Tibetan writer sentenced 4 years... Page 05. Vol. 01, Issue 42, 15 June 2011 Discussion Held in Taiwan
Miss Tibet 2011... 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 Don’t Have a Political Agenda, Says His Holiness The Dalai Lama By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative Dawa Tsering (c) during the meeting of Tibetans in Taipei, Taiwan, on 12 June 2011/ Photo/Office of Tibet, Taiwan By Tibetan Administration Official media: Tibet Net
Taipei: The Tibetan community based in Taiwan gathered for a meeting on Sunday to discuss latest developments related to the issue of Tibet and resolved to strengthen efforts to outreach to Continues on Page 4....
Italian Council Concerned Over Tibet
Dharamshala: - Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Capital Melbourne of Victoria, the second most populous city in Australia Wednesday (8th June), just one week after His Holiness opened a new chapter in Tibetan history from his headquarters in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala as His Holiness officially handed-over on Tibet's political responsibilities to a democratically-elected leadership of the Tibetan Administration. The visits to New Zealand and Australia is his first international trip in the wake of this significant milestone for the Tibetan people. According to a report of Australia Tibet Council, His Holiness the Dalai Lama touched down in Melbourne Wednesday morning, looking healthy and radiant despite the early flight from Christchurch of New Zealand, where he had met the earthquake-hit victims and offered special prayers. As he exited from the airport terminal, he recognised a familiar Tibetan face in the welcoming crowd and said, "Oh, you are here. Are you happy?" The elderly man nodded and bowed. His Holiness then stepped into his waiting car, and put his hand out to the driver. The man at the wheel clearly hadn't expected a handshake with the Dalai Lama! The theme of this year's visit - Man of Compassion
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: His Holiness the Dalai Lama (R) exchanges a white scarf and an Australian Rules Football with Collingwood Magpies footballer Harry O'Brien (L) during a press conference at the Hitlon Hotel South Wharf on June 9, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. The Dalai Lama is on an 11-day tour of Australia and will meet leaders in Canberra as well as hold events in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Photo: Getty Image
See on Page 3.... By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala-An agenda of human rights for Beijing to adhere to has been prepared by the Regional Council of Piedmont - Italy. The agenda was requested by the Association Tibet and Human Rights, and unanimously approved by the Regional Council of Piedmont, on the meeting commencing on the 26th of May. The meeting stated that, in aid of Tibetans being persecuted in their homeland, Beijing must stop: ‘The continuous mass deportation of Tibetan nomadic shepherds and farmers to the ‘socialist
TYC Apprehensive Towards Tibetan Parliament's Decision
Eastern Tibet Fresh Protest
By Sangay & Aniket, The Tibet Post
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Dharamshala: - On 7th June , a monk called Woser Phuntsok (31) from Beri Monastery of Karze County, eastern Tibet was arrested by the Police. He was arrested for distributing pamphlets and posters supporting the Tibetan Freedom Movement. During his protest, he also shouted the slogans, 'Invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet' See on Page 5...
China Cracks Down On Mongolians
Solidarity with Tiananmen Victims
By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
TYC president, Mr Tsewang Rigzin breifing during a press conference being held at TYC hall, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India on 7th Jume 2011. Photo: TPI By Aniket Dasgupta, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Following a week-long series of protests in Inner Mongolia, Chinese authorities have recently declared martial law and deployed riot police and paramilitary forces in major cities in the region in attempt to quell the demonstrations. The protests started on May 25 after a herder was killed by a Han-Chinese truck-driver following a stand-off between coal-transporters from the growing mining industry and local herders who were protesting the loss of grazing land and the forced displacements of more than a quarter million Mongolian nomads. The official Chinese strategy of silencing the protesters by tightening security and censoring Continues on Page 7 ....
Dharamshala: The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) announced that it will safeguard Tibetan culture and the legacy of the Tibetan people in a Press conference here in Dharamshala. In order to do so they have decided to keep a copy of the Tibetan National Anthem, the Tibetan National Flag, the former national emblem of the Tibetan Government and the older version of the Tibetan Charter. (prior to the changes made by the extended session of the 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile). In May, the 14th Tibetan Parliament in exile approved that the title of "Tibetan Governmentin-Exile" be changed to "Tibetan Administration". The title of "Bod Shung Gaden Phodrang Chogle Namgyal" or "Gaden Phodrang Government of
Tibet" in the emblem was also changed to "Denpanyi Nampar Gyalgyur Chig" (translated as Truth will Prevail). The TYC announced its apprehension towards the hurried change of name of the "Tibetan Government in Exile" to "Institution/Organisation of the Tibetan People" in the Tibetan Charter. The TYC added that the name "Tibetan Government in Exile" is a symbol of the Tibetan struggle and therefore it should be retained. The TYC had earlier submitted letters requesting the parliament to not take such hasty decisions and that this matter is postponed for discussion for the 15th Tibetan Parliament in Exile. They added such significant Continues on Page 6.......
By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- The Tibetan community is standing shoulder to shoulder with the ‘Mothers of Tiananmen' and their peaceful movement, as they seek to discover what really happened during the massacre on June 4th, 1989. Twenty-two years have passed since Chinese armed forces opened fire on students and workers who peacefully Continues on Page 2.....
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TPI ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
Cleaning Up Dharamshala - When Garbage Builds Bridges Article by Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: In the Dharamshala suburb of McLeod Ganj, where Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama resides, the grubby work of collecting garbage has become a catalyst for uniting its multi-cultural population. The transient nature of Dharamshala - which means resting place for travellers - and the cultural diversity of the residents here, are factors which could easily make for a disorganized and half-hearted approach to garbage disposal. But not so in the case of McLeod Ganj where Tibetan refugees, Indian villagers and international travellers work together to lessen their collective human footprint. At the core of this shared effort stands the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project (CUDP), an undertaking by the Tibetan Settlement Office of Dharamshala. With a pioneering waste management system and a substantial volunteer effort, they are changing people's views on how they handle their waste. Working closely with the Municipal Council of Dharamshala, the CUDP was established in 1994 and now runs three garbage trucks, a paper-recycling workshop, composting sites,
educational programs, segregation centres, a "Green Shop" and has 37 employees. In 2009, another project joined in as an international crew, calling themselves the Mountain Cleaners, took on the responsibility of collecting the waste from nearby trekking destination Triund and surrounding trekking paths. In the spirit of World Environment Day on June 5, in the coming weeks The Tibet Post International will bring a series of three articles, following the dedicated people behind the growing success of McLeod Ganj's waste management system and understanding how something so simple as garbage can build bridges between cultures. The first two articles will be exploring the inner workings of the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project and the Mountain Cleaners, while in the third and last article we will look at some of the problems they are facing as well as some possible solutions to these problems. Going from the pristine mountain peak to the grubby dump-site we will talk to an eclectic mix of locals and internationals and visit the area's environment hotspots. So watch this space for an interesting tour de trash!
Fusion Night: A Celebration of World Environment Day By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - 5th June, 2011: Sunday evening saw the celebration of World Environment Day in a way less ubiquitous. Held on the terrace of Youngling School in Mcleodganj, Tribal Sounds for Planet Earth was a charity event that spread the message through action instead of words - with a background score of fusion music. A cohesive effort of a group of individuals working independently, the idea of Tribal Sounds was to create an evening filled with natural beauty and a curious blend of musical styles. The music was an amalgamation of the oud, flute, tabla, djembe, Indian slide guitar, harmonium and the didgeridoo. There were slide-shows and episodes of "Planet Earth" documentary series being screened on a projector to emphasize the cause by taking the audience on a visual journey through nature. Jay, the head organiser, was also a performer and played the didgeridoo(an Aboriginal instrument) and djembe(an African percussion instrument) along with Stefan, Prabhu (vocalist and harmonium), Brad(Indian slide guitar), Meron(oud) and Shyam (flute). Max
massacre, issued a letter to Bejing. It condemns the Chinese government for offering compensation, while simultaneously refusing to promote the memory of the dead, or to discuss what happened on that fateful day in 1989. Speaking to AsiaNews, Samdhong Rinpoche, former Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, stated: "It is makes no sense to offer compensation to the Mothers of Tiananmen" - highlighting that Beijing
Mother earth with a candle-light displaying in the Himalayan town of Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India on 5th June 2011. Photo: TPI
managed the sound engineering systems for the evening and the show was co-ordinated by Xilona, who was also the art designer of the event posters. The entire evening consisted of a no-waste policy in which all the materials were recyclable, like the plates and glasses. Food and drinks were organised and made available by Jodie, the head of Mountain Cleaners. She graced the audience with a speech about her organisation and information about the various clean ups that they
manage. Tenzin Choedon, a Tibetan girl, who is environmental co-ordinator for the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project also spoke a few words about their organisation's 17th anniversary. These were the two local environmental organisations, along with the Tibetan Settlement Office, for which the funds were being raised. Impromptu fireworks in the Daula Dhar range and spontaneous dancing in the audience made for a beautiful evening of soul-stirring music.
Tibetan Women in a Push for a Greener India and a Healthier Planet By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - Five thousand Tibetan women belonging to 33 regional chapters of the Tibetan Women's Association (RTWA) based in India observed the World Environment Day on the 5th of June by planting 20,000 trees in 10 states in India. This is a campaign that was launched by Environment Ministry's on World Environment Day. In a press release by the Tibetan Women's Association, the president Dolkar Lhamo Kirti(TWA ) said that , "curbing deforestation is a highly costeffective way to reduce emissions and we need to plant 130 million trees to make up for the loss of trees in the past decade." Tenzin Woebum, officer of TWA's ‘Women's Environment and Development Desk' (WEDD) said that "TWA's ‘20,000 trees for planet earth' was the culmination of UNEP's new campaign to plant a billion trees by this year."
Tibetan People in Solidarity with Tiananmen Victims occupied Tiananmen Square in protest. They had demanded democratic reforms from their communist leaders. However, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of innocent protesters were killed. It is a moment in Chinese history that Beijing continues to hide, and authorities refrain from discussing the matter. On June the 2nd, the ‘Mothers of Tiananmen' organisation, which brings together the parents of the people who died or disappeared during the
The Tibet Post
does not accept talking about the massacre, despite offering money to the families of those lost. "It is unreasonable", he added. "We do not have words to console the Mothers of Tiananmen. China does not accept that this kind of massacre is inappropriate. Its government shows neither regret nor remorse. We can only suffer with them and condemn this horrific and inexcusable incident." The former Prime Minister added: "However, whilst we expect such
Mother earth with a candle-light displaying in the Himalayan town of Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India on 5th June 2011. Photo: TPI
In an event that was called the "Green walkathon", organized by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) along with Department of Environment, Government of Delhi. Jairam Ramesh, Indian Minister of state for Environment and Forests repressive measures from the Chinese government, it is truly unfortunate that the international community has nothing to say. The silence of the nations of the world is most regrettable because an entire people and its culture face genocide. Even in the 21st century, a people is deprived of security and its culture is not safeguarded. There is no organisation, institution or agency willing to stop these things or even raise its voice against them. It is truly disheartening." The 22nd anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre will be marked tomorrow around the world, with vigils.
acknowledged and appreciated the Tibetan presence before flagging off the rally at India Gate. Prof. Kiran Walia, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, also addressed the gathering of approximately 500 participants, including various stakeholders. Later on in the afternoon, the Women's Environment and Development Desk (WEDD) of TWA along with Delhi Greens (Environmental NGO based in Delhi) lead the ‘Earth-o-Care campaign' to raise public vigilance about the degrading environment and its impact on Tibet, which is commonly called Third Pole. The organizers travelled in a fuel-free green bus with banners and placards carrying the slogans: ‘If Tibet Dries, Asia Dies,' ‘Climate Justice for Tibet Third Pole' and ‘Tibet is Melting, Cut Co2' and visited various public places in the city.
TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMA
The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses Exiled Tibetan Youth
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be giving introductory teachings on Buddhism to young Tibetans at Tibetan Children's Village School (TCV) in Upper Dharamsala, India, on June 3rd and 4th, 2011. Photo: Dalai Lama official website By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama visited the Tibetan Children's Village today, addressing the audience of Tibetan schoolchildren with teachings on Buddhism, at the upper TCV School of McLeod Ganj - North India. His Holiness is addressing the Tibetan youth as part of a two piece speech on Buddhist values and beliefs, on June the 3rd and 4th of 2011. The theme of the dual speeches is the ancient Buddhist transcript; ‘In Praise of Dependent Origin', by Je Tsongkhapa. It is hugely popular in Buddhist culture, and His Holiness over two days - shall be explaining in depth the heavily laden meanings of the script to his Tibetan youth in exile. The speech conducted today and tomorrow are unique, as they are aimed at the Tibetan Youth of Dharamshala, many of whom grew up in TCV Dharamshala, North India. The exiled Tibetan Youth adore and revere the Dalai Lama – who many would argue is a parental figure – not merely a spiritual leader. He answered questions from the eager audience, and at times joked and shared personal experiences with them. The talk aimed at the Tibetan youth, warned against the impact of attachment to religion without proper understanding of it. The Dalai Lama warned that religion is closely related to human emotions. He stated that people are often hungry for wealth and power, and that in the name of religion people can easily manipulate such feelings of attachment. The congregation, which gathered in idyllic weather conditions under the gaze of the snowy Dhauladhar mountain range, also consisted of eager Tibetan members of the Dharamshala community, who leapt at the chance to see their spiritual leader. Curious tourists, who sheltered under the shade of large canopies to watch the crowded spectacle via a television transmission, also gathered to see the spectacle, and sat with the Tibetan Youth to join in the momentous occasion. The Dalai Lama spoke the words from ‘In praise from Dependent Origin' translated to English - to his captive audience: "But having accepted dependent origination,
The precious treasure of your speech, Then not tolerating the roar of your emptinessThis I find amazing indeed". Such words must truly have resonated with the Tibetan community in exile, who are facing a turbulent period in their exile - history of late. The treasure of their leaders speech is a wealth the Tibetan community truly adhere to. The Buddhist leader will be giving introductory teachings on Buddhism to Tibetan high school and college students at Upper TCV (Tibetan Childrens' Village) in Dharamshala on June 3-4, 2011. There will be one session each day from approximately 9-11:30am Indian Standard Time (IST). His Holiness will be speaking in Tibetan.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Offers Prayers for NZ Quake-Victims By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 8th June offered special prayers for earthquake victims in Christchurch city and visited the victims and families affected by February's earthquake that devastated the city. His Holiness offered a ceremonial scarf to a young patient during his visit to Christchurch Hospital, in Christchurch New Zealand. According to the reports, over 5000 people have gathered to hear Nobel Peace Laureate and the spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the city. A CBS Canterbury Arena staff member told media that people had been steadily pouring into the stadium since 10am for the Tibetan spiritual leader's midday speech. Some arrived as early as 8.30am, she said. His Holiness is visiting the city to show solidarity with the people in the country ahead of a visit to Australia. His Holiness said New Zealanders had always shown a genuine sense of concern for their fellow countrymen. The 75-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader requested private meetings with people who lost loved ones in the February earthquake and at the start of the prayer meeting spoke briefly to each of the bereaved families. He also urged people to look to the future with a great sense of energy and enthusiasm. He also spent time with injured people and emergency staff at Christchurch Hospital. This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama told about a dozen media that he was grieving alongside the broken city of Christchurch. Tibetan spiritual leader was welcomed on to the stage by iwi and received a standing ovation from the crowd. About 10 families of earthquake victims were given seating near the front
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses Exiled Tibetan Youth
His Holiness the Dalai Lama answering questions from the audience during his public talk entitled "Secular Ethics, Human Values and Society" held at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California, on May 3rd, 2011. Photo/Steve Cohn By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala - Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke candidly in a recent interview about notions of freedom and democracy. His message, aired on June the 2nd, was one that could appeal not just to the Tibetan people, but consisted of a universal message for all citizens of the world during a year of enormous
15 June, 2011 Dharamsala
democratic change across the world. Speaking as part of the ‘Freedom Collection' to Jim Glassman for ‘Ideas in Action', his Holiness had a peaceful message that could appeal to all walks of life, and his views on how suppression from China could cause another cultural revolution. Continues on Page 4....
of the stage, and His Holiness stopped to embrace family members before addressing the crowd for about 25 minutes, according the country media reports. The spiritual leader said he wanted to share some of the city's "sadness". "When you face some tragedy, and lose some people and some damage, as a friend it is my duty to come and share in your sadness," he said. His Holiness said Christchurch residents now needed to "build a new life and a new future". "In spite of tragedy, keep your self-confidence and work hard to build a new home, a new society and a
of Dallington, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama was "illuminating". "He just glows; he really does. It's great someone as important as he is has noticed the quake and taken the time out to see how we are." On his arrival at Christchurch International Airport Yesterday, 7th June, more than 50 supporters greeted him. Some people were in tears, while others offered white scarves as blessings. After the public event concluding with a prayer session and speech, the Buddhist leader visited earthquake victims and emergency staff at Christchurch Hospital.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama waves the audience on his arrival at Bud Walton Arena on the campus of the University of Arkansas on May 11, 2011. Photo/Jon Schleuss
new city,'' "Let tragedy transform into inner strength, determination and selfconfidence." Spreydon resident Susie Hoggard said she struggled to hear what His Holiness the Dalai Lama said because of the crowd, but enjoyed his "simple words of love and compassion". Mark Williamson,
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visit Trust spokesperson Neil Cameron said that they are inviting bereaved families and the families of those who suffered injuries to attend and would provide pre arranged seating close to the stage for those who wished to contact them directly.
I Don’t Have a Political Agenda.......... & Wisdom, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Journey - couldn't be more apt. After taking Tibet's political leadership at the age of 16, the Dalai Lama retired from his formal role as the head of the government this year. He turns 76 next month - and in his first media interview today, he said he is a free, happy man. He explained, "I, voluntarily and happily, gave my political power to the Tibetan people. I have always wanted to reform Tibet's political and social structure. They are ready now." His Holiness has been to Australia four times in the last five years, and the media just can't seem to get enough of him. He addressed a packed press conference at the hotel this afternoon. Questions ranged from his life after political retirement to achieving unity in a diverse society and from same-sex marriage to anger management. One journalist asked if he was disappointed that Prime Minister Julia Gillard has not committed to meet him. He replied in a matter-of-fact manner, "No, I am not disappointed. I don't have a political agenda." In true Melbournian style, Collingwood footy player Harry O'Brien presented His Holiness with a Sherrin football and his team jumper with "Dalai Lama" on the back with a number 8. The two shared an emotional moment as His Holiness reached up to hug the tall footballer and practised a Maori hangi (nose-touching greeting), which he learnt on his New Zealand trip.
The Nobel Peace Laureate was very engaged during the one-on-one interviews with some of the well-known names in Australian media. He had a lengthy chat with Peter Hartcher from the Sydney Morning Herald with whom he discussed the evolution of Tibetan democracy and his sense of optimism with the changing socio-political trends in China. He was also asked about the current political debate on climate action and the Australian government's approach towards asylum seekers. Regarding climate change, His Holiness said we live in a new reality, which is one of increasing interdependence between countries and that there is a responsibility to put global interests above personal needs. Regarding asylum seekers, he said that this is a complicated issue. His Holiness encouraged the government to take a humanitarian approach but at the same time he recognised that there are unscrupulous people seeking to take advantage of the situation. His Holiness had his share of lighter moments with Australian media personalities Karl Stefanovic from Channel 9's Today show and Dave Hughes from Channel 10's 7 PM Project. Karl tried hard to share a joke, which didn't quite come off. But His Holiness was quick to comfort him for his failure to make a "world figure laugh". His Holiness enjoyed Dave's banter and commented that he is "open, not serious and has strange eyes".
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TPI INTERNATIONAL
Global Call to Raise Awareness of Tienanmen Square Massacre
Global Call to Raise Awareness of Tienanmen Square Massacre in China. Photo: File By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: -During this 22nd anniversary of June 4th, Tibetans in exile, Chinese and Vietnamese Community in solidarity call on supporters around the world taking to the streets to highlight the broader crackdown in China, as well as the situation in Ngaba worsened through April till now. As Tibetans around the world are commemorating this evening, the anniversary of the massacre in Tiananmen Square, and are drawing comparisons with the recent Chinese repression at Kirti Monastery of Ngaba region of Tibet: peaceful human rights demonstrations violently repressed by the armed police and troops, followed by Phuntsok's selfimmolation to mark the third anniversary of bloody crackdowns in all parts of Tibet including Tibetan capital, Lhasa. "Tibetans, Vietnamese and supporters from seven organizations stand in solidarity with Chinese students, labor organizers, and pro-democracy
advocates as their struggle for a democratic and Transparent China was violently crushed by the tanks in Tiananmen Square (Note 1)," said Brigitte Graefin von Bulow, Chair of United Nations for a Free Tibet, "We urge the Chinese government to review the events of June 4, 1989, and to have the courage and far-sightedness to embrace more truly egalitarian principles and pursue a policy of greater accommodation and tolerance of diverse views." This is also promoted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In recent days, hundreds of Chinese dissidents have been detained and harassed since the Jasmine Revolution separated in China, which obviously led to the worries and fears in the hearts of Chinese leaders. Meanwhile, the Military Siege of Tibetan Monastery in Ngaba continues with armed police and troops on high alert while international observers and media are still banned from the region.
Italian Council Concerned Over Human Rights Violation in Tibet villages', a forced transfer that deprived 2,000,000 Tibetans of every means of subsistence - assuming a form of a real ethnic cleansing in many areas of the country'. The meeting in Northern Italy also stated that Chinese authorities must stop the campaign of "patriotic reeducation,' launched by the central authorities in [recent] months, in order to force the monks of all the Tibetan monasteries to the abjuration'. In a statement issued this week, the regional council added: ‘The harsh repression of every form of dissent, culminated in the arbitrary arrest of hundreds of monks of the Kirti monastery and in the massacre of whom tried to prevent their arrest'. China must stop the ‘continuous use of the torture on all the prisoners'. The regional council of Piedmont called upon the New Tibetan Premier Lobsang Sangay to restrain the attempts of de-legitimation by the Chinese Government, as he was they feel, elected democratically. In addition, they express their condolences to the family of the young monk - Phuntsok, of Kirti monastery, who immolated himself to protest
against the illegal occupation of his country. The meeting called upon the Association for Tibet and Human Rights to organize, as soon as possible, a public manifestation to inform and to awaken the wider public to the current situation in ‘the Country of the Snow' - Tibet. This is not the first time the council been vocal against Beijing's poor treatment of Tibetans, having previously been scathing of China's human rights record in the run up to the 2008 Olympics. On an ever more serious note, the congress aim to ask the European Parliamentarians elected in North-West area of Italy, to submit to the European Parliament an urgent resolution asking to the Government of Chinese for the full respect of the subscribed International Conventions, and for the immediate halt of every kind of repression of the Tibetan People. In a rallying call they are asking the Italian Government to suggest to ‘The Council for Human Rights' of the U.N.O, to start an investigation on the repeated and methodical violations of human rights by the Government of the Chinese Republic.
"June 4th marks the military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, because Deng Xiaoping dared to use defense forces against unarmed students and citizens, which led to another 22 years' success in maintaining Communist Red China. ", said Chin Jin of the Federation for a Democratic China, "The true meaning of June 4th should not be just limited to the annual commemoration, but a wake-up call on awareness raising of the democracy and freedom in China day and night...We need to leave no stone unturned on our mission of seeing the realisation of a truly democratic China." A press statement was released on 4th May by seven NGOs including United Nations for a Free Tibet, Federation For A Democratic China, The Joint Working Committee for the Chinese Democratic Movement, Youth Vietnamese group fighting for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights for Vietnam, The youth Vietnamese group Pho Duc Chinh (Southern California, USA), The Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Movement and the Freedom Fighters PalTalk Group of South California, USA. Here together they demand International society to: - Press their government to issue a public statement of concern about the recent crackdown in Tibet and China, and to put an End to China's Terrorist Attacks and Expansionism in the Southeast Asia Sea and to stop the China's terrorist attacks against Vietnamese fishermen: - Convey to China's leaders the message that the release of all Prisoners of conscience and its security forces must withdraw from Ngaba region of Tibet. - Insist governments send embassy representatives to express concern to relevant Chinese Ministries. - Push for international observers and media to be given unfettered access. - Solidarity protest and vigils will be held in British, Germany, and the United States, on the Tiananmen anniversary, June 4th. The Tiananmen Square massacre occurred on 4 June 1989. Hundreds of people lost their lives when Chinese troops crushed the pro-democracy protests that began in April that year. The exact number of deaths remains unknown as the Chinese government has refused to acknowledge the incident or the deaths. Thousands of people were jailed at the time for participating, promoting or connections with the pro-democracy protests.
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China Claims Google Political Tool, Vilifying the Government Dharamshala: - An official Beijing newspaper claimed Monday, 6th June that "Google has become a ''political tool ‘vilifying the Chinese government", further warning that the US Internet giant's statements about hacking attacks traced to China could hurt its business. The tough warning appeared in the overseas edition of the People's Daily, the leading newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party, showing that political tensions between the United States and China over Internet security are still very real. Last week, Google in a statement said it had broken up an effort to stealth passwords of hundreds of Google email account holders, including US government officials, Chinese human rights advocates and journalists. It said the attacks appeared to come from China.
the paper added. At the end of the article, the editor wrote rather dramatically "For when the international winds shift direction, it may become sacrificed to politics and will be spurned by the marketplace,'' it said, without specifying how Google's business could be hurt. The latest friction with Google could bring Internet policy back to the foreground of U.S.-China relations, reprising tensions last year when the Obama administration took up Google's complaints about hacking and censorship from China. In response, Google partly pulled out of China after that dispute. Since then, it has lost more shares to rival Baidu Inc in China's Internet market, the worlds largest by user numbers with more than 450 million users. Google last week said that the hacking attacks appeared to come from Jinan, the capital of China's eastern Shandong province and allegedly base camp of the intelligence
The Chinese Foreign Ministry flatly rejected those accusations, and the party mouthpiece warned Google against playing a risky political game. By saying that Chinese human rights activists were among the targets of the hacking, Google was ''deliberately pandering to negative Western perceptions of China, and strongly hinting that the hacking attacks were the work of the Chinese government,'' the People's Daily overseas edition claimed. ''Google's accusations aimed at China are spurious, have ulterior motives, and bear malign intentions,'' said the article, written by an editor at the paper. ''Google should not become overly embroiled in international political struggle, playing the role of a tool for political contention,''
unit of the People's Liberation Army. US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said over the weekend that the US was prepared to use military force against cyber-attacks it considered acts of war. In early February, Chinese websites operating from overseas , inspired by anti-authoritarian uprisings across the Arab world, called for Jasmine style revolutions and protests against the government, raising Beijing's alarm about dissent and prompting tightened censorship of the Internet. China already blocks major foreign social websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Although it must be noted that most internet users in china are very tech savvy, and access most blocked sites through servers located overseas and in Taiwan.
By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Tibetans in Taiwan to Strengthen Outreach to Chinese Community Chinese community to raise their awareness on the problems in Tibet. The meeting was convened by Taiwan Tibetan Welfare Association at the Prayer Hall of Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The members of Tibetan Association, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Regional Tibetan Women's Association and other Tibetan active members attended the meeting. "One of the important issues discussed in the meeting was that Taiwan is the right place to strengthen Tibetan people's efforts to reach out to Chinese people and to make aware the ordinary Chinese brothers and sisters about the
real situation in Tibet," His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative to Taiwan, who attended the meeting, told TibetNet website. Representative Dawa Tsering briefed the Tibetan community on issues regarding the recent amendment made to the charter on the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's formal authority to the democratically elected Tibetan leadership. He also made clarifications and replied to questions on the charter amendment, the Middle Way Approach, about the concept of democracy and other Tibet-related issues. As thousands of tourists, including
those from mainland China, visits Taiwan on a daily basis, the meeting unanimously agreed to organise every Sunday Tibet awareness events at different major tourist spots in Taipei city. Mr Dachompa, president of TaiwaneseTibetan Association and Mr Tashi Tsering, vice-president of ChineseTibetan Association of Taiwan, briefed the gathering on major important issues that were discussed during the 2nd Tibetan General Body Meeting held in Dharamsala. Mr Dachompa attended the general meeting in Dharamsala as a delegate of the Tibetans in Taiwan, while Mr Tashi Tsering participated as a volunteer.
TPI TIBET
The Tibet Post
Buddhist Nuns, Monks Arrested for Staging Free Tibet Protests
15 June, 2011 Dharamsala
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China Sentences A Tibetan Writer to Four Years in Prison By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
By Guatham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - Protests in the Kardze county of Eastern Tibet intensified, when two demonstrations were staged at the busy Kardze County market on 10 June 2011. A Tibetan monk and nuns stepped up protests against Chinese rule in spite of being beaten and detained by the Chinese authorities. Mr. Choegyal, a Tibetan who is currently living in Brussels, the capital of Belgium told The Tibet Post International that the protestors shouted slogans like 'Invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet' 'Tibet is Independent', 'We want Human Rights in Tibet', 'No religious freedom in Tibet' and 'Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama and they distributed many free Tibet leaflets during their peaceful protests. According to the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy, Goyang, a monk of Tsitsang Monastery, staged demonstration raising slogans of "Long Live the Dalai Lama" and "freedom in Tibet". He also called for release of Pangri Rinpoche and all other prisoners in Tibet. Goyang hails from Tsagleg Village, Lhopa Township, Kardze County. Born to Thupten (father) and Tsegyen Dolma (mother), he is 30 years old and studies at the Karze Monastery at the time of his arrest. During the 2008 Uprising in Tibet, his 23-year-old brother, Loyang, was arrested on 20 May 2008 and consequently sentenced to three years in prison. He has been recently freed upon the completion of his imprisonment term. On the June 10th incident sources say that two nuns whose names were Ringa, 20, from Hormi village of Karze county, daughter of Mr. Jinpa Gyatso and Gyazadha and Jampa Lhatso, 25, from Varu village of Karze county, daughter of Mr. Tenpa and Ms. Ata and they threw leaflets in the air and shouted slogans demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibet. The protestors were then severely beaten by police and later detained, the two nuns are from the Lamdrak nunnery and a monk from the Kardze monastery protested in front of a police station in downtown Kardze. On June 6th two monks Jigme Sonam and Tsewang Tashi, threw Free Tibet leaflets into the air and called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.They too were beaten and detained by the local Chinese authorities, according to sources in Tibet. A Tibetan nun died in a hospital in Sichuan's capital Chengdu on Dec 5 apparently as a direct result of torture by Chinese authorities Dec 7, 2009. Yangkyi Dolma, 33, of Lamdak monastery in Karze (Chinese: Ganzi, Sichuan
Province) County, eastern Tibet, had been arrested for taking part in a peaceful protest in March 2009. On Mar 24, Yangkyi and Sonam Yang, 28, staged a march on the Karze county street, chanting same slogans such as "long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama", demanding that His Holiness the Dalai Lama be invited to Tibet. They also distributed free Tibet pamphlets.
China Arrests Tibetans in Nyakrong County, Eastern Tibet 'Tibet is Independent' and 'Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.. The additional photos about 2010 was uncovered until June, 2011. Woser Phuntsok's father's name is Lobsang Gyaltsen and mother's name is Tamdin Lhamo. His whereabouts and current status is not known after the arrest. This information has been given to The Tibet Post International by a person in Tibet who wishes to remain unnamed. On 8th April 2010 ,Apo Tashi (22) ,Tsering Gyaltsen (19) and Tsering Wangchuk (22) from Nyakrong Guru Monastery and another monk Rigzin Dorjee of Jamjor Monastery openly protested in Nyakrong County. They marched in main market of the county carrying the Tibetan national flags and shouted the slogans, 'Invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet' 'Tibet is Independent' and 'Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.' When the Chinese Police tried to arrest them, the police were distracted by others and the protesters escaped on motorcycles. One of the monks who was photographing the others was arrested by the police when his motorcycle broke down. Nyakrong County is a part of Karze region of eastern Tibet and in 2008, there were widespread protests in Tibet. Nyakmey region of Nyakrong County refused Chinese "patriotic education and in Nyaktoe County some families refused to cultivate their land to protest against the Chinese government. In 2009, protesters - Pema Yeshe was sentenced to die after two years and Sonam Gonpo was sentenced to 16 years because of their protests. In April 2009, The Chinese Government cracked down on the people of Thang-kya Village of Nyakrong County with guns when they protested. In 2009 and 2010 - The Chinese Government started mining activity at the mountain of Nyagtoe Khawa Longri , a holy mountain for the local villagers who continuously protested against the Chinese mining.
Dharamshala: - Tashi Rabten, respected Tibetan writer and author of the banned literary work, "Written in Blood" (penname - Theurang) has been sentenced to a 4-year prison term by a Chinese court. The Ngaba Intermediate People's Court on June 2, passed the sentence in a trial closed to Tashi Rabten's family and friends. According to reliable sources inside Tibet, the court found Tashi Rabten, editor of banned literary magazine "Shar Dungri" (Eastern Conchshell Mountain) guilty on charges of "inciting activities to split the nation". A student at the Northwest Nationalities University in Lanzhou, Tashi was detained on April 6, 2010 and six months later was traced to a detention center in Barkham county, Ngaba. His reports on the 2008 protests inside Tibet and his book ‘Written in Blood', copies of which were later confiscated by government officials, had won Tashi "great respect and popularity" amongst intellectuals and ordinary readers. Tashi Rabten is from Dzoege county in Ngaba, in the Tibetan region of Kham, and he was due to graduate in 2010. Earlier this year three Tibetan writers were sentenced up to four years in prison while noted Tibetan intellectual, Tagyal, was released on "bail pending trial" following six months of imprisonment in October last year. On January 25th, 2009, Tashi published a book entitled "Blood Letter", which his supporters defend as an honest and accurate description of last year's
March 10th protests in Tibet. The Chinese government, however, has cut off Blood Letter's distribution and confiscated the copies that have been sold, banning this book due to its "suspicious" political content. First they began to monitor the author's daily activities and conduct clandestine interrogations, and now he has disappeared. Tashi's Blood Letter consists of an introduction (containing 32 articles), and five main sections. These sections are titled, "Note from Hell", "The Melody of the Soul", "My Tibet", "Sacrifice of the Heart", and "Truth's Revenge". In these chapters, and in several articles published in the Chinese Northwest Minorities University annual magazine, Shar Dhung- Ri (The Eastern Conchshell Mountain), Tashi details the bloodshed that took place on March 10th, 2008, when the Chinese police cracked down harshly on peaceful protesters. He
argues that it was not Tibetans, but Chinese officials, who were responsible for the ensuing violence and property destruction. The first piece of evidence supporting this assertion is an international report by a journalist from Singapore, published at the time of the protests. Additionally, a Burmese lady studying in Lhasa at the time of the protests reports that she witnessed an armed Chinese official changing from Tibetan clothes into his police uniform. Next, all of those so-called protesters, who stirred up violence and destroyed public property, disappeared directly after the protests. Fourth, the violence was broadcast to the world only by the highly censored Chinese state media. Tashi Rabten's descriptions of Tibetans suffering under a repressive Chinese regime, and his expressions of his love for and loyalty to the Tibetan nation and culture, brought him under the close inspection of the Chinese government.
Tibetan Monks Continue to Face Oppression in Kirti
Late Phuntsok's Funeral at Kirti Monastery on 19 March, Ngaba county, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Samuel Ivor, Pema Tso, The Tibet Post comes from the sweat and blood of other
Dharamshala- Oppression continues for the monks of Kirti Monastery - Tibet, who were deceived by Chinese Officials on their monthly income, and a 'reeducation programme' that threatens their culture and beliefs. In the middle of May 2011, the Chinese Government said to the monks of Kirti Monastery - Ngaba County - that they will give 800 Chinese Yuan per month to the monks - as a form of salary to live by. On the 26th of May, however, the Chinese Government gave each monk 400 Chinese Yuan, instead. Fourteen monks from Kirti didn't accept the money-they said that 'the money
people'. The monks who flatly refused the money were confronted. Chinese officials highlighted to them that 'you should take this money' and they gave advice on how the monks should use it. The fourteen monks who didn't accept the money were not alone in their strong moral behavior against the Chinese officials. Many other monks took the money and tore it apart defiantly. An argument broke out between the Chinese officers and the Monks, who were furious. The monks said that under Chinese rule they would not accept money from the
Government. The Chinese officials said to the congregation from Kitri that they should take it - that its from the people . The peaceful monks bravely retorted: We follow the punishment of law if not accepting money is a crime to the Chinese Communist Constitution - we wont accept your money'. For two months almost 2000 monks in Kirti Monastery were controlled by Chinese Police - the issue is ongoing and has been captured in the international spotlight for weeks. The latest issue faced by the suppressed monks in Kirti is that the Monks has doubts that the Chinese government are even aware of what has been happening in the Monastery: that they were isolated from the outside world. The clan of monks wanted desperately to tell the Chinese Government about the Kirti situation, which has witnessed an enormous crackdown. In Kirti monastery, the Chinese who have the site under siege, continue to give 'reeducation programmes'. Each morning, the Chinese officials gives speeches, and in the afternoon, all of the monks give their answers. If the monks do not write what the Chinese want, then they are punished by Chinese police. The monks of Kirti Monastery sadly continue to face much oppression, and the issues faced by the monastery at the hands of Chinese officials, which began when Phusntok the monk self immolated on March 19th, 2011, still continue to this day.
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TPI TIBET IN EXILE
Taiwanese Monk Gives TCV Students Performance Opportunities
Kalon Tripa Clarifies Tibetan Parliament Name Change Decision By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Students, teachers and their children from this year's White Tara summer-holiday program. Photo: TPI By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Taiwanesesponsored social and musical charity, White Tara, yesterday (June 9) held a concert at the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA) in McLeod Ganj. About 300 people, had bought a ticket for the venue which lasted a good three hours. Mainly young Tibetans were among the audience but a handful of foreigners also made it as well as a few children's families and a small crowd of monks. Aimed at TCV-students who haven't got relatives to visit during schoolholidays, White Tara provides them with music and singing lessons and offers them a chance to try their performing skills on a live audience. So far, the charity has held more than 30 concerts and has had around 200 students under their wings in the last couple of years. The concert consisted primarily of songs with Tibetan lyrics and a modern disco-beat mixed in with bits of rapverses. But before the nervous students made their entrĂŠe on the stage, footage was shown on a big screen, showing Tibetans, young and old, dancing and singing to Tibetan music in an outdoors setting. The joy of the dancers in the film easily spread to the audience in the TIPA concert hall. Opening the gig was a 4-piece boy band, crooning their way through a pop tune and wearing traditional Tibetan clothes. After that, one of White Tara's teachers informally, but proudly, presented a whole range of performances, many starting with a video-clip of the students, taken before they received training, where they talked about their wish to play music and the shyness of actually doing it. The audience let no artist in doubt of his or her performance, as they clapped, cheered and laughed accordingly. A group of 5 girls all with beaded hair they had spent all afternoon choosing costumes and jewellery - made a dance
choreography that could have been taken straight out of MTV, but the biggest applause came in the form of absolute silence and focus when a young man sang a song about freedom accompanied by a video-collage of images from Tibet. About three years ago, a Taiwanese monk, Waitsai, was traveling around India with a female companion, Tsai Yung Ching. Upon reaching Dharamshala, Waitsai requested a visit to the Upper TCV school and a local guide was happy to take him there. By chance, the visit took place during Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and when Waitsai met the many students who had no where else to go during the holiday, he decided to instigate a project to alleviate the loneliness of being away from home and family. The guide, who goes under the name of Bubu, now works as a music teacher and organizer for White Tara and by a romantic twist of fate, he is now married to the monk's traveling companion Tsai Yung Ching and the pair has a one-year old child. The students' age lies in the range of 12-20 years and two other teachers also work for the charity. One of them, Sonam Tsering, said that whenever White Tara holds a public event with income from ticket sales, the profit is always given to the students, who in turn form small groups and decide where or who they wish to support in the community. Recipients are mostly poor families or communityprojects. Not having done the exact counting, Sonam Tsering estimates that the evenings profit only came to a few thousand Rupees, but he still regards the concert as a great success. While the concert unfolded indoors at the TIPA, this year's heaviest rainfall came gushing down outside. But just as the event was coming to an end, the rain stopped and the impressed crowd could safely walk home, having witnessed the liveliness and popularity of Tibetan contemporary music.
TYC Apprehensive Towards...... changes require extended time, and suggestions from international legal experts and scholars. "Recently during the Second Tibetan National General Meeting, a significant majority of the subcommittees voted against changing the name of the Tibetan Government in Exile and a unanimous decision was taken by the end of the meeting, supporting the motion of maintaining the original name. However during the three-day special session of the 14th Tibetan Parliament
in Exile , the member decided to change name from "Tibetan Government in Exile" to "Institution/Organisation of the Tibetan People" in the Tibetan charter," stated the press release. Mr. Tseweang Rigzin, the president of TYC said on behalf of the TYC, "We would like to convey to our Tibetan people inside and outside Tibet that the symbolic items the TYC promises to safeguard will be returned to the Tibetan government once Tibet gains independence.
The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, the current chairman of the Tibetan Administration at the 1st session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament in Exile repudiated any doubt or criticism of the Tibetan Government's recent name change which happened in conjunction with the charterammendment regarding His Holiness the Dalai Lama's devolvement of political power. The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) has made available the English Translation of the explanations and clarifications on the name change: ‘Government to Administration'. "Please note that this translation is not of academic standard. Should there be any discrepancies, please refer to the Tibetan version as the authoritative document,' said the TWA report. In an address to first session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament during its first session, the Kalon Tripa said he was shocked to wittness claims of the Government having withdrawn and that he felt compelled to question such claims; "in this Parliament, there is only progress and no signs of change and self-withdrawing or self-censorship" said Samdhong Rinpoche. In May, the 14th Tibetan Parliament in exile approved that the title of "Tibetan Government-in-Exile" be changed to "Tibetan Administration". The title of "Bod Shung Gaden Phodrang Chogle Namgyal" or "Gaden Phodrang
Government of Tibet" in the emblem was also changed to "Denpanyi Nampar Gyalgyur Chig" (translated as Truth will Prevail). Recently the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) has expressed its criticism of the parliament's decision to implement the above mentioned changes, claiming that during the 2nd Tibetan National General Meeting "a significant majority of the subcommittees voted against changing the Tibetan name of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile". In their press release the TYC indicated that the decision had been rushed saying
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, the chairman of the Tibetan Administration. Photo: TPI
they were "apprehensive that within such a short period of time such fundamental and critical changes were made, and even more so viewing the proceedings of the parliament-in-exile which was conducted haphazardly". Explaining that the name "Central Tibetan Administration" (CTA) consistently has been translated by the CTA to "Tibetan Government in Exile" - despite the correct translation being the former - the Kalon Tripa said that, while no longer under
the protection of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's reputed title, the CTA must consider the risk of potential future legal problems as a result of operating with the name of "Tibetan-Government-inExile". Pointing to the fact that funding from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation to the Tibetan Parliamentary Policy Research Center has dropped by nearly 100%, Samdhong Rinpoche said it was "noteworthy to consider the reasons and causes". He also said that in a time when the Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the CTA and South Indian newspapers are, almost daily, writing articles against the CTA, Tibetans should "consider the meaning and overtures and not the terminology or the connotation". As for accusations that the name change had been imposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as result of foreign pressure the Kalon Tripa said, "I am saddened and disheartened to know that there are people who consider and recognize the magnanimous and knowledgeable 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet as someone who would sway under pressure, external or internal", and added, "there is not an iota of truth in this". Conclusively, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche also relayed that His Holiness had mentioned that since the name change concerned him and the delegation of His political role and authority, he had reserved the right to have a say and that this did not violate the canons of democracy.
First Session of XVth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Begins By Tibetan Administration Official Media:
Dharamshala: - The 1st session of the XVth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile opened on Wednesday, 02 June, opening a new chapter in the history of Tibetan democracy. In his opening remarks, Mr Penpa Tsering, the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, said "the opening of a new chapter at this landmark turning point in democracy necessitates the members of the 15th Tibetan Parliament to take greater responsibility than ever before." He said the Parliament would reinvigorate its efforts on the preservation of Tibet's culture and religion, strengthen and improve administrative and education standards in exile. He called on the members of Parliament to study the political developments taking in China and other parts of the world with their impacts on the issue of Tibet. "As His Holiness the Dalai Lama devolved his formal authority to the elected Tibetan leadership, we should be able to become self-reliant and set the Parliament as a standard institute," he said. He also stressed that efforts should be made to garner support from India and other countries on the issue of Tibet. "Its been 50 years that the Tibetans have followed the path of democracy. The members in this parliament are able, educated and experienced. I hope that the parliamentarians would take the standard of Tibetan Parliament to a higher level." He said the members of the Tibetan
15th Tibetan members from TPIE in Dharamsala, India.
Parliament would undertake visits to the Tibetan communities in India, Nepal and Bhutan to assess the conditions of Tibetans. Kashag Greets members of 15th Parliament in Exile. Kalon Tripa greeted the members of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, which has begun its first session today. While greeting the parliamentarians in the House, Kalon Tripa said "the combination of equal number of new and members from the preceding parliament augurs well for both innovation and continuation of tradition." "Moreover, the greater representation of women members in the parliament also signifies that the Tibetan culture is progressive and not backward," he said. "Equally significant is the the presence of members ranging from scholars, academicians, writers, social activists. Even though there are around 40 something parliament members, but they represent the entire spectrum of
the Tibetan society," he said. "So there is a renewed hope that the standard of parliament and its proceedings will undoubtedly reach a higher level," he added. Kalon Tripa said there is a growing trend towards instituting a secular polity in the charter in place of the present dispensation with the hope that a resolution on this would be passed in the future. These, conspicuously or inconspicuously, signifies an overall social transformation, advancement in democracy and progress in education standard. "Moreover, it is a matter of great pride that these changes are the realisation of continuous efforts made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in advancing democracy in the last 50 years," he added. "We hope the members of the 15th Tibetan Parliament will live up to the hope and confidence which on them by the Tibetan people," Kalon Tripa said.
The Tibet Post
TPI FREEDOM & DEMOCRACY
Voices for Freedom Rising in China, Says H.H. The Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Braybrook and Footscray today, 10th June 2011. PICTURES: David Smit By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet sees positive signs of change within China, he revealed this week. He divulged in an interview in Australia that he hears more voices for freedom from within China, and that the regime's repressiveness "cannot last forever." There is barely a person in the world who watches the situation in China more closely than H.H. the Dalai Lama. His gaze on the region - which includes his native country of Tibet, is unending. The comments that he made this week upon a visit to Australia hold a gravity that even those in Beijing could not ignore. His Holiness says that he sees increasing numbers calling for freedom within China - not just from his homeland of Tibet. The region has seen a growing number of crackdowns in recent months; particularity with violent scenes in Kirti Monastery, Ngaba county, eastern Tibet. "Now voices about change, the necessity of change, now quite often you can hear, including Prime Minister Wen Jiabao," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Now more voices for democracy, freedom and openness and even PM also has spoken of these things." The 76-year-old Nobel peace laureate continued to stated that the more
educated, global community of the world had created a sense of individual freedom that people needed to enjoy. Regarding the situation in China, and the suppression that people face in the region, he stated: "This kind of attitude cannot remain forever". He added that, "Naturally, even animal[s] want freedom. So therefore human being[s] naturally have desire of individual freedom. No force can stop that." The spiritual leader of Tibet also saw some promise in China's attitude to Tibet: "Over two years we notice about 1000 articles in Chinese language wrote by Chinese - all these articles fully support our middle-way approach, not seeking independence but seeking genuine meaningful autonomy." In recent weeks His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet handed over all political power to the democratically elected leaderships including Dr. Lobsang Sangay, in a historic change for the shifting role of the Tibetan leader. He now officially stands as the spiritual leader of Tibet, and his role continues to involve a large number of state visits giving inspirational speeches such as the one witnessed in Melbourne last week. His words come during a short tour of Australia, and gives hope to those concerned with the growing suppression in the Himalayan region of Tibet.
China Cracks Down Hard On Mongolian Protest internet and other media, however, only seems to infuriate the demonstrators even more, writes the US-based NGO Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center (SMHRIC) on their website. On May 30, according to SMHRIC, hundreds of Mongolians took to the streets of the regional capital Hohhot, to demand the rights of Mongolians and the release of detainees. Reportedly the protesters were dispersed by riot police after an hour with dozens arrested. On the same day, the Inner Mongolia Normal University posted an "important notice" to warn all teachers and students of all high schools and colleges not to leave the school according to an urgent notice received from "higher authorities". Major schools, colleges and universities in Hohhot, with thousands of Mongolian
students, have thus been heavily guarded by riot police and paramilitary forces, and students closely monitored by teachers and security personnel inside the campuses. These measures have not stopped the protests entirely, however, as many Mongolian students creatively carried out in-campus protests by throwing Chinese language textbooks out of the windows. Chinese authorities have also issued warning messages to companies and institutions with large numbers of Mongolians as well as sending out textmessages, warning residents to stay indoors due to possible violence on the streets, a source told SMHRIC. On top of that, local government officials, lower level administrative police units and local government workers have been dispatched to Mongolian communities and households to do so-
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Journalists, Writers Participate in Summit on Tibet Held in Brazil By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The nine day long Tibet Awareness Programme held at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Florianopolis, South Brazil, concluded successfully on the 4th of June with the careful removal of the intricate sand mandala that was made by Ven Tenzin Thutop of the Namgyal Monastery. The conference during its 9 day duration invited eminent Brazilian writers/ journalists' for interesting panel discussion on Tibet. According to the Tibetan Administration official media: Tibet Net, some of the pre eminent personalities included Mr Airton Ortiz (an explorer, journalist and writer), Mr Harold Castro (a senior reporter of Brazil's best known news magazine, Revista Epoca) and Luis Pellegrini (writer and director of the editorial staff of the news magazine, Revista Planeta). The three guests took part in the discussion and shared their stories about exploring Tibet and covered stories on it. Earlier during the conference, Mr Robert Barnett, Assistant Professor of Contemporary Tibetan Studies and Director of Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia University in New York, had two enlightening
Prof Robbie Barnett giving a presentation on Tibet during the 9-day Tibet awareness programme in southern Brazil. Photo: Ze Palva - Vista Imagens
presentations on Tibet-the first one focused on Tibet, China and Culture Renaissance and the second one was on China's Underlying Strategy on Tibet. The Tibetans that were present at the conference were Lama Padma Samten of Porto Alegre based Centro de Estudos Budistas Bodisatva, Tsewang Phuntsok, CTA's Liaison Officer for Latin America, Tiffany H. Gyatso, a Brazilian Tibetan Thangka painter, and Ogen Shak, a lone Tibetan Thangka
artist who currently lives in Brazil. The above mentioned individuals all gave detailed presentations on Tibet and Tibetan culture. The event featured exhibition of photos on Tibet, the Missing Peace Arts, and Thangka paintings as well as screening of movies on Tibet. The showstopper was the construction of the Sand Mandala. The conference was covered extensively by local and regional newspapers, radio and television channels.
No Enforced Disappearances of Tibetan Monks, China Tells UN
Dharamshala: - The Chinese government brushed aside pressure from The U.N. Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance, to reveal the whereabouts and fate of more than 300 Tibetan monks since they were allegedly arrested in April, though some have reportedly since been released. Journalists were banned from
the region and communication with Ngaba is heavily restricted. The government has insisted that that local authorities were and are "conducting legal education" for the monks to maintain law and order in the troubled Ngaba district. A foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei was quoted as saying "no such thing as enforced disappearance" of the Tibetan monks. The relevant local authorities are conducting legal education for the Kirti monastery monks in order to maintain religious order there". He went on to say that the international community "should disregard bias and adopt an objective and fair perspective in looking at this issue." However, Reuters news agency reports that China has imposed an official ban on foreigners traveling to Ngaba and surrounding regions of eastern Tibet. The situation in Ngaba county in eastern Tibet has been tense since mid-March when a 21-year- old Tibetan monk from the local monastery
called "ideological work" and spreading the propaganda of China's ethnic policy. On Sunday, May 29, state-run news media reported that Inner Mongolia's Communist Party secretary, Hu Chunhua, had met with students and teachers and promised justice in the killing of the other activist, wrote the New York Times. Also, officials have in recent days announced plans for free tuition and textbooks for Mongolian high school and vocational students as well as pledging to spend $680 million to improve drinking water, transportation and agriculture. Enghebatu Togochog, president of the
Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center, told the New York Times that government largess would not necessarily address the underlying problems of the region's Mongolians and might actually make them worse if development projects aimed at moving shepherds off the grasslands. "The root cause of the problem is not money," Mr. Togochog said. "The problem is the conflict between the Mongolian people's efforts to maintain their distinct culture and way of life and the Chinese authorities' attempts to exploit the natural resources of the region."
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, South African Navanethem Pillay listens to a speech during the 12th UN Human Rights Council at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday Sept. 14, 2009. Photo: AP By Guatham Ashok, The Tibet Post
died after setting himself on fire to have a peaceful protest against continuing oppression under Chinese rule. Following the incident, China stepped up security in the region with armed police and the army surrounding the Kirti monastery in Ngaba county. The Chinese government has claimed it has started legal education at the monastery, education which includes learning the basics of the Chinese constitution, criminal law and regulations on religious affairs. Worldwide media coverage of the case said, 355 monks have been removed from the monastery by armed forces. The UN Human Rights panel had earlier made a statement saying that "Enforced disappearance is a terrible practice that must not be permitted to occur anywhere and no exceptional circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify an enforced disappearance." Other several Independent reports say the monastery had been closed by the authority and not even food being supplied at times. Moreover, monks being arrested without charges and tortured and a forceful education in patriotism are being carried out there. International media reporters are banned to enter the area and neighboring Tibetan areas. The Working Group on Wednesday also called on China to fulfill its promise to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance and accept the competence of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances to receive and consider communications from or on behalf of individuals, as stated in the Convention.
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The Tibet Post
Tibetan Women Arrested for Opposing Tibetan Monks Round off Buddhist Sacred Arts Tour Deportation of Monks
Phuntsog's funeral outside Kirti Monastery on 19 March. Photo: TPI By The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: - Two women arrested for opposing the deportation of Kirti monks on April 22nd, Choko, age 45, of Trinchen Tsang house in Tawa
Gongma township in Ngaba county, and Serkyi, age 35, daughter of Lokle Trakho of Tawa Gongma, were released on May 17th after 25 days in detention.
Drepung Monastery in Tibet Under Siege By Chinese Police
Their heads had been shaved, and they were beaten and abused so badly in detention that they are unable to look after themselves. On April 12 , after the Chinese authorities threatened to remove all monks aged 18-40 for compulsory reeducation elsewhere, they were among those who stood in the way of the police and soldiers, and then remained on vigil outside the monastery for the next ten days intending to oppose any further attempt at deportation. When troops moved in on April 22, they arrested the younger protesters standing in their way, and put the older ones in trucks and drove them to the cemetery and army camp before releasing them, according to Ven. Losang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering, media coordinator for Dharamshala India based Kirti monastery in exile. Also, it has been announced that Kesang, a young man of the Tragyal Tsang house in Trotsik, arrested at the time of the March 16 protest in Ngaba, is soon to be sentenced, but it is not known on what charge.
Tibetan monks from Drepung Gomang Monastery in South India deconstruct their Sacred Sand Mandala during the closing ceremony Monday. Photo: Daily Tarheel By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- Eight Tibetan Buddhist monks have been touring the United States promoting their unique culture and art. The Sacred Arts Tour 2011, performed by eight members of Drepung Gomang Monastic College of South Asia, will be wrapping up Thursday with an evening of Tibetan Culture and
China Claims to Open Five Star Hotel in Tibet By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
In this photo taken Wednesday, March 3, 2010, Chinese military personnel are seen on a street of Lhasa, Central Tibet region. Two years after Lhasa erupted in a riot that set off anti-government protests across Tibetan areas of China, heavy security is the new normal. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala: - Lhasa. the capital of Tibet witnessed the opening of so called Tibet's first 5 star Hotel on Saturday (28th May). The Tibetan monastic design of ‘St. Regis Lhasa Resort' was inspired by the nearby and still-active Sera Monastery. It is the highest altitude hotel in the world, and marks a dawn of new visitors to Tibet: luxury travelers. Beijing is dramatically changing its hand in Tibet. Over recent decades, tourism to the region has been highly restricted - at times prohibited. However the flagship plan for St. Regis together with five similar five-star hotels and local boutique hotels, is part
being converted into boutique hotels to meet the demand of luxury travelers to Tibet. The great tragedy for these once beautiful buildings is that after the cultural revolution, they remained as ruins. These sacred, historical sites have been vital for Tibetan culture in the past. To see them converted into money making businesses for tourists is a great blow for Tibetan identity. Naturally the money is going to the Chinese who own the hotels, and there is no mention of Tibetans benefiting form the enterprise. The sacred Sera Monastery is a major tourist attraction to Lhasa. Built in 1419, it is an integral relic of Tibet. Aspects
By Cornelius Lundsgaard & Pema Tso, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: At the Drepung Monastery near Lhasa in Tibet, Chinese armed forces have disrupted the religious festival of Saga Dawa and kept the monastery under surveillance and strict control since the beginning of April. Traditionally, during Saga Dawa, devotees will fast and make prayers from the April 1 through April 15, the last day marking both the birth, transcendence and death of Sakyamuni, also known as the Buddha. In Drepung monastery it has been the responsibility of monks from the Hardhong khangtsen (house) to conduct the rituals necessary for Saka Dawa, but since 2008 they have not been allowed to celebrate the event at Drepung monastery despite sending formal applications to the relevant authorities. According to Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), however, this year authorities gave their permission for Drepung monastery to celebrate Saka Dawa. Because of this, both lay people and the monastic
community were getting ready to enjoy the celebrations together. But on April 1, at 1pm, when the twoweek fast was about to commence, a police unit suddenly entered the compound, forcing everyone to stop the religious activities and sending people away from the monastery. Since then, about 60 normal and riotpolice officers - with guns, helmets and shields - have been permanently patroling street just outside the monastery, with a special focus on the Hardhong khangtsen monks' activities. Among the occupying forces are 3 highranking communist party cadres, including the vice-chairman of the socalled Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) and a Conference vice-chairman of TAR. The TCHRD reports that these authorities are now controlling all activities in Drepung Monastery. Since 2008, a smaller group of police officers have been stationed at the monastery under the pretext of safeguarding the compund in case of fire.
Performances at the 'Ackland Art Museum'; North Carolina. The Tibetan monks will finalise their tour and cultural message to the Chapel Hill of the students of the University of North Carolina, through a series of detailed talks. In addition they will perform Tibetan ritual dances, and religious ceremonies. The tour is sponsored by the Drepung Gomang Institute, an American educational, nonprofit organization based out of Louisville, United States. The aim for the monks touring the United States is threefold. Firstly, they wish to express a message of peace, compassion, love and kindness from their strong Tibetan Buddhist beliefs. Secondly, they hope to introduce their Tibetan and Buddhist culture to the wider world. Targeting the students of North Carolina is a very effective means of doing such. The final goal of the monks is to raise donations for 2,000 members of Drepung Gomang Monastery; India. The Drepung Gomang Monastery was established in Southern India after territorial issues in Tibet, during which thousands of Tibetans were displaced or killed. The monastery is now home to 2,000 monks including the eight Tibetans who are touring the United States. The monks created a unique Tibetan Green Tara Sand Mandala during the tour. The specific meaning of Green Tara Sacred Sand Mandala is to encourage individuals to have compassion for all beings, a potent message from Tibetans traveling abroad. After the Mandala was left to sit and be observed by the curious audience, it was swept away; as dictated by Tibetan custom. This process reflects the impermanence of life. The ceremony and tour has been widely accepted by the American audience, and the peaceful nature of the Tibetan monks has been greeted with warmth. Afterward the ceremony, the monks poured some of the sand - of which some had been blessed by the Dalai Lama - into the local river; Bolin Creek.
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Photo: TPI/File
of the governments' goal to attract more tourist travel to the area; along with the vast sums of money that come with such enterprises. Beijing hopes the region will attract 15 million tourists per year by 2015. |Visitors to Tibet rose by 40 percent in April, and numbers are expected to exceed 300,000 in 2011. Smaller, ‘inactive' temples such as the 300-year-old Jokhang Temple, are now
of the beautiful Tibetan architecture were taken and used for the St. Regis hotel; particularly the inner spaces, courtyards and the dramatic features of the walls. Ironically, Western tourists who visit Tibet often express a wish to experience ‘Tibetan culture', yet the hotels they reside in themselves destroy this; being built from the foundations of Tibetan religious sites.
In addition, large numbers of Han migrants who enter with aims of attracting more tourists to Tibet dilute the fragile culture. It is obvious that Beijing is greatly benefiting from the tourism aspect of Tibetan culture, yet it continues to repress religious freedom and even the most basic human rights. Every new hotel is fast becoming the loss of a precious Buddhist site in Tibet.
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Tenzin Yangkyi From Switzerland Tibetan Parliament Re-elects Penpa Tsering as Speaker Wins Miss Tibet 2011
Tenzin Yangkyi, a 17 year-old Tibetan girl from Switzerland was crowned Miss T...ibet 2011. Photo: The Tibet Post International By Aniket Dasgupta, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The youngest participant in the Miss Tibet pageant , Tenzin Yangkyi was crowned as Miss Tibet-2011 on Sunday evening. She won the title defeating the other five participants in the contest. Ngadhup Dolma from Australia was crowned the first runner up and Dolma Tsering from Bangalore, South India was crowned second runner up. Tenzin Yangkyi was also crowned Miss Photogenic based on the votes that were cast on the website of the pageant. Tenzin Yangkyi is a Tibetan student from Zurich, Switzerland. She was born in 1993 and has just completed Class 10. She can speak Tibetan, German, and English, and likes singing, dancing,
travelling, and sports. In her opinion, "Miss Tibet can help the Tibetan issue in a great many ways. Being Miss Tibet means representing Tibet, and the name itself only gets the attention of the media. The media is the ultimate way to raise Tibet's voice to the world. Specially, Miss Tibet can help raise awareness of the Tibetan issue within the youngsters." Yangkyi aspires to make modelling her career. She has already done modelling a few times and was appreciated by her mentors. Fortunately for her, she is from one of the more liberal Tibetan families who support her in her endeavours. When the judges asked her how she would contribute towards the cause of
Tibet? Yangkyi said, "Tibetan women are educated and beautiful but role models are needed to ensure their effective participation in Tibet cause and Miss Tibet can be the role model to spread awareness." The first of the seven rounds of the competition, the Swimsuit Round was held on 3 June. The Talk and Talent Rounds were held on the 4th. The Finale Night, had the Introduction, Evening Gown, Traditional Costume, and Interview Rounds. The Finale Night was held at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), McLeod Ganj. Coronation for the new Miss Tibet, the 10th winner of the pageant, took place on the Finale Night with the presentation of 100,000 rupees (2,250 USD approximately). The first runner-up received 50,000 rupees and second runner-up received 25,000 rupees. Kelsang Dolma, who came from Pondicherry, presented two belly dance presentations to entertain the audience. Shakuntalam Creative Centre from Dharamshala and seven-year-old child artiste Yang Dolma presented an item each. The Free Spirit Award 2011 was also announced on the occasion. It was presented to Russel Norman, a member of Parliament in New Zealand, for his call for freedom and democracy in Tibet when the Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping was visiting the country last year.
Penpa Tsering reelected speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Dharamshala. Photo: TPI/File By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - 42 newly elected members of the 15th Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile were sworn in at a ceremony held at the Parliament House today Monday, 30th May. The total strength of the parliament stands at 44. Mr. Pempa Tsering has been re-elected to the post of speaker winning with a margin of 24 votes out of the 42 MPs that were present. Ven. Sonam Tenphel was elected Deputy Speaker, winning with a margin of 20 votes out of the 42 MPs that were present, the first Buddhist monk ever to serve in this position. The election commission of the Central Tibetan Administration will later hold polls for the election of 2 MPs from UTsang Province (Central Tibet) as 2
candidates in question could not secure the mandatory 33 percent of the total votes cast during the final poll that was held on 20 March. Prior to the swearing in ceremony of the MPs, the interim speaker took oath from the chief justice commissioner of the Central Tibetan Administration. Dr. Lobsang Sangay, newly elected leader of the Tibetan Administration also attended the swearing-in ceremony. The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, based in Dharamsala, which also serves as the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, is the highest legislative organ of the exile polity. The members are directly elected by Tibetan exiles above the age of 18 from their respective constituencies around the world.
Tienanmen Square Anniversary Marked Class X Board Exam Results by Tibetan Activists Declared
Joann Dionne, author of ‘Little Emperors: A Year with the Future of China’, speaking at the event on 5th June 2011, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The 22nd anniversary of the Tienanmen square massacre was marked by Canadian author Joann Dionne and Tibetan political activist Tenzin Tsundue in Dharamshala at the weekend (June 4th). A screening of the film ‘The Tank Man' was presented, aided by discussions and a presentation on the political situation in Beijing ranging from the year of the uprising: 1989, to the present situation. Joann Dionne, author of ‘Little Emperors: A Year with the Future of China', spoke candidly about the situation in China during the 1980s, which saw the student movement develop into an uprising that captured global awareness. Dionne presented the audience with readings from the book 'Egg on Mao:
The Story of an Ordinary Man Who Defaced an Icon and Unmasked a Dictatorship', by fellow author and associate Denise Chong. She delved into the lives of three Chinese activists, led by Lu Decheng, who defaced the painting of Mao in Tianenmen Square in 1989 by throwing paint concealed in eggs at the portrait. They received heinous sentences for their dissidence, and the story of their lives documents how they were tortured and traumatised at the hands of Chinese officials. The moving documentary film -The Tank Man- which depicts the infamous unidentified lone man who stood before a line of Chinese Military Tanks in Beijing, 1989, was screened - symbolising a
nation of suppressed emotions with one symbolic, brave stand. The photograph and short reel of footage that documented the momentous 20th Century event, was captured by Western journalists, and aided by Chinese protesters to show the world what was happening under the Communist regimes' iron rule. The documentary showed the violence that occurred in the early summer of 1989 in Beijing, and the commemoration in the TCV school hall in Dharamshala soon answered questions on why it was so difficult to protest under Chinese Communist rule. Many comparisons were drawn to The Tibetan issue during a rallying speech by activist Tenzin Tsundue. He drew upon his youth; when he had first heard the news of the Tienanmen massacre: "We all knew the Chinese were brutal to Tibetans, but when we saw what they did to their own people - their children we were shocked". "This event has fundamentally changed our stance", he added, highlighting that it was the government and not the Chinese people who were committing the crimes. "We celebrate our solidarity with Chinese people all over the world". The event in the exiled Tibetan community raised probing questions on how unsatisfied and unstable the Chinese people are with the current regime - and how closely tied they are with the Tibet situation. The intimate event posed the question - what will the suppressed millions under Chinese rule do next - and when?
By Tibetan Administration Official media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - The overall pass percentage of the 28 Tibetan schools in this year's Class X board exams recorded 98.93%, an increased around 7 percent from the last year's 91.44%. The result of Class X board exam was announced on 4 June. The school-wise ranking is (1) CST Chandragiri (100% pass percentage), CST Chauntra (100%), CST CVP Bylakuppe (100%), CST Darjeeling (100%), CST Dholanji (100%), CST Gurupura (100%), CST Kalimpong (100%), CST Kollegal (100%), CST Mungod (100%), CST Mussoorie (100%), CST Shimla (100%), CST Sonada (100%), CST Bhuntar (100%), CST Chauntra (100%), TCV, Lower, Dharamshala (100%), TCV Selakui (100%), TCV-SOS, Bylakuppe (100%), TCV-SOS, Suja (100%), THF, Mussoorie (100%), THF, Rajpur(100%), TCV Gopalpur (98.99%), TCV-SOS Ladakh (98.44%), CST
Dalhousie (97.96%), CST Herbertpur (97.30%), TCV Upper Dharamshala (96.77%), CST Paonta (95.56%), TNM, Clementown (90.48%) and CST Bylakuppe (88.89%). A total of 1864 students appeared in the examination. 1844 students qualified the exams and 20 students were in the category of Eligible for Improvement of Performance (EIOP). The individual toppers of the year are Tenzin Wangchuk of CST Kollegal), Pratibha Jaswal of CST Shimla, Tenzin Paldon of TCV Selakui and Tenzin Norzin of CST Bylakuppe with 10 Grade Point Average (GPA). Those who secured second position are Spandan Raut of CST Mussoorie, Tenzin Kunkyap of TCV Selakui and Tenzin Wangdak of CST Bylakuppe with 9.8 GPA. The pass percentages of the boys and girls are 98.82% and 99.4% respectively.
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Danish Parliament Calls for Protection of Human Rights in Tibet
The Tibet Post
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Urged to Visit Tibet By The Tibet Post International
The Danish Parliament (Folketinget) inaugurated their new Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS) DCS 6000 Digital Conference system including voting & discussion at their opening meeting in October. Photo: File By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The Parliament of Denmark has adopted a motion on Tibet calling on the Chinese government to resume dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama's representatives and protect the Tibetan people's unique cultural and religious traditions. According to a report of the Tibetan Administration official media, 'Tibet Net', the motion was passed after an extensive debate on the issue of Tibet on 27 May. "The Parliament expresses its continuing concern over the human rights situation in China and the situation in Tibet and calls on the
Government to continue to work for improvements and to protect the Tibetan people's unique cultural and religious traditions," the motion said. "The Parliament calls for the dialogue between representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government to be resumed and to lead to a result that ensures genuine autonomy for the Tibetans within the framework of the Chinese constitution, with cultural and religious freedom and respect for human rights. The Parliament notes that the Dalai Lama's representatives have not demanded independence," it said.
United Nations for a Free Tibet Calls for Peace and Democracy By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- On the eve of the 22nd anniversary of the Tienanmen Square massacre, the pro-Tibet group ‘United Nations for a Free Tibet' call upon the global community to take to the streets and highlight the suppression and violent crackdowns faced in Tibet. The Tienanmen square massacre, which occurred on June 4th 1989, symbolises the enormous brutality the Chinese regime can perform on their own people, and to those who question them. The peaceful pro-democracy movement, demonstrated by students, was destroyed by a heavy handed Chinese military force. The statement, released by the UNFFT, comes during a period of much unrest in the Tibet region. The huge military crackdown at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba continues and the Chinese armed forces in the region remain on high alert. The media continue to be banned from the area. In addition, the rumor of the ‘jasmine revolution' uprising has continued to grow, sending fear through Chinese officials. The UNNFT stated today: "During this 22nd anniversary of June 4th, Tibetans in exile, Chinese and Vietnamese Community in solidarity, call on supporters around the world taking to the streets to highlight the broader crackdown in China, as well as the situation in Ngaba, [which has] worsened through April till now" "Tibetans, Vietnamese and supporters stand in solidarity with Chinese students, labor organizers, and prodemocracy advocates as their struggle
16 March 2011, People's Armed Police march on Ying Xiong Avenue near the main market in Ngaba Town around 5pm, just after protests took place following the self-immolation of Phuntsog. Photo: TPI
for a democratic and Transparent China was violently crushed by the tanks in Tienanmen Square," highlighted Brigitte Graefin von Bulow, Chair of United Nations for a Free Tibet." "We urge the Chinese government to review the events of June 4, 1989, and to have the courage and farsightedness to embrace more truly egalitarian principles and pursue a policy of greater accommodation and tolerance of diverse views." The UNFFT have a concise statement for Beijing, and the International community to hear. They wish to: - Convey to China's leaders the message that all security forces must withdraw from Ngaba. - Insist that International governments send embassy representatives to express concern to relevant Chinese Ministries. - Push for international observers and media to be given unfettered access to the region. "The true meaning of June 4th should not be just limited to the annual commemoration, but a wake-up call on
Geneva: - The UN Human Rights Council begun its 17th regular session on 30 May and will continue till 17 June to discuss and address human rights situation around the globe. The UN human rights chief, Ms. Navi Pillay presented an annual report updating her office's activities and then held general debate. In her statement, High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Pillay, noted the rising demand for fundamental human rights across North Africa and the Middle East. She cited it as a result of the decades of denial of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights as well as right to development. On human rights situation in China, she expressed concern at the increased restriction on freedom of expression and opinion. During the interactive dialogue on Ms. Pillay's statement, speaking on behalf of Society for Threatened Peoples, Mr. Tenzin Samphel KAYTA welcomed UN Human Rights chief's report. He informed the Council that Chinese authorities is currently cracking down on peaceful protestors in Inner Mongolia. He also updated the UN Human Rights Council the severe clamp down on Ngaba Kirti Monastery since
During the interactive dialogue on Ms. Pillay's statement, speaking on behalf of Society for Threatened Peoples, Mr. Tenzin Samphel KAYTA (Photo) welcomed UN Human Rights chief’s report.
16 March 2011. In the plenary session, Mr. kayta drew attention of the member States and international community on the disappearance of 300 Kirti Monastery monks who had been taken away by the Chinese People Armed Force on the night of 21 April - Easter eve to an undisclosed location. He called upon the UN High Commissioner Ms. Navi Pillay to conduct a fact-finding mission
to China including all affected Tibetan areas by seizing upon the invitation she has received from the Chinese Government. In the run up to the 17th UN Human Rights Council session, the Tibet Bureau has met with over 10 Foreign Mission diplomats based in Geneva, Switzerland to update the latest human rights situation in Tibet particularly in Ngaba Kirti Monastery.
China Launches Fresh Cyber Attack, Gmail Targeted By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- The Gmail accounts of hundreds of high profile individuals from several nations have been targeted by sources in China, Google revealed this week. The accounts of Senior US Government officials, Chinese political activists, military personnel and and journalists have been targeted by groups in China. In January 2010, a Tibetan woman, Seldon, a regional coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet. Simultaneously as she was reading her G-mail in Queens, someone in China was logged into her account as well. Top Google officials, including chief legal officer David Drummond, later told Seldon that the suspicious situation alerted them that she was one of the human rights activists whose electronic mail was routinely being spied upon by someone in China. The disturbing news came at a pivotal time for the war on cyber-threats. It comes a day after the U.S and United Kindgom publicly acknowledged that nation-sponsored cyber-attacks can be deemed an act of war. Cyber attacks are notoriously difficult to control and cost millions merely to prevent. Additionally they can cost governments millions in damages, disclose national secrets, and have the
awareness raising of the democracy and freedom in China day and night. We need to leave no stone unturned on our mission of seeing the realisation of a truly democratic China." In solidarity with those being oppressed in the region, solidarity protests will be held in Britain, Germany, and the United States, on the Tienanmen anniversary, June 4th tomorrow.
potential to bring entire nations to their knees. Hacking groups from China such as ‘GhostNet' have caused huge issues in the past for organizations who criticize China. The offices of the Dalai Lama were hacked in 2009 by the group, and during the run up to the Beijing Olympics, cyber attacks were a daily occurrence for pro-Tibet groups. Google alerted hundreds of people who had been deceived by a specific ‘phishing' scam targeted for Gmail users. The source of hacking originates from Jinan, the capital of Shandong province - China. The aim of the hackers is to Continues From Page 3.... Divulging on the change that occurred in Tibetan democracy under his leadership, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet stated, that upon reaching India in 1959: "we start some sort of change. -not like the previous sort of system but more, sort of, divisions among the, sort of, cabinet ministers like that. So then, [19]60, we start work for democratization". "Then in 2001, we already achieved elected political leadership. Since then, my position is something like semi retired position. So-- I really feel, you see, that's our achievement. Now fully a democratic, sort of, system like that". When asked about his retirement from the political scene, His Holiness added:
gain complete control of users' email accounts on the Gmail sphere. There is no direct evidence to link the hackers to the Chinese government, who are deemed to be paying the computer-literate groups for their work. However the sophistication of the attacks and their highly specific nature means direct financial gain as a motive is highly unlikely. Google did not rule out the possibility of the attack being state-sponsored. The White House said it was investigating the claims, and Google itself is continually raising its game and introducing new steps to prevent hacking. Although China routinely denies accusations of hacking coming from major corporations, such as Google who has complained several times of the Chinese regime hacking the Gmail accounts of human rights activists, the US has recently called its cyber-warfare capabilities 'formidable'.
On a more serious note, the Dalai Lama discussed the worsening situation in Tibet, drawing upon the re-education of Tibetans by Chinese leaders, the dilution of the Tibetan culture, and the suppression of his people. "Tibetan[s] express now [a] semicultural revolution returning' - he added, highlighting that the short sightedness of Chinese political figures, was risking a 'semi-revolution' by the increasingly suppressed people under their rule - namely Tibetans. His Holiness recollected a conversation upon his arrival in India on the subject of Gandhian methods of peaceful protest. Though admittedly Chinese rule is far more oppressive than those faced by Gandhi, His Holiness remains a strong advocate of
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'Transparency, freedom of Press MPs to Talk with H.H. The Dalai Lama, Gillard Stepping Stones to Democracy' Urged to Meet Leader Bob Brown and other other Liberal and Labor MPs and senators during his brief stay in Canberra, the capital of Australia. Mr Abbott previously met the Nobel Peace Laureate and Tibetan spiritual leader in December 2009, shortly after taking over the Liberal leadership. Many of his devotees wore traditional Tibetan clothing or monk's robes and waved flags. He will spend 11 days in Australia, giving public lectures and meeting political leaders. He will also speak with the federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott and the Greens leader, Bob Brown, in Canberra next week. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will donate $100,000 to the Australian youth charity in Melbourne during his visit. Youth worker, Mr Twentyman said the cash would be enough to help 1000 more students back into school, with more available to help homeless youth get meals over the coming year. He also said the group had been "riveted" by the hour-long talk in freezing weather, "something I've never seen in 30 years of youth work and 10 years of school children".
By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with members of the Tibetan, Bhutanese and Mongolian communities in Melbourne, Australia, on 12 June 2011. Photo/Rusty Stewart/DLIAL By Tibetan Administration Official media: Tibet Net
Melbourne: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama has told a gathering of Chinese community in Melbourne Sunday that transparent governance and freedom of press are stepping stones for China to embrace democracy. His Holiness met with a large group of Chinese youth, Buddhists and democracy activists on his fourth day in Melbourne. Many of them are members of the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Group in Melbourne, which was established on suggestions from His Holiness the Dalai Lama on a previous visit. He said the Tibet-China relationship spans over 1000 years. "As far as Buddhism is concerned, it flourished in China long before Tibet. So the Chinese are more senior students of the Buddha," he said. On the political front, His Holiness reiterated his position on seeking autonomy within China. He said, "We should resolve the issue through friendship and mutual cooperation." His Holiness told the Chinese gathering that he is proud to show the Chinese government on what he has done in achieving a genuine Tibetan democracy, adding it is now the Chinese Communist Party's turn to retire after being in power for 60 years. However, he made it clear that it is not his expectation that China would change into a democratic country overnight. He said, "China is a big country and is not used to democracy. It is good to take go on that path gradually. The first step to take could be to be more transparent and more open. It should start with allowing freedom of press and to stop means to spread false information."
the great Indian figurehead's methods, and remains a great - living- beacon of hope for advocates of peace. Interviewer Jim Glassman concluded the intimate session by asking: "I wondered if you have a message for people around the world who are struggling for freedom?" "I think people have to carry their spirit-- and their struggle. And I think possibly nonviolent way. Long run, that's more effective." "Peaceful, popular movement... So, the popular sort of peaceful movement is now become I would say I think the reality... So, I think that I want to share. Please keep determination, willpower because we have justice. In my-- the lifelong experience or observation, ultimately, truth always remain stronger
His Holiness was touched by the warm reception from the Chinese community. A group of Chinese women recited a prayer song in Tibetan for him. He told them it was the same prayer that he has been reciting every single day since his childhood. Earlier in the day, His Holiness met with the members of Tibetan, Mongolian and Bhutanese communities. He told the audience that "we should be 21st century Buddhists. By this, I mean we must have full understanding of the Buddha dharma." He encouraged the Tibetans living in Australia to pay special attention in preserving our culture. He said, "We are in exile not because of a natural disaster or a civil war. We left our country because of a foreign occupation. It is our duty to keep our rich and ancient heritage alive." Refuting any speculation over his devolution of political power, His Holiness told the Tibetans in the audience to "be assured" that he has not given up on Tibet. "I have taken my decision in the long-term interest of the Tibetan people," said His Holiness. His Holiness then headed off to start his second day of teachings on Bodhisattva's Way of Life. After completing chapter 9 on wisdom, he drew attention to chapters 1 (The Benefits of the Awakening Mind), 4 (Conscientiousness) and 8 (Concentration). He spoke at length on emptiness, nirvana, the Four Nobel Truths and other central Buddhist concepts. Speaking in both Tibetan and English, His Holiness again showed his remarkable prowess as a Buddhist teacher, communicating these profound concepts not only in a manner accessible to Tibetan and Western minds alike, but highly relevant to the modern world.
than for-- power of force or power of gun. Very clear. The gun temporarily very powerful. (CHUCKLE) Everybody loves one's own life. So, when gun shows-- out of fear, it's a little discipline there. But, that's temporary method. I think world history shows that. Therefore, the-- the struggle for freedom, democracy is really-- right, reasonable, and everybody have the right to be free." Source: Ideas in action with Jim Glassman. A production of Grace Creek Media and the George W. Bush Institute
Dharamshala: - The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has arrived in Melbourne to a warm, large and colorful gathering. A government backbencher has joined calls for Prime Minister Julia Gillard to meet with the Nobel Peace Laureate next week. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has also committed to meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader in Canberra next Tuesday but Ms Gillard still isn't saying whether she will do the same, according to ABC Radio report. "The PM's diary for next week hasn't been confirmed yet,"a spokeswoman said on Thursday, shortly after the Dalai Lama touched down in Melbourne for his 11-day Australian tour. Victorian federal Labor MP Michael Danby has been lobbying Ms Gillard to meet with the respected Buddhist, even though such a meeting might anger China. "I haven't heard from her yet - I hope she will," Mr Danby told ABC radio. "I hope the Dalai Lama will be met at least at the foreign minister level."Danby says he is not aware of Chinese officials trying to pressure federal politicians
His Holiness The Dalai Lama speaks during a press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, June 9, 2011. The Dalai Lama, who has pushed without success for more autonomy for his native Tibet for decades, told reporters on Thursday that China is not his enemy but some hardline Communists are. AUSTRALIA OUT, NO ARCHIVE. Photo: API
into snubbing His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He says Ms Gillard is considering a meeting but concedes she will have a lot on her plate when parliament resumes next week - the carbon tax, the Malaysia refugee deal and the suspension of live exports to Indonesia to name a few. The Australian Tibet Council has also called on Ms Gillard to commit to a meeting. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will also meet with Australian Greens
'We Need Compassion, Not Money' H.H. The Dalai Lama Melbourne: His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday morning delivered a stirring message to thousands of followers in Melbourne, saying that while money may provide temporary material happiness, the key to true inner peace lies with Compassion and affection. During his talk on the true meaning of happiness, His Holiness advocated forgiveness, tolerance and patience; also claiming that the frustration and loneliness suffered by mankind was caused by the replacement of affection with greed, and that the way to create a happier world than the one we live in was to bring back that affection to society. He also spoke of the importance of instilling sound morals in our children "from kindergarten to university", asking his Australian audience to "please raise the next generation compassionately". In a televised interview with popular '7pm Project' presenter Dave Hughes on Tuesday night, the Dalai Lama also said that though his life was busy it was 'meaningful busy', and that made it worthwhile. His message was well received by the people of Melbourne, who evidently found great comfort in his words. One audience member, a soon-to-be father, told journalists the experience had given him confidence for the future of his children, and that he hoped "to give my child a lot of affection and put them on a journey that they'll learn a lot from." In regard to the Dalai Lama, the man added that "he is a person that always transcends religion ... the things he says aren't just strictly from a Buddhist perspective, they're from humanity's perspective." Wasting no time, Tibet's spiritual leader then gave an address on refugees to a 650-strong crowd at a Press Club lunch at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre, during which he
now residing in Melbourne, who told their stories. The Dalai Lama's speech was received as "a message of hope to all refugees." His Holiness is in Melbourne for the Queen's birthday long-weekend and will be delivering teachings before heading on to the nation's capital of Canberra where he will meet with members of parliament, Greens party leader Bob Brown and the leader of the opposition, Tony Abbott. He will then give teachings in Brisbane and Perth. For those in Australia, further information and ticket booking for the teachings are available through the following website: http:// w w w. d a l a i l a m a i n a u s t r a l i a . o rg / default.aspx . His 11-day visit comes the month before the 'Walk for Tibet in Australia' event due to take place around the country on July 24th.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Braybrook and Footscray today. PICTURES: David Smith. By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
stressed the importance of democracy as "the best system" of governance and told the crowd "eventually I think...change will come. So we refugees from the totalitarian system we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic." The event also hosted four refugees from Burma, Eritrea, China and Vietnam,
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TPI DHARAMSHALA
15 June, 2011 Dharamsala
How Tibetans in Dharamshala Came to Take the Trash
Existing for 17 years, the CUDP now runs three garbage trucks, a paper-recycling workshop, composting sites, educational programs, segregation centres, a "Green Shop" and the project employs 37 Indians, Tibetans and a handful of international volunteers. Photo: TPI By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - This is part one in a series of three articles called Cleaning Up Dharamshala - When Garbage Builds Bridges. In the spirit of World Environment Day on June 5th, The Tibet Post International explores the pioneering waste management projects taking place in His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's town of residence, McLeod Ganj. For a more detailed introduction, see Cleaning Up Dharamshala - When Garbage Builds Bridges. It is June 5th - World Environment Day - and the Tibetan initiative, Clean Upper Dharamshala Project (CUDP), headquarters is buzzing with activity. Volunteers from at least three continents are welcoming curious by-passers, drawn to the site by laid back music and the aroma of fried potato served on large plant-leaves, stitched together by toothpicks. I decide to try one out of curiosity for the natural container. Himachal Pradesh, where Dharamshala is located, was in fact the first Indian state to pass an act on solid waste management and as a result, plastic bags are now banned. Recently another piece of legislation was passed, banning nondegradable, disposable plates, cups and cutlery. The new law only takes effect from August, but here at the CUDP they are already presenting an alternative. Knowing the Basics The CUDP generally works with two types of waste. One is non-recyclable, "wet waste" like used tissue, biscuit and candy wrappings, food waste and juice cartons. The other type is dry waste, which is recyclable items such as paper, metals, clear plastics, glass and fabric. Even shoe-soles are apparently recyclable. One piece of advice, however, stands out to me from the many educational posters at the CUDP: "Never burn your waste". On every day of my stay in India, my nose has been pierced with the acrid smell of burning trash in the streets. Ending that practice seems an enormous task, but fortunately some people are not so easily discouraged. The week before, I had met with the assistant environment coordinator of the project to find out how the Tibetan Central Administration ended up taking care of the garbage in this North-Indian town. Early Responsibility Tenzin Choedon, 27, has an air of friendly efficiency about her as she welcomes me in the CUDP's small, but busy office on a main road in McLeod
Ganj. It is obvious that, although it is only her third year in the job, Choedon knows the operation inside out, and I am quickly deep into the history of the project. "In the 1980's we didn't have much environmental problems here and 90% of the waste was bio-degradable", she begins; "but in the 1990's with more and more tourism and Tibetan refugees coming here, waste was becoming a big problem for the environment and to people's health". Choedon's serious look gives way to a smile when she adds, "so that's when the Tibetan Settlement Office voluntarily took the responsibility to start this project on World Environment
CUDP, which consists of both Indians and Tibetans plus a handful of international volunteers. From the lunch-room next door I can hear a happy banter slipping easily from one language into another. Choedon continues, "with both the wet and dry waste taken care of, what we are left with is the street garbage". The Cost of Cleaning Up The CUDP has a separate Sweeper Team of 15 Indians who clean the market streets of the area every morning and fix the blocked drains in the afternoon. Their salaries more or less make out the Rs. 50.000 which the Dharamshala Municipal Council pays the CUDP every month, leaving little money for truck-maintenance, petrol etc.. In 2002 the CUDP became legally responsible for the area's garbage management through a contract with the council. But Choedon tells me that the project is still running with a loss and that, in about a year and a half, the savings from their start-up grants will come to an end unless further funding is secured. Just then three Tibetan women arrive at the office to pay the yearly contribution for their "environment card". Only Tibetans have the card which entitles them to make use of the CUDP's services. Although Indian residents also has their waste picked up by the CUDP, their environment fees go to the municipal council, who, in turn, pays the CUDP a monthly rate. While the women get their payments registered, I wonder how the locals respond to the CUDP's work. "Even within my three years here I see more
On World Environment Day, June 5, the Clean Upper Dharamshala held a public event with information points, a second-hand clothes sale and workshops on how to make pieces of garbage into bags, purses and other useful items. Photo: TPI
Day in 1994." Working for the Community "The back-bone of the waste management project is our Green Workers", says Choedon, "they go and collect all the recyclable waste from the households at 7.30 in the morning, yelling "ghey nyi kampo" which means dry waste in Tibetan". The Green Workers also operate the trucks for the wet and dry waste. Driving around the areas, they blow the horn at certain stops. After the rounds, for those driving the wet waste truck, the stinking task of further segregation in the back of the truck awaits. "Dharamshala is a very mobile community. People come and go here, and we cannot be sure that everybody is segregating" Choedon explains. The generous mix of nationalities that inhabits McLeod Ganj and surrounding area is duly reflected in the staff at the
and more people really getting interested in the environment", Choedon answers. "Even if they come to complain I can at least see that they actually care!" Spreading the Word The CUDP also houses a community hall where local assembly meetings and other functions are held. The hall simultaneously serves as an environment eductaion center with information displays on the walls. An essential part of the CUDP's work is to educate the public. A public talk is planned for later this month, but Choedon doesn't seem convinced that people will listen much to her advice: "We are focusing more on the school kids, if we teach them really good, they will go back home and tell their parents when they are doing the wrong thing. Parents like that, it touches their hearts."
The Tibet Post
Candlelight Vigil held in Memory of Tortured Tibetan Political Prisoner
Tibetans and supporters in Himalayan town of Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala holding a mass candlelight vigil on 3rd May 2011. Photo: TPI By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- A candlelight vigil is held to mark the death of tortured Tibetan Jampa Pelsang, in Dharamshala, North India. Tibetans and NGOs gathered on June 3rd to mourn the loss of ‘another freedom fighter'. The vigil - organised by five major Tibetan NGOs, condemned China for the loss of the Jampa the monk, who died after 15 years of imprisonment and torture, and unified the Tibetan community to fight the injustices in their homeland. Members of the ‘Tibetan Youth Congress, the ‘Tibetan Women's Association', the ‘Gu-Chu-Sum' Movement of Tibet, ‘Students for a Free Tibet' and the ‘National Democratic Party of Tibet' worked together to conduct the hugely successful vigil, which attracted crowds through the streets of Dharamshala in beautiful evening sunshine. Jampa Pelsang, of Gaden Monastery Tibet, died on May 23rd 2011, just seventeen days after he was released from prison, on May 6th 2011. He died of severe injuries, which he suffered at the hands of Chinese prison officials during his 15 year sentence. He was in his early thirties at the time of his tragic death. Jampa was first arrested by the Chinese regime for protesting against the
"Patriotic re-education" scheme, which the Communist regime had enforced in the institutions of Dsera, Gaden and Drepung, in 1996. In 1996, Chinese Police forces were sent to Gaden Monastery to stop ongoing religious activities. Images of the Dalai Lama were removed, and patriotic re-education was enforced by Chinese officials. During the crackdown, Dorjee and Gelek Jinpa - two resident monks, were shot and killed. Many others were arrested and expelled from the sacred monastery of Gaden. Jampa Pelsang was among the arrested monks. He was sent to jail for 15 prime years of his life. His sentence was spent between Drapchi and Chushul prison. The Chinese authorities tortured the young monk to the brink of death. He was in his early thirties when he was finally released from prison, and died just days later. In an interview for the TPI, Chokey of the Tibetan Youth Congress stated: "We are here to mourn the death of Jampa, who gave up his youth and his life for Tibet. We are here to condemn the Chinese Governments Communist Regime for the atrocities occurring in Tibet". The vigil arrived at the Main Temple in
The CUDP was the first waste management project in a Tibetan settlement and it has since become a role model. In 2004, Tibetans from all over India were given workshops here, and now the five biggest settlements in South India have implemented a waste management project. A Critical End Despite the obvious problems of funding and limited jurisdiction, the CUDP seems almost too successfull to be true for a journalist. Looking for a weak point I ask about the one place where nothing more can be done to prevent pollution; the dumping site. "It is not a proper land-fill" Choedon answers. "Like most places in India, it is just a barren piece of land where you start throwing the waste and then it becomes a dump site!" she says and shakes her head. "This is why we started the composting projects. We were really worried about the amount of waste that was going to the dump-site." Having started with bigger institution's mass kitchens, more composts are slowly being established.
"Soon we will have concrete examples for many people to learn from", she tells me confidently. But my mind is still occupied with the dump-site. Only those who work there ever see the accumulated ugliness of our combined consumption. As I leave the office I ask if it is possible to see the site and to my big surprise Choedon offers, "why don't you go there with Jigmey and Preetam on the dry waste truck tomorrow?" In a matter of minutes arrangements are made and I am promised a lift with the waste truck to the end of the line. Looks like I will have to do some dirty research... Join the TPI again next week for a multireligious truck-ride to the Dharamshala dumping site where the non-degradable products of everyday living find their final destination. Not to mention a cross-cultural interview with the hardworking Mountain Cleaners, who have turned trekking into hands-on environmental activism. Also, a possible answer might come to the big question: "Where are the bins?"
Continues on Page 13.....
TPI INTERNATIONAL
The Tibet Post
15 June, 2011 Dharamsala
13
Govt Push for China-Tibet Tibetans, Uyghurs and Supporters Show Talks on the Eve of HH Solidarity with Tiananmen Survivors Australia Visit By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
The Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia. Photo: File By Carly Selby James, The Tibet Post
Melbourne: The Australia Tibet Council (ATC) today called on Australia's Prime-Minister Julia Gillard to commit to a meeting with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, as he heads to the island nation to begin an 11-day tour of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and the capital of Canberra. Executive Officer of the Australia Tibet Council, Paul Bourke, justified the demand with the following statement: "The Dalai Lama is a Nobel Peace Laureate, revered religious leader, champion of universal human values and a tireless advocate for a resolution of the Tibet issue through dialogue. Tens of thousands of Australians will see and hear him during this visit. A meeting with the Prime Minister would be a reflection of Australian community expectations." The Chinese government has refused to have any meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama, using his political leadership role as an excuse to avoid direct engagement. Since his devolvement of that political role earlier this year, however, the ATC has been urging the Australian government to use the opportunity to encourage talks and stronger relations between His Holiness and the Chinese government. During his visit to Australia Tibet's spiritual leader will give public teachings and extensive interviews to the Australian media, open a new Vietnamese Buddhist centre and meet with Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist communities and members of the Chinese community through the
Dharamshala, with candles and Tibetan flags held aloft. Chants rang out across the courtyard, and photographs of the Dalai Lama could be seen held firmly in the hands of Tibetan Monks. Choegyal, a political prisoner who was arrested at the same time as Jampa Pelsang, took to the stage. All eyes turned to him and a silence ushered out across the temple complex. He began to divulge to his captive audience the violent events that unfolded in 1996 at the hands of Chinese armed forces. He recalled how: ‘There was a scuffle. Shots were fired
Chinese/Tibetan Friendship Group. He will also meet with the Australian Parliamentary Group for Tibet in Canberra, who will host a reception for him in the presence of senators and members of parliament, and has confirmed meetings with government opposition leader Tony Abbott and Greens party leader Bob Brown in the nation's capital. His Holiness is now wrapping up his visit to New Zealand, where he participated in the memorial service for victims of Christchurch's recent devastating earthquake, telling the 4,000-strong crowd "I want to share in your sadness", and assuring that "now we must look forward. Instead of sad, sad, look forward and overcome... you can do." H.H. even requested a private audience with victims' families and spent time visiting injured victims and emergency staff in Christchurch hospital. One survivor of the February PGC building collapse described the Dalai Lama as "very kind and comforting", and said the experience was amazing, while another said it was an absolute honour to meet him and added the touching words "he's a very wise man, he's got a lot to teach us all". His Holiness has not been received by the Australian Prime Minister since his meeting with John Howard in 2007, despite having visited the country twice since then. His last visits to New Zealand were in 1992 and 1996. Prime Minister Gillard declared two weeks ago that she would make a decision regarding a private audience closer to the visit, but has still not done so.
into the air. They shot Dorjee [the monk]. We pelted them with stones. 40 [monks] were arrested and about 25 were released after being detained for a few months'. Unfortunately, Jampa Pelsang was not one of those who were released after a few months. What he experienced at the hands of Chinese authorities in prison highlights only contempt for Tibetans, and for even the most basic principles of human rights. He paid the price for his beliefs with his life, and on June 3rd, the Tibetan exiled community remembered his brave spirit.
Dharamshala: - Chinese human rights activists, former Tiananmen students and survivors of the massacre, Tibetans, Uyghurs and western supporters on Saturday 4th June joined hands together at the University of Brussels, Belgium to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre in Beijing, all paid tribute to the victims of the CCP regime. Interesting and inspiring discussions were also held during the event. First flowers were laid at the monument and the memorial by Chinese, Uyghurs, Tibetans and supporters, and the victims of the CCP regime and Tiananmen were commemorated with one minute of silence. After that, the Chinese freedom song "You and me, back to Tiananmen" was performed by Mona Zhimin Tang, this was followed by Tibetan prayers. According to a joint statement which was released after the event, Chinese democrats and human rights activists, Tibetans, Uyghurs and westerners have commemorated the Tiananmen tragedy in a beautiful, touching and modest way. They paid tribute to all the victims of the CCP regime. Afterwards the group went to a room in the university for the discussions. Representatives of different groups and organizations gave speeches. After the meeting the participants were offered Tibetan momos (dough with a filling that is steamed) in the park of the university. The group went to the Chinese embassy in Brussels to support the Tibetan hunger strikers. From Tuesday 31st May until Sunday 5th June a group of about 15 people were on hunger strike there. Each day another group went on hunger strike for 12 hours to raise attention to what's happening in Ngaba in Tibet. Lobsang Wangdu, President of the CTFSE, welcomed everyone and expressed his appreciation for the people of all kinds of nationalities and different countries who came specially to this event: "Minorities as the Tibetans and the Uyghurs suffer very much because of the oppression by the Chinese government, so it's very important to stand together and to be strong." "We must never forget what happened on 4th June 1989 in Beijing." "After the CCP dictatorship everyone would be free, even a fly," said Lobsang Nyima, representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile who is based in Switzerland. Jian Zhang who lives in Paris (France), a former Tiananmen student said that before 1989 there was an even bigger massacre in Tibet, many students came together in 1989 to protest against the CCP. "I'm very grateful for the western supporters, like the people from Belgium and The Netherlands who are here today. Thanks a lot for your support. Support from the West nations, could probably be our last straw to stop the CCP." he added. "The Uyghurs and the Tibetans don't recognize the Chinese government, we are not Chinese. There is worldwide protest now, all the Chinese people, the Tibetans and the Uyghurs are waiting for the collapse of the CCP, the People's Republic of China is new since 60 years. The CCP justifies the killings of the Uyghurs and Tibetans because they are terrorists for them," said Bahtiyar and
discussions being held in Brussels, Belguim. Photo: TPI
Garaitjan Rozi of the Uyghur Support Group in The Netherlands. Rigzin Choedon Genkhang, who is the representative of the Office of Tibet in Brussels, referred to the present situation in Tibet now, especially in Ngaba and Kirti monastery. "55,000 military are based there now. On March 16 the Tibetan monk Phuntsok set himself on fire as a call for more freedom in Tibet and he died after the Chinese beat him after they extinguished the fire. The monks started a large protest and two elderly people died. They were beaten to death by the Chinese. As the whole world is looking at North Africa (Egypt, Libya...) we should not forget Tibet and what's happening now in Ngaba and the Kirti monastery," she added. "The CCP prosecutes common Chinese people, so in fact China is occupied by the CCP. I want to emphasize that the CCP is not China, this difference is very important. The Chinese people are brainwashed by the CCP. The Mongolian people are discriminated against by the Chinese as well, me too, as I was born there, even-though I'm a Han Chinese. I
understand the oppression and discriminations very well, also what the Tibetans experience." "Now there are also protests in Mongolia, so please don't forget Mongolia," said a Chinese human rights activist who escaped from China recently. Tsaye Kelsang, President of the Tibetan Community Belgium, gave a short speech. He showed much respect for everyone who came today and also to the former Tiananmen students. He said it's very good to be here all together and to share our common goals. At the end of the discussion, the Chinese dissident of AntiCCP International who escaped China recently wanted to add something important. "70 million people in total were killed during the First and the Second World War, but 80 million Chinese in China were killed by the CCP from 1949 to the eighties. Most of them were intellectuals." The commemoration was organised by the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Society Europe (CTFSE) which based Brussels, the capital of Belguim, 55 people from various groups and NGOs in total participated.
Bangkok Conference Dedicated to Tibetans' Courage and Resistance
Participants at the 10th March project being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1 4 June 2011. This year's conference is dedicated to the Tibetans courage and resistance against the repressive rule of Chinese government. Tibet Net By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The annual 10th march project for the year 2011 kicked off in Bangkok, Thailand on the 1st of June. March Project is an annual conference, which is organized by the Catuddisa Sangha, i.e. groups of Buddhist monks and laymen from different parts of the world, dedicated to serving people through various training and giving micro-credit to under privileged. According to the official media of the Tibetan Administration, this year's conference that runs from 1st to 4th June has been dedicated to Tibetans in Tibet for their courage and resistance
against the ruling Chinese repressive government. The Tibetan people were represented by Mr Tenzin Norbu from Environment and Development Desk of Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, and Mr Tsering Choedup of International Tibet Network.The officials gave presentations on Tibet's environment and Global Tibet Movement. Mr Norbu gave a presentation, on the Tibetan river and its implication on the downstream nations; he touched upon the issues like the nomad's removal from their ancestral pastoral land, and resource exploitation. He stated that "our work on environment is based on studies conducted by Chinese and foreigners who have firsthand experiences of having travelled and done extensive research on Tibetan plateau." Mr Choedup from the International Tibet Network talked the role of the network and the current situation of Tibet and the network's campaign priorities. "Being Buddhist, we all share many common things and also there are many things that we can learn from each other if we join our hands together "he said.
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15 June, 2011 Dharamsala
TPI TIBET IN EXILE
The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Ratifies Amendment Richard Gere Testifies to US Forto Charter of Tibetans eign Affairs Cmte. On Tibetan authority derives neither from a wish of Tibet. Policy Act The preamble in the charter enshrines to shirk responsibility nor because I
The emblem of the Central Tibetan Administration By The Tibetan Administration Official Media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama has ratified the amendment to the charter of Tibetans delegating his administrative and political authorities to the democratically elected leaders of the Central Tibetan Administration. By approving the amendment on 29 May 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama fully vests the Central Tibetan Administration and in particular its democratic leadership organs with the powers and responsibilities formerly held jointly by him and the CTA to represent and serve the whole people
"safeguarding the continuity of the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate governing body and representative of the whole Tibetan people, in whom the sovereignty resides." The administrative and political powers vested with His Holiness the Dalai Lama were devolved to the three organs of Tibetan democracy. In his message to the Tibetan Parliament in March this year, His Holiness said he is devolving his political responsibility to the elected leadership in order to fully democratise the Tibetan polity. "The essence of a democratic system is, in short, the assumption of political responsibility by elected leaders for the popular good. In order for our process of democratisation to be complete, the time has come for me to devolve my formal authority to such an elected leadership," His Holiness said in his message. "My intention to devolve political
am disheartened. On the contrary, I wish to devolve authority solely for the benefit of the Tibetan people in the long run. It is extremely important that we ensure the continuity of our exile Tibetan administration and our struggle until the issue of Tibet has been successfully resolved," he said in the message. "It is necessary that we establish a sound system of governance while I remain able and healthy, in order that the exile Tibetan administration can become self-reliant rather than being dependent on the Dalai Lama. If we are able to implement such a system from this time onwards, I will still be able to help resolve problems if called upon to do so," he said. "As one among the six million Tibetans, bearing in mind that the Dalai Lamas have a special historic and karmic relationship with the Tibetan people, and as long as Tibetans place their trust and faith in me, I will continue to serve the cause of Tibet," he said.
Parliament Amends Charter for H.H Dalai Lama's Devolution of Political Powers
14th Tibetan Parliament in exile's aditional session being held in Dharamshala, India on 30th May 2011. Photo: TPI By The Tibetan Administration Official Media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - The 14th Tibetan Parliament-Exile, after three days of intense deliberation during its additional session, gave its stamp of approval for the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's administrative and political powers to the democratically elected Tibetan leaders. The Parliament today presented the amendments to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his ratification. After giving his approval, His Holiness will fully vest the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and in particular its democratic leadership organs with the powers and responsibilities formerly held jointly by him and the CTA to represent and serve the whole people of Tibet. During the additional session from 26 28 May, the Parliament approved a new preamble and inherent rights and responsibilities to be assigned to His Holiness the Dalai Lama under Article 1 of the charter. The preamble underlines "safeguarding the continuity of the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate governing body and representative of the whole Tibetan people, in whom sovereignty resides". It also enshrines Tibet's position as a sovereign nation from the early 2nd century BC until the invasion by the People's Republic of China in 1951, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama's efforts in introducing democratic reforms after coming into
exile in India since 1959. Under Article 1, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the "Protector and Symbol of Tibet and Tibetan People". His Holiness' duties will be to provide advice and encouragement with respect to the protection and promotion of the physical, spiritual, ethical and cultural wellbeing of the Tibetan people, to remain engaged in the efforts to reach a satisfactory solution to the question of Tibet and to accomplish the cherished goals of the Tibetan people. He will provide suggestions in various forms to the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies and Kashag in matters of importance to the Tibetan people, including the community and its institutions in exile, at his own initiative or at the request of those bodies. He will meet with world leaders and other important individuals and bodies to speak on behalf of the Tibetan people, to explain and discuss their concerns and needs as well as to designate representatives and special envoys appointed by the cabinet to serve the interests of the Tibetan people in any part of the world. The powers vested with His Holiness the Dalai Lama as head of the executive under Article 19 have been delegated to the Kalon Tripa. Accordingly, Kalon Tripa is empowered to approve and promulgate bills and regulations passed by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Other responsibilities have been devolved to the parliament and the judiciary. Another landmark amendment made to the charter is the annulment of Council of Regency enshrined in Articles (31 35), provisions which earlier empower the council to assume the Dalai Lama's role in circumstances when the latter is not acting as head of the state. The Parliament approved that the title of "Tibetan Government-in-Exile" be changed to "Tibetan Administration". The title of "Bod Shung Gaden
Phodrang Chogle Namgyal" in the emblem was also changed to "Denpanyi Nampar Gyalgyur Chig" (translated as Truth will Prevail). The additional session of the parliament was convened against the backdrop of a four-day national general meeting on the proposed amendment to the charter from 21 - 24 May. Over 418 delegates representing Tibetans from across the world, who attended the national meeting, unanimously approved proposals to appeal to His Holiness to assume the role of ceremonial head of state in addition to the Preamble and Article 1. During his meeting with the delegates a day after the meeting on 25 May, His Holiness categorically rejected the proposal for the ceremonial head, but gave his consent to the Preamble and inherent rights and responsibilities to be assigned to him in Article 1. The new duties are not binding on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In a letter issued to the Parliament on 27 May, His Holiness the Dalai Lama suggested changes in the Article 1 and called for immediate amendment to the charter. Change 'Watershed' in Tibet's History The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament termed the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's formal authority as a watershed in Tibet's history and said the 14th Parliament lived up to His Holiness' aspirations and visions for the both short and long term benefit of Tibet and the Tibetan people. "The 14th Tibetan Parliament successfully carried out the democratic reforms in accordance with the faith and confidence entrusted on our ability by His Holiness the Dalai Lama," Speaker Penpa Tsering said in his closing remarks at the additional session of the Parliament. "The appeal made during the second national general meeting to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to remain as the ceremonial head reflects the strong feeling of the Tibetan people," he said.
By Cornelius Lundsgaard & Pema Tso, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: During a hearing in the U.S. House of Congress on religious freedom, democracy and human rights in Asia on June 2, celebrity actor and chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), Richard Gere, gave testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the status of implementation of the Tibetan Policy Act (TPA). The hearing also included two other acts on Burma and North Korea. Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, opened the hearing stating that, "today, we are here to discuss the dark clouds of oppression that hang ever heavier over the peoples of Tibet, Burma, and North Korea". Representing the world's largest Tibet-related NGO, the more than 400.000 member strong ICT, Richard Gere then gave the committee a lengthy and thorough speech, assessing the progress on a range of critical issues. These included the booming migration of ethnic Han-Chinese to Tibet, the Dalai Lama's devolvement of political power, the current Chinese crack-down on Kirti monastery in the Tibetan province of Ngaba, the problem of political prisoners in Tibet, the question of the missing Panchen Lama and the recently intensified persecution of Chinese dissidents in China. Pointing to the TPA's directives for establishing a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Gere said it should be "moved to the top of the priority list". This statement was backed by chairman Ros-Lehtinen who said that, "since 2002, when the 'Tibetan Policy Act' first called for the establishment of a U.S. official presence in the capital of Tibet, there has been absolutely zero diplomatic progress". Adding to that, Ros-Lehtinen said that "The State Department must make it perfectly clear to China's diplomats that there will be no more Chinese consulates opened in the U.S. (...) until the stars and stripes are flying proudly over a U.S. diplomatic facility in Tibet. Noting that he was "no stranger to Capitol Hill" Gere reiterated his views
that "the cycle of uprising and repression will continue in Tibet unless China deals with the legitimate underlying grievances of the Tibetan people" and added that "this is as clear today as it was in 1959". However, he also said that the ICT has never given up on the belief that Tibet can be saved with nonviolent resolution and that with the internal pressures that are mounting within the core of Chinese society there is presently an extraordinary opportunity to resolve the issue of Tibet. In his closing remarks, Richard Gere urged the Committee to "find adequate time for discussions with His Holiness, His Representatives and Prime Minister-elect, Dr. Lobsang Sangay", referring to their coming 10day Washington visit in July this year. A major piece of legislation on Tibet, the TPA was signed into law in 2002 and reaffirmed in 2008 with an overwhelming vote of 413-1. While it recognizes Tibet as an occupied nation, it is decisively pragmatic in its encouragement of a negotiated agreement between China and Tibet. This was underlined by Gere: I?m certain [there is] a genuine and heartfelt understanding among world leaders of what is at stake here. Most of them have met His Holiness and (...) recognize that the Dalai Lama?s position - genuine autonomy within the People's Republic of China is attainable and win-win for all players involved." Both Gere and Ros-Lehtinen expressed their regrets that Maria Otero, the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, a position created by the Tibetan Policy Act, could not appear as a witness, Gere noting that "she has not yet publicly testified on Tibet".
"On the one hand we feel sad with the change, but our sadness is far outweighed by the happy feeling that His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visions to fully democratise the Tibetan polity have been realised," he said. He applauded the Kalon Tripa, his cabinet members, and the members of the Tibetan Parliament for their concerted efforts and responsibility towards heralding the landmark democratic reform. In his address, Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche said it is a matter of great pride that a significant amendment to the Charter was made within a short period. Kalon Tripa said the change brings a blend of sad and happy feelings. "We feel happy as the long cherished aspiration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to hand over his political authority
to the democratically elected Tibetan leadership is fulfilled. Secondly, the Tibetan people get the opportunity to become self-reliant and build a robust administration when His Holiness the Dalai Lama is still amidst us in good health. So we must not squander this precious opportunity," Kalon Tripa said. "The feeling of sadness was brought about by the common appeal made by the Tibetans to His Holiness not to devolve his political authority," he added. He reiterated the Kashag's responsibility to duly carry out the aspirations and visions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Kalon Tripa praised the parliament speaker on how he supervised the House during the entire session on charter amendment.
Chairman Ros-Lehtinen Opening Statement: Religious Freedom, Democracy, Human Rights in Asia Hearing. Photo: HFAC