Geneva, 10 December: On the occasion of 58th International Human Rights Day, over 500 Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered in front of the
Office of UN High Commission for Human Rights in Geneva to observe and also to draw attention on grave human rights violations in Tibet.
The rally began with prayers by monks of the Rikon Monastery and followed by speeches. Speakers included Mr. Carlo Sommaruga, member of the Swiss Parliament; Mr. Sonam Monkhar, member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and also representatives from Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association, Tibetan Women’s Organisation in Switzerland and Tibetan Youth Association in Europe.
All speakers expressed their concerns on deteriorating situation of human rights in Tibet and also condemned the recent shooting at Nangpa
la by Chinese military armed police against unarmed Tibetan refugees during which a 17 years old nun was reportedly shot dead and another succumbed to death after wounded by bullets.
After the speeches, the organiser submitted a petition to Ms. Louise Arbour, chief of the UN High Commission for Human Rights urging her to
protect rights of Tibetans in Tibet and particularly ensure release of more than 30 Tibetans detained at the Nangpa la Pass on 30 September.
The protestors holding banner entitled “China – dialogue with Dalai Lama” then marched peacefully towards the United Nations building and arrived after an hour-long walk.
Mr. Lobsang Gangshontsang, on behalf of the organising committee, thanked everyone for their solidarity and supports for the just cause of Tibet and concluded the day with reciting prayers and the Tibetan National Anthem.
