities already for decades.

The People's Republic of China began to develop its nuclear weapons programme in 1951 following a secret agreement with Moscow which exchanged Soviet assistance for Tibetan uranium.

Although this coorperation ended in the 1960s, China made rapid progress and detonated its first nucelar bomb, codenamed ‘596' in October 1964 in East Turkestan. From 1964-1996, 46 confirmed nuclear detonations have taken place at Lop Nor in East Turkestan, and 22 underground tests were undertaken, including thermonuclear blasts, neutron bombs and an atomic bomb. Urumqi, Turpan, Qumul and Korla are cities in East Turkestan with Uyghur populations that reside within 320 km from the test site. It is believed that 200,000 people have died and at least 1.5 million people have been affected by radioactive material during the 32 years of nuclear tests at Lop Nor. The total amount of plutonium released in the atmosphere in East Turkestan is estimated to be 6 million times more than the Chernobyl accident, which affected one million people worldwide.

Several Members of the European Parliament, Mr. László Tökés, Mrs. Kristiina Ojuland and Mr. Vytautas Landsbergis, organised a conference "50 years after test 596 - China's nuclear programme in East Turkestan and its impact today" in cooperation with the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), the Unrepresented Nations and People's Organisation (UNPO) and the Belgian Uyghur Association.

Moderator of the very interesting conference was Mr. Andrew Swan (UNPO Programme Manager), and guest speakers were Dr. Enver Tohti (Uyghur surgeon and independent researcher), Mr. Vincent Metten (International Campaign for Tibet), Antoinette de Jong (journalist and author), Mr. Martin Schulthes (UNPO Project Coordinator), Mr. Hanno Schedler (Society for Threatened Peoples), Mr. Jean-Marie Rogue (EU Liaison Officer of the International Federation for Human Rights) and

Mr. Dominique Lalanne (Chair of the Armes Nucléaires STOP and expert for Observatoire des Armements in France).

Member of the European Parliament Mrs. Kristiina Ojuland from Estonia stated that the nuclear tests at Lop Nor in East Turkestan are not known much at all, so it was time to raise this issue at the European Parliament.

She has been Member of the Estonian Parliament and served as Estonia's Foreign Minister from 20022005. Estonia has been a part of the former Soviet Union and is independent since 1991.

Dr. Enver Tohti worked as a cancer surgeon in Urumqi in East Turkestan.

Secretly and systematically he recorded details of cancer cases after he became alarmed of high rates of the disease amongst Uyghur patients. In 1997 Dr. Tohti leaked his findings to a team of western journalists and an undercover documentary film about the nuclear tests was made in 1998: "Death on the Silk Road". The documentary was broadcast in over 80 TV channels including Japan and the UK (Channel 4). As a result, Dr. Tohti was forced to leave East Turkestan and was granted refugee status in the UK in 1999.

Dr. Tohti: "In the past I was the leader of demonstrations in East Turkestan.

China called me ‘one of the top terrorists'. In that time, almost 30 years ago, no one got arrested after a demonstration, the students who participated in the protest were kicked out of the University. During Xi Jinping's visit in the US recently, Hu Jintao's successor mentioned that human rights in China have improved much. The reality is very different.

After the demonstration in Urumqi on 5th July 2009, several thousands of people were killed and lots of people are still missing."

Dr. Tohti stated that the nuclear tests in East Turkestan have affected millions of people and an independent investigation and a compensation for the victims is needed. "The Uyghur people live in fear, constantly. We have to think about the nuclear victims and the environmental effects. Today we speak for these victims."

"Lop Nor is a tourist area now. The Chinese say that there is no problem.

However, the human cost is immense.

I have worked at the hospital at

Urumqi and I have done undercover research. In 2008 the hospital was expanded with two new and very big buildings and it became the biggest cancer hospital in whole China. In 1997, there were 500 beds in the tumor hospital in Henan and 500 in Xinjiang.

In 2008 there were still 500 beds in Henan but 2000 in Xinjian. Many countries also have paid lots of money to dump their nuclear waste in East Turkestan. This nuclear waste has to stop and victims should get a compensation."

"Making the documentary ‘Death on the Silk Road' was very risky. I have done undercover research and the documentary was made in 6 weeks time. In order to visit certain places we had to pretend that we were tourists. We also met disabled people, victims of the nuclear tests, I brought the film makers in contact with them.

We also had a doctor in our team that could talk with the victims. I also have discovered secret medical documents at the hospital in Urumqi, and a nurse secrectly told me that 90% of the patients in Xinjiang had blood cancer.

From 1993 till 2000 double as many people have died of cancer. Since 1976 the cases of cancer have increased a lot."

"After making the documentary, the Chinese kept everything silent.

Nothing has happened."

Mr. Vincent Metten of the office of International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) in Brussels explained the situation in Tibet, and the impact of the nuclear tests on the Tibetan plateau. "In 1993, ICT has published the report ‘Nuclear Tibet'. The Ninth Academy was responsible for designing all of China's nuclear bombs in the 1970s, and set up the first nuclear bases in China. In 1971 the first nuclear weapon was brought to Tibet, in Amdo. There are 3 nuclear bases in Tibet. Prisoners in labour camps were forced to do dangerous work in test sites. Tibet holds the world's most important known uranium reserves. The largest uranium deposits are in Tibet, near Lhasa. There are 9 uranium mines in Tibet now. The Lop Nor nuclear tests have affected the Uyghur people in East Turkestan and also Tibet."

Journalist, photographer and writer Mrs. Antoinette De Jong from The Netherlands and freelance photographer Robert Knoth have been working on various books and exhibitions. "Certificate no. 000358" is a project about the impact of several nuclear disasters in the former Soviet Union. Between 1999 and 2005 they have visited 4 places in the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, the Urals, Chernobyl and Siberia. Their pictures are examples of what has also happened in Lop Nor. "There is no proper health care, the victims had to pay the costs for health care themselves. In hospitals, the effects of radiation were studied, cases of leukaemia, bone cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, brain tumors, bone diseases etc. The Techa river is a water supply for many people, but as the water was affected by radiation, this also

The Tibet Post

UN Hunger Strikers are Joined

by Tiananmen Survivor

Dr. Yang Jianli joins the hunger strike for the day to show his solidarity. Photo: TYC

By Gulian, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: On day ten of the Indefinite Hunger Strike in New York, Tibetan protesters were joined by Dr. Yang Jianli, Research Fellow and President of Initiative for China at Harvard University.

Dr. Jianli is a survivor of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and has previously spent five years in a Chinese prison. He is widely recognized as a major leader in China's pro-democracy movement.

Dr. Jianli believes that continued US

human rights pressure on China is a critical component for world stability and the peaceful transition to a democratic China.

His act of solidarity not only offers encouragement to the three patriots on hunger strike, but also gives publicity to the cause. Dr. Yang is considered one of the most important international advocates for China's peaceful democratic transition, and his participation is an invaluable contribution the to Free Tibet movement.

had a big impact."

During a question and answer session, human rights defender Dr. Gaudi-Nagy Tamás who is a Member of the Hungarian Parliament, stated that the nuclear tests disasters in East Turkestan is very sad. "It's a genocide, and the European Parliament is a good floor to raise this issue. It's also important to raise this issue to the United Nations. This is a top human rights issue, justice is needed for the Uyghur people."

Mr. Hassan T. Aydinli of the Iraqi Turkmen Front in Belgium asked Dr. Tohti about the compensations for the Uyghur victims. Dr. Enver Tohti answered that this is a very difficult thing. "In order to establish a system of compensation, the Chinese first have to admit their fault, and when they do they have to give money to the victims, so this is extremely difficult. I have no idea how this could be possible." Dr. Tohti has written lots of letters and e-mails to many people and organisations, even hundreds, but with no answer. "For me it's also difficult as I can not go back to East Turkestan, so there is not much I can do."

The UNPO, the WUC and the Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty of Italy are going to raise this issue to the United Nations.

After the speeches by Mr. Martin Schulthes who is the UNPO Project Coordinator and Mr. Hanno Schedler of the Society for Threatened People, Member of the European Parliament Mr. László Tökés gave a statement.

"We have to emphasize the moral aspect of this issue. Ignoring this subject would be totally immoral. The Uyghur people suffer so much of the oppression. The basic, fundamental human rights are so much more important than the economic prosperity of China."

Mr. Jean Marie Rogue, EU Liaison Officer of the International Federation for Human Rights, stated: "We have to break the wall of secrecy. The EU and China should have a constructive dialogue, also about human rights, the protection of the minorities, the release of the political prisoners etc. This dialogue should have effect on the ground in China, this is most important of all."

Mr. Dominique Lalanne, Chair of the Armes Nucléaires STOP and expert for Observatoire des Armements in France, referred to other cases in which victims of nuclear tests got compensations. He also mentioned the fact that his country France has done nuclear tests in the Sahara desert in the past as well.

At the end of the conference, Mr. Dolkun Isa, General Secretary of the WUC, was handed over several presents as an appreciation for his work. He expressed his gratitude to all the participants of the conference.

Mr. Dolkun Isa: "200,000 people have died because of those nuclear tests and millions of people were affected. This happened 30 years ago. We should not forget this and raise this issue at the UN. China has to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty that they have signed in 1996 but never ratify. China has to allow an independent research to find out the extent to which the Uyghurs have been effected by nuclear testing. They also have to implement the necessary measures to provide compensation to the victims. This would bring China in line with current policy developments in the US, Russia and France. China has to recognise their responsibility for the continuing suffering and provide appropriate medical care. The international community, including the EU, the UN and environmental NGOs must continue to draw attention to this neglected issue."