By Tenzin Gayser
Geneva, December 10 – On the 57th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, more than 400 Tibetan and Tibet Supporters gathered in front of the United Nations building to protest against China for its continued violation of human rights in Tibet.
The rally started with reciting prayers and followed speech by the invited guests. The key speakers were Mr. Ueli Leuenberger, Member of Swiss Parliament; Mr. Carlo Sommaruga, Member of Swiss Parliament; Mr. Regis De Battista, President of Committee of Tibet Supporters, Geneva; Mr. Pema Jugney, Chairman of Assembly of Tibetan Peoples Deputies, Dharamsala and Mr. Lobsang Gangshontsang, President of Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Two Swiss parliamentarians and Mr. Regis had expressed their support for Tibet cause and admired Tibetan peoples for struggling freedom through non-violence.
Mr. Pema Jugney, Chairman of ATPD has said “since 2002 four rounds of dialogue had been conducted between Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and concerned Chinese leadership. However, Chinese leader’s irresponsible attitude to His Holiness’s overture (Middle Way Approach) shows lack of sincerity from the part of China.”
He also expressed his deep regret over resumption of “Patriotic Re-education Campaign”, which led to the recent crackdown on Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. Further, he calls upon the United Nations to bring Peoples Republic of China on the negotiating table to discuss seriously and honestly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in order to resolve long-standing Tibet’s problem.
Mr. Lobsang Ganshontsang said that the United Nations must act now instead of words and give support to those struggling for freedom through non-violence.
After the speeches, the protesters marched from the Palais des Nations -chanting slogans against “China’s incessant abuses of human rights in Tibet”– headed toward the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palais Wilson despite blustery and freezing winter in Geneva.
Finally, the protestors converged into a mass gathering at the back side of the UNHCHR’s building and concluded by handing over a memorandum to Ms. Stephanie Kleine Ahlbrandt on behalf of Ms. Louise Arbour, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights based in Geneva.
The memorandum urges the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to prevail upon China to:
- Stop the massive transfer of Chinese settlers, torture and all forms of repression.
- Stop destroying the environment
- Stop the coercive birth control practices in Tibet
- Stop implementing “Patriotic Education” Campaign.
- Release all Tibetan political prisoners of conscience.
- Allow access to meet Gendun Choekyi Nima by an independent expert as recommended by the UN Committee on Rights of Child in its document (CRC/C/15/Add.271 dated 30 September 2005) para. 45 (e).
- To fully implement the recommendations made by the UN Treaty bodies and Special Procedures relating to Tibet.
- Urged China to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Tibetan Representatives.
The rally was jointly organized by Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Tibetan Women Organization and Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association based in Switzerland.
