At 4.30pm on 25 April 2007, a candlelight vigil was held outside the Chinese Consulate in Sydney Australia, to demand the freedom of the Panchen Lama from Chinese detention.
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in May 1994 as the true Panchen Lama. He was abducted by the Chinese Communist party in 1995, making him the youngest political prisoner at the age of six years old.
The Chinese authorities then selected an alternative Panchen Lama by drawing lots, to replace the original abducted boy. On 8 December 1995, this boy was then enthroned by the Chinese authorities at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.
The original Panchen Lama has still not been returned to the Tibetan people and his unlawful detainment continues. There are concerns for his well being which have not been allayed by the inconsistent responses from Chinese authorities when questioned as to his whereabouts.
This vigil is to remind the Chinese authorities here in Australia that every Tibetan is still awaiting the return of their lost child, who should be eighteen years old today.
When trying to rationalise possible reasons for this kidnapping, it is a concern that the most obvious conclusion is that the Chinese authorities appear to be taking drastic steps to destroy the Tibetan culture, traditions and lineage in order to undermine the Tibetan identity under their regime.
The demonstration was organised by the Australian Tibetan Community, and Voice of Tibet. Tenpa Dugdak welcomed the supporters and speakers, Mark Thomson, Jigme Dorje, President of the Australian Tibetan Community and Dhondup Lama, member of the Australian Tibetan community. The meeting was also attended by Chin Jin, Chairman of the Federation for a Democratic China, Australia, who is a long term friend of the Tibetan community in Australia.
The meeting opened with a group prayer, then Tenpa thanked supporters for attending regardless of the inclement weather, and introduced the speakers.
Mark expressed concern with the Australian government, for promoting a set of well respected Aussie values in public, but not following those values through with action when there is such an obvious breach of human rights as this one. Mark stressed that support is essential to draw public attention to this matter, and pointed out that each person in attendance had the right of free speech, which is something the Tibetans in Tibet do not have. Therefore it is the strong responsibility for all those present, to use that right of free speech to speak for those who have been silenced.
Dhondup spoke about the importance of the Tibetan issue on a global level. He said it is important for world governments and the public to understand that this issue does not only effect Tibet. Tibet is the headwater for Asia’s major rivers, and the mass deforestation and irresponsible mining of the area are causing widespread ecological problems, including floods in many countries. This is a world issue.
Jigme addressed the Tibetan community in Tibetan to re-iterate the pertinent points.
Tenpa thanked all in attendance and said to remember that although these demonstrations and vigils may not be effective in changing the policy of the Chinese communist government, it definitely does provide hope for those in Tibet and India who receive news through friends and family that people are demonstrating all over the world for their freedom. It can alleviate the feeling of hopelessness and despair, which makes it very important that both Tibetan and Western supporters continue to make themselves heard in a democratic country which may take heed one day to start applying the necessary pressure to stop this criminal behaviour by a government which promotes itself as a world leader.
The vigil closed with prayer and singing of the Tibetan national anthem.
Tibetans need our support, Western support, political support, before their culture is dispersed and destroyed.
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito.
Ask yourself if you agree with non-violence. Ask yourself if you disagree with criminal abuse of human rights. Ask yourself if you want to stand up and be counted.
“Voice of Tibet” is a registered NGO whose aim is to lead the Tibetan people’s struggle based on the “Middle-Way Approach” of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
Contact voice_tibet@yahoo.com.au for further info.
