MEDIA RELEASE FOR THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON JUNE 19, 2006 IN GENEVA
Tibetans and their supporters gather once more in Geneva to appeal to China and to the member States of the Human Rights Council as follows:
1.30 – 2 pm Maison des Associations, rue des Savoises 15, 1205 Genève
3.00 – 4 pm
4.30 – 5.30 pm Palais Wilson, côté quai
Palais des Nations
All newly elected members of the Human Rights Council have committed themselves to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights. Until now, China is continuing to massively violate human rights in occupied Tibet. Tibetans are still denied their basic rights such as freedom of speech, of movement, and of unrestricted practice of their religious faith. They are suffering from repression, arbitrary arrest and torture on a daily basis.
Miss Phuntsog Nyidron, a newly released nun, prisoner of conscience will testify about her 15 years in prison in Tibet for the first time on that day in Geneva.
All Human Rights Council members have also accepted to fully cooperate with the Council and be reviewed under the periodic review during their term of membership. This is the unique chance for China to prove to the International Community whether they truly deserve their membership in the Council. Here we call upon the new Council members to stand ready for a fresh start by addressing human rights in a spirit of fairness, equal treatment and avoidance of double standards.
Tibetans and their supporters are calling on China to work in line with the principles of dialogue and cooperation along the proposals made by the Dalai Lama. It is high time the authorities in Beijing respond positively to the most generous offer and start serious negotiations as equal partners if they want to earn the much desired respect and be one of the responsible players on the global stage.
China should take her unique chance to resolve the Tibet issue now! The world will wait and watch Beijing’s words and actions from today.
Media Contact Person:
Pasang Memmishofer
Handy:
076 525 17 51
Régis de Battista
Handy:
078 742 67 52
Organizers:
Tibeter Gemeinschaft in der
Schweiz & Liechtenstein
Tibetische Frauen Organisation in der Schweiz
Verein Tibeter Jugend in Europa
Gesellschaft Schweizerisch-Tibetische Freundschaft
CSPT / Porte du Tibet
