Over two hundred Tibetans and friends of Tibet gathered today, in Geneva, Switzerland, on the occasion of the 56th International Human Rights Day.
They called on China to respect the human rights of the Tibetan people, release prisoners of conscience including 11th Panchen Rinpoche Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and Trulku Tenzin Delek.
The speakers included Ms Maria Roth-Bernasconi, Federal Member of Parliament; Mr. Lobsang Gangshontsang, President of the Tibetan Community, Ms Ruth Gonseth, President, Swiss Tibet Friendship Association and former political Prisoner, Takna Jigme Sangpo.
Representatives of the organizations presented a petition to Ms Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR). The spokesperson of the High Commissioner had assured that the issues raised in the petition would be process through the concerned UN mechanisms.
The petition, among others, called for UNCHR’s intervention towards putting an end to the gross violations of human rights in Tibet and to intensify its attempts to save the life of Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and the release of political prisoners like Panchen Rinpoche.
Ms Pasang Memmishofer, Vice President of the Tibetan Community thanked all the participants for coming from across Switzerland. The colourful rally was concluded with prayers led by Tibetan monks of Tibet Institute, Rikon.
Members of Tibetan Youth Association in Europe had also performed a street play in Zurich city by a monk symbolizing 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima who was escorted by two military personnel to highlight and express deep concern over the missing 11th Panchen Rinpoche Gedhun Choekyi Nyima since 1995. They walked for three hours accompanied by around 70 Tibetans and friends to demonstrate their solidarity towards the missing 11th Panchen Rinpoche Gedhun Choekyi Nyima till Rathausbruecke where it was formally concluded.
