Serlha and Youlha Tawo – Tibetan sisters born in Germany
Born in Germany, Tibetan sisters – Serlha and Youlha are both gifted singers who sing Tibetan and English songs. They are the daughters of a very well-known Tibetan singer, philanthropist and medical doctor by profession – Dr. Lobsang Palden Tawo. Sadly, this legend is no more with us but his legacy continues.
Like their father, the Tawo sisters are pursuing their careers in medicine in Germany and Switzerland. Popularly known as Tawo Palden la, their father was an amazing Tibetan story-teller. I listened to his story-telling and songs many times when I was growing up in a refugee camp in Nepal. Tawo Palden la often performed in Europe with his good friend and veteran Tibetan singer Nelung Tsering Topden la from Switzerland. I will dedicate a separate piece on Nelung Topden la.
SERLHA TAWO
Serlha was born in 1982 in Engelskirchen, Germany. Like her older sister, Serlha also studied medicine and is a practising physician in Switzerland.
Serlha Tawo
Serlha learned piano when she was young. Just like her siblings Serlha’s first musical experience started at school. Her song, “You are on my mind” in Trinkhor V, which she sang together with the famous Tibetan singer, Sherten, became very popular. Sherten is highly-sought Tibetan singer who lives in China’s occupied Tibet.
YOULHA TAWO
Youlha Tawo
Youlha was born in Heidelberg, Germany. After finishing her school in Lüdenscheid, Youlha studied medicine at the University of Bonn. Since 2005 Youlha has been working as a doctor in different German hospitals. Currently, she is a self-employed physician.
Youlha started playing piano since her childhood and later she learned guitar. Youlha’s first stage experience started at school, when she also performed some of her own songs in English. Her international breakthrough came in 2007 with her song, “Women’s Right“.
It’s Friday, so enjoy Tibetan Tawo sisters’ songs by clicking the links below!
Losar 2149 – the Tibetan New Year 2022 falls on 3rd March this year. Tibetans follow lunar calendar and it is 127 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. Since this is the most important festival of the year for the Tibetans, they pay special visits to Buddhist monasteries, temples and holy sites where they pray and pledge to be a better person in the year ahead. It is also a good opportunity to greet with other Tibetans who visit the holy sites.
“Tashi Deleg” is the traditional Tibetan greeting and during the festival season, Tibetans greet each other “Losar La Tashi Deleg”.
Whilst young children are excited to wear their new dresses adults have many preparations to do for the festive season. Tibetans wear their best traditional attire (chubas).
In the UK, the small Tibetan Community are also getting ready for the festive season! Tibetan parents living in the London Royal Borough of Greenwich are organising a special Losar – Tibetan Cultural Event this year as an educational session for young children. This will take place at the Woolwich Centre Library on Saturday, 26th February from 2pm to 4pm.
Samten Chodon, a parent and a Senior Nurse, who works for the National Health Service (NHS), initiated this cultural event in the Royal Borough of Greenwich where she is a resident. This children-focus cultural event is open to all. Samten and her co-organisers hope that all attendees would benefit from this cultural event – learning more about the importance of Tibetan festival. Children and guests are invited to speak on the festive season. Everyone who attends the afternoon will also enjoy traditional Tibetan songs and dance by young children.
Losar is traditionally celebrated by Tibetans all over the world. About six million Tibetans in China’s occupied Tibet celebrate the Losar but they are banned from showing devotion to their Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who was forced into exile in India since March 1959. Tibetans are still persecuted in their homelands after Tibet was invaded by the Communist China. Of the 140,000 Tibetans living in exile, the UK is home to about 800 Tibetans where they can freely practise their beliefs.
Some important Tibetan Losar events taking place in the UK between 26th February and 5th March 2022:
Saturday, 26th February from 2pm to 4pm | Losar 2149: Tibetan Cultural Event|Venue: Woolwich Centre Library | Organisers: Samten Chodon et. al.
Thursday, 3rd March from 8 am to 11 am | Losar Prayer & Sangsol| Venue: Jamyang Buddhist Centre | Organiser: Tibetan Community UK
Losar Prayer & Sangsol @ Jamyang Buddhist Centre | 3rd March from 8am to 11 am | Organised by Tibetan Community UK
Thursday, 3rd March from 4pm | Tibetan Losar Party 2022 | Venue: Asian Community Centre | Organiser: Greenwich Tibetan Association(GTA)
Tibetan Losar Party 2022 @ Asian Community Centre, Woolwich | 3rd March from 4pm | Organised by Greenwich Tibetan Association (GTA)
Saturday, 5th March from 5pm to 1 am | TCB Losar Celebration | Venue: Old Town Hall, Stratford | Organiser: Tibetan Community UK
TCB Losar Celebration @ Old Town Hall, Stratford | 5th March from 5pm to 1 am | Organised by Tibetan Community UK
By Tsering Passang, Founder and Chairman, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities
From time to time, Tibet was invaded by foreign powers.
After the Communist Party of China (CCP) came to power and with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Mao Tsetung declared the so-called “peaceful liberation” of Tibet from foreign imperialists, on 1st October 1949.
Soon, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) marched into Tibet. For Tibetans, this was the beginning of modern China’s invasion of Tibet in the post Second World War era.
“Seventeen-Point Agreement”
On 23rd May 1951, the “Seventeen-Point Agreement” was signed between the representatives of the independent Tibetan Government in Lhasa and the Chinese Communist Government in Peking. Tibetans have always maintained that the agreement was signed by the Tibetan representatives “under duress”.
His Excellency Lukhangwa, the lay Tibetan Prime Minister, plainly told Chinese Representative Zhang Jingwu in 1952 that the Tibetan “people did not accept the agreement”. Nevertheless, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, who was a young teenager at the time, decided to work with the Chinese “in order to save my people and country from total destruction”, as he wrote in his memoir, ‘My Land and My People’.
For eight years, the Dalai Lama tried to abide by the terms of that document. The Tibetan Leader even relieved his Prime Minister Lukhangwa from his post, who had made no secret of his staunch opposition to the Chinese aggression.
Foreign trips & meetings with Chinese, Indian leaders
In 1954, the young Dalai Lama visited Peking. During his nearly 6 months’ stay the Dalai Lama had meetings with many Chinese leaders including Chairman Mao Tsetung and Premier Chou En-lai on a few occasions. Both of them gave assurances to him on Tibet’s good future.
Tibet’s highest spiritual leaders – The 14th Dalai Lama and The 10th Panchen Lama in the 1950s
In 1956, at the invitation of the Mahabodhi Society of India, the Dalai Lama travelled to India to join the 2500th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Lord Buddha. During his India trip, the Dalai Lama had meetings with the Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and discussed Tibet.
The Dalai Lama later expressed his intention to seek asylum in India but Nehru advised the Tibetan Leader to return and work within Tibet.
At the same time, the Chinese Premier Chou En-lai travelled to Delhi where he met both Nehru and the Dalai Lama and urged the young Tibetan leader to return to Tibet. Finally, the Dalai Lama returned to Lhasa.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1956 in New Delhi
Tension rising in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital
By early 1959, a large number of the PLA troops entered central Tibet – about 20,000 were stationed in Lhasa alone. The tension was now rising in the Tibetan capital. Tens of thousands of Tibetans from east Tibet were retreating towards Lhasa while fighting continued in the east.
In early March 1959, the PLA invited the Dalai Lama to attend a planned cultural show at its headquarters without any Tibetan bodyguards.
The date for the theatrical show was set for 10th March.
Tibetan National Uprising in Lhasa, March 1959
The general public in Lhasa became suspicious and over 30,000 Tibetans gathered at the Norbu Lingkha, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, for his security and requested him not to attend the show.
The Dalai Lama, who was then 24, faced a difficult dilemma. In his autobiography, ‘My Land and My People’ the Dalai Lama wrote, “…as if I was standing between two volcanoes, each likely to erupt at any moment. On one side, there was the vehement, unequivocal, unanimous protest of my people against the Chinese regime; on the other hand, there was the armed might of a powerful and aggressive occupying force.”
With the huge crowd surrounding the Norbu Lingkha palace, it was almost impossible for the Dalai Lama to leave.
The PLA generals were enraged when three of the Dalai Lama’s ministers told them that he would not be attending. A couple of days later, the Chinese army fired two mortars at the summer palace.
With the situation at boiling point, on the night of 17th March, the Dalai Lama decided to leave Lhasa immediately. According to his autobiography, the Dalai Lama, disguised as an ordinary soldier, rode out of his palace on horseback “unchallenged [and moved] towards the dark road beyond”.
The young Dalai Lama and his escape party is shown on the fourth day of their flight to freedom as they cross the Zsago-La pass, in southern Tibet, while being pursued by Chinese military forces, on March 21, 1959, after fleeing Lhasa.(Photo source: http://www.qt.com)
Tibet in Exile
After nearly two weeks of a treacherous journey, with protection provided by the volunteer Tibetan resistance forces, the Dalai Lama reached safety in India, on 31st March 1959.
The Dalai Lama of Tibet poses with his hosts, the wealthy Indian Birla brothers and their families April 28, 1959, at Birla house, Mussoorie, India.(Photo source: http://www.qt.com)
Some 80,000 Tibetan refugees followed him into India, Nepal and Bhutan.
The young and charismatic Dalai Lama re-established the Tibetan Government-in-exile (officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration) currently based in Dharamsala, northern India.
A staunch believer in democracy, the Dalai Lama has introduced this western democratic system into Tibetan society, little by little since 1960.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama decided to fully relinquish his previously inherited political leadership, which had been sustained for nearly 400 years, by passing the historic seal to the directly elected Sikyong (otherwise known as the President) Dr. Lobsang Sangay (a legal scholar from Harvard University), of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Under his amazing leadership, the Dalai Lama established a network of Tibetan settlements, schools, hospitals, monasteries, nunneries as well as cultural institutions to provide vital education, healthcare, welfare needs and cultural preservation in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Internally, his visionary leadership in exile for the Tibetan society has kept its identity and culture alive. Externally, especially after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, the Dalai Lama gained new celebrity status on the global stage which helped to promote the Tibetan issue.
His message of peace and non-violence for resolving conflicts, promotion of religious harmony and human values got greater recognition.
The present 14th Dalai Lama, who turns 86 in July, is not only a Tibetan spiritual leader but a highly respected moral leader on the world stage.
The Dalai Lama meeting former US President Obama
Since coming into exile, Tibetans in India and around the world observe this poignant 10th March anniversary every year to condemn China’s repression in Tibet whilst remembering those who died in their struggle for freedom.
In Dharamsala as well as in major Tibetan settlements across India, the official functions include recitation of Buddhist prayers and singing of political Tibetan songs.
Every year, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile issue official political statements on this day.
These are available on the CTA website www.tibet.net. The TibetTV – www.TibetOnline.tv also live webcast the official proceeding on this day.
Official website of the Central Tibetan Administration that virtually connects Tibetans in diasporas
Non-governmental Tibetan organisations such as the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), which call for Rangzen (Independence of Tibet), often organise political demonstrations worldwide around this historic date.
This can include demonstrations outside the Chinese Embassy in Delhi or engaging in hunger strikes in front of the United Nations in New York to draw their attention to the Tibetan plight.
This year, a Tibetan Youth leader and writer, Tenzin Tsundue, launched his latest campaign “Repeal One-China Policy” with a month-long march #WalkAMileForTibet from Dharamsala to Delhi, covering 500 kilometres distance on foot.
He is due to reach Delhi on 10th March. Tsundue started his march on Losar – Tibetan New Year, 12th February.
The One-China Policy is a diktat laid down by the CCP which denies any area currently under Chinese control the right ever to differentiate itself from China.
Thus Tibet, Southern Mongolia, East Turkestan [Xinjiang], Manchuria and Hong Kong must — according to this diktat – accept that they are forever an integral part of China and can never break free of communist control. Taiwan – a democracy – is included in this diktat.
Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, in London, Tibetans and activists are engaging in political activism this year.
A group of Tibetans and their supporters are taking part in the #WalkAMileForTibet in support of the “Repeal One-China Policy” campaign on this day.
The 14-mile march starts from Woolwich, headquarters of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. With a stopover at the Indian High Commission, the group will march to the Chinese Embassy, passing through Whitehall, the heart of the British Government.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is going to hoist the Tibetan National Flag on 10th March once again this year in a show of solidarity and support to Tibet and the Tibetan people.
*Tsering Passang, a human rights advocate and political activist, is the founder of Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM). He was the Director of London-based Tibet Foundation from 2019 to 2021. Elected as Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain, Tsering led the community organisation from 2014 to 2016.
(The above piece was first published in Taiwan Times on 10th March 2021.)
Tibet Protest March 2022 in London
Tibetans are observing 10th March 2022 as the 63rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day. The Tibetan Community UK and Free Tibet are urging their members and supporters to join the annual protest and commemoration events.
Protest – Tibetan Freedom March
Venue – 10 Downing Street, London SW1A 2AA
Date/Time – 10th March 2022, Thursday / Gathering from 09:30 am
Speeches and protest march towards Chinese Embassy start at 11:00 am.
Protest and demonstration in front of the Chinese Embassy from 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm.
The Tibetan Community UK and Free Tibet are urging their members and supporters to join the protest and commemoration events. Details of this year’s commemoration events as below:
Protest – Tibetan Freedom March
Venue – 10 Downing Street, London SW1A 2AA
Date/Time – 10th March 2022, Thursday / Gathering from 09:30 am
Speeches and protest march towards Chinese Embassy start at 11:00 am.
Protest and demonstration in front of the Chinese Embassy from 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm.
It is said that music has no boundaries. A person who enjoys his or her native, traditional music and art may also appreciates and adopts music from other cultures for entertainment. Those who turn to modern pop music, may prefer imported musical genre than their own native, traditional one. I suppose it’s quite natural for young people from all backgrounds.
Tibetans are no different from any other culture whether they are in China’s occupied Tibet or in exile. Dominant cultures are a big influence to the minorities. It is estimated that since the flight of the Dalai Lama into exile in 1959, some 140,000 Tibetan refugees have been living outside China’s occupied Tibet. Currently home to over 10,000 Tibetans, Nepal is frequently pressured by the Chinese government to ban Tibetan refugees engaging in any form of gatherings – political, cultural or human rights related. Nepal’s authorities have a fine balance to act – to please its northern communist neighbour whilst ensuring the Tibetan refugees enjoy the universal human rights in the landlocked country.
Today, I would like introduce a young Tibetan artist – a Thangka painter and musician, Kelsang Choedak, who was born and brought up in a refugee camp in Nepal. Kelsang received his full six-year training in the traditional Tibetan Thangka painting course from ‘Tsering Art School’ of Shechen Monastery in Boudhanath. This town in Kathmandu valley is a very well known pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world.
Based in Kathmandu, Kelsang Kes (his stage name) spends his time between making music and managing his traditional Thangka painting studio, which he owns and also employs a number of artists. Kelsang Kes is a well sought after young Tibetan artist, whose latest release is ང་ཡི་སེམས་ཀྱི། or Ngayi Semkyi. His latest release on the Valentine’s Day, 14th February 2022 – a romantic Tibetan song is a treat for his fans.
In his social media posting on 12th February, Kelsang Kes wrote, “Hi guys, stay tuned for this Valentine’s song ‘ང་ཡི་སེམས་ཀྱི།/Ngayi semkyi’ by Pema Wangdi Lama creation, Featuring myself!”
Kelsang Kes also sings Nepalese, Bollywood and English songs beautifully. With no shortage of fans throughout the world Kelsang Kes has performed in many countries including in India, Bhutan and Nepal.
It’s Friday, enjoy Kelsang Kes music by clicking the Youtube links below!
On the eve of the opening of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games, UK-based Tibetan, Uyghur, Hong Kong and Tigrayan communities hosted an Alternative Olympic Opening Ceremony in London (3rd February) to challenge Beijing’s #GenocideGames.
The Joint Statement from the coalition of rights groups and China’s persecuted communities in the UK, said, “Our demands for change and accountability are not just for Beijing. No, this is about every institution and individual that has put power and profit over human life – sponsors, broadcasters, and, of course, the IOC and Thomas Bach. To them, this is a game of money and influence and we should all be repulsed. We each have a responsibility to act when our fellow humans are enduring repression, torture and genocide. But these principles have been discarded, as soon as China was awarded the Winter Olympics. Those responsible wish we would stop holding them accountable. But for the past year we have refused them that luxury. And now, none can say that these Olympics have been pulled off with propagandist ease. It is thanks to our efforts that the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be memorialised in history as the Genocide Games.”
Supportive parliamentarians from across British political parties, including Lord David Alton, Nusrat Ghani MP and Afzal Khan MP addressed the rally whilst Barbara Keely MP joined the crowd in show of their solidarity and support. Condemning the Chinese government for its continued gross violation of human rights and Uyghur genocide, the parliamentarians were unanimous in declaring the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics as the “Genocide Games”.
Lord Alton explained about his visits to Tibet and Hong Kong. He exposed the Chinese government’s violation of human rights in Tibet and Hong Kong. He sternly criticised Uyghur genocide committed by the Chinese State and, acknowledged the wonderful work by the independent Uyghur Tribunal, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC. Lord Alton was addressing a crowd of several hundred people from the persecuted communities in the heart of London’s Piccadilly Circus. He said, “We won’t be silenced by anyone.” After his rally speech, Lord Alton tweeted: “Don’t let the moment pass. The true #Olympic spirit is about solidarity not indifference to tyranny #BoycottBeijing2022”
Lord David Alton addressing the rally
Nearly a year ago in March 2021, the Chinese government sanctioned a number of British parliamentarians who stood up for human rights, truth and freedom. They included Lord Alton and Nusrat Ghani MP, who have been strong critics of the Chinese government’s human rights abuses.
Nusrat Ghani MP address the rally
Nusrat Ghani MP, a former minister in the Conservative government, gave a very powerful speech to the crowd’s roar. She declared, “Tomorrow, we have the Beijing Winter Olympics. China will do its very best to paint the prettiest picture on what’s happening in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. But, we know the truth. We want the world to see the crackdown against Hong Kong. We want the world to see the persecution against the Tibetans. And, we want to see the ongoing wheel-time genocide of the Uyghur people. No to the Genocide Olympics.”
Ms Ghani further added, “The Chinese Communist Party is engaging in a most expensive PR campaign. But, let me tell you this. We will not let China off the hook. We will not forget Hong Kong. We will not forget Tibet. And, wewill never forget, or forgive, the ongoing genocide against the Uyghur people.”
Afzal Khan MP addressing the rally
Echoing the crowd’s chanting, Afzal Khan, Labour MP from Manchester, said that the message to China is clear and simple: “Free Tibet, Free East Turkistan and Free Hong Kong.” Lambasting the Beijing 2022 Olympics Games in the midst of genocide against the Uyghur Muslims, Mr Khan questioned, “How can you have those [games] when there is genocide taking place?” The Labour MP said that there is cross-party support for China’s persecuted communities and they would continue to press on the British government to take a tougher stance on China. After his address, Mr Khan tweeted, “Ahead of the #BeijingWinterOlympics, I joined colleagues & friends to remember those suffering under CCP rule”.
China’s persecuted communities condemned the decision by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) to proceed with the event despite the crimes against humanity being carried out by the Chinese Communist regime.
Tsering Passang, Chairman of Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities
Tsering Passang, former Chair of Tibetan Community in Britain, who is also the Founder and Chairman of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, addressed the rally along with the parliamentarians and representatives from other China’s persecuted communities. Passang said, “The 2022 Olympics Games should not be held in today’s repressive China, where gross violation of human rights is taking place, on a daily basis. And certainly, the Olympics should not have been awarded to a regime which persecutes its own people, including the peaceful Falun Gong practitioners as well as those in China’s occupied Tibet and East Turkestan.”
Criticising the IOC’s decision to award the Olympics once again to the CCP regime in 2022, Passang questioned, “Why are the IOC and its Chiefs pandering to the Chinese regime? The question does raise whether the IOC and its Chiefs are getting in complicity with the Communist Chinese regime, in committing crimes against humanity including Uyghur genocide”. The Tibetan activist declared, “For the persecuted communities, whether we are Tibetans or Uyghurs, we recognise the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics as the GenocidesGames of the 21st century.”
The Alternative Opening Ceremony in London was a part of the Global Day of Action in which groups from at least 20 countries voice their opposition to the Winter Games and urge the wider public to show solidarity with those living under CCP rule or affected by its foreign policy.
The remainder of the event saw colourful but determined activities including musical performances and poetry readings, a mock medal ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping and the lighting of an activist-made own Olympic torch.
Earlier a press release was issued by the organisers of the Alternative Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Tenzin Wangdu, Chair of Tibetan Community in Britain: “The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics were preceded by brutal crackdowns in Tibet and the transformation of Tibet into a police state. In the past 14 years, things have only deteriorated. The IOC’s decision to award Beijing a second Olympics is a sick insult and an unforgivable error of judgement. It shows that the IOC has no concern for justice or human rights. We renew our call for everyone to boycott these bloodstained Winter Games. We call on everyone to turn their attention away from the Chinese Communist Party’s propaganda event and to join us in our struggle for freedom.”
The Hongkonger community (Hong Kong Aid, Power to Hongkongers, Hong Kong Liberty, Hongkongers in Britain): “We Hongkongers are boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics because we do not believe the CCP, who has had a long history abusing human rights, conducting genocide, and destroying democracy, deserves to be “awarded” as an Olympic Games host. We further condemn the IOC for turning a blind eye to their horrible acts, betraying Olympism’s value to respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. We urge the international community to stand in solidarity with us. To boycott them by not watching it, by calling out CCP’s hypocrisy, and by spreading awareness about what is going on in Tibet, East Turkestan, Tigray and Hong Kong.”
The alternative opening ceremony is the culmination of a long-running campaign against the decision by the IOC to award Beijing a second Olympic event, despite a dramatic surge in human rights abuses by the Chinese government since the 2008 Summer Olympics. This includes:
Protesters
The detention of at least two million Uyghur, Kazakh, and Uzbek Muslims in “re-education camps”, where they are forced to endure systematic torture, rape, and political re-education.
The finding that the CCP has separated at least 80% of Tibetan children from their parents and into colonial boarding schools, where they face intense political indoctrination.
Draconian security measures in Hong Kong, including the National Security Bill, which have effectively criminalised protest and removed what civil liberties existed in Hong Kong.
Attacks on the culture and language of Southern Mongolians.
The scale of the human rights abuses perpetrated by Beijing, including the recognition by numerous governments that it is committing genocide against the Uyghur people, has led to the 2022 Winter Games being widely known as the “Genocide Games”.
Rahima Mahmut, Director of Stop Uyghur Genocide and World Uyghur Congress reading Coalition’s Joint Statement at the rally
Rahima Mahmut, UK Director of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) and Executive Director of Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG): “We are holding an alternative opening ceremony to remind the world – our leaders, corporations, the International Olympics Committee, and all of those watching – that a genocide is being perpetrated beyond the bounds of the Olympic Park. Whilst fireworks are set off for opening celebrations, millions of my fellow Uyghurs are tortured and violated in concentration camps. While the world watches media coverage of ski slaloms, my Uyghur brothers and sisters are subject to constant surveillance. Whilst athletes are presented with medals, Uyghur mothers mourn for children that have been stolen from them and indoctrinated in state-orphanages. This will prove to be an indelible moment of shame for everyone that remained complicit, particularly the IOC and Thomas Bach.”
The alternative opening ceremony and wider day of action are also being organised and attended by people affected by the CCP’s increasingly confrontational foreign policy. This includes the Tigray Youth Network, who oppose the Ethiopian government’s ongoing siege of Tigray, which has killed around 150 thousand people, and displaced a further 2.2. million Tigrayans, policies that have received material and diplomatic support from the Chinese government.
Rowena from the Tigray Youth Network: “Tigray Youth Network is boycotting the Winter Games because of China’s involvement in arming the Federal government of Ethiopia to continue the genocidal war on Tigray; China voted against the UN Human Rights Council motion to set up a three-member investigate team citing the war is an internal matter and objected a statement by the U.N. Security Council calling for an end to the violence in Tigray and to spotlight the millions in need of humanitarian assistance.”
Barbara Keeley MP with Tsering Passang (GATPM) and Tsering Tsomo (Office of Tibet)
Date: Thursday 3 February 2022 Time: 18:20-20:30 Where: Piccadilly Circus, London What: Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers and Tigrayans unite to protest the IOC’s complicity in the CCP’s crimes against humanity on the eve of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
In advance of the opening of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers and Tigrayans will host an alternative opening ceremony in central London. Joined by campaign groups and supportive MPs, they will condemn the decision by the International Olympic Committee to proceed with the event despite the crimes against humanity being carried out by the Chinese Communist Party.
The alternative opening ceremony will take place hours before the official opening ceremony for the Winter Games on 4 February in Beijing. It will be part of a Global Day of Action in which groups from at least 20 countries will voice their opposition to the Winter Games and urge the wider public to show solidarity with those living under CCP rule or affected by its foreign policy.
Tenzin Wangdu, Chair of Tibetan Community in Britain said:
“The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics were preceded by brutal crackdowns in Tibet and the transformation of Tibet into a police state. In the past 14 years, things have only deteriorated. The IOC’s decision to award Beijing a second Olympics is a sick insult and an unforgivable error of judgement. It shows that the IOC has no concern for justice or human rights. We renew our call for everyone to boycott these bloodstained Winter Games. We call on everyone to turn their attention away from the Chinese Communist Party’s propaganda event and to join us in our struggle for freedom.”
The alternative opening ceremony will start at 18:20 on Thursday 3 February, with an opening statement from representatives from each community followed by speeches from Afzal Khan, Lord Alton and Nus Ghani, who have been supportive of the No Beijing 2022 campaign.
The remainder of the event will consist of colourful but determined activities including musical performances and poetry readings, a mock medal ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping and the lighting of our own Olympic torch.
The Hongkonger community said (Hong Kong Aid, Power to Hongkongers, Hong Kong Liberty, Hongkongers in Britain):
“We Hongkongers are boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics because we do not believe the CCP, who has had a long history abusing human rights, conducting genocide, and destroying democracy, deserves to be “awarded” as an Olympic Games host. We further condemn the IOC for turning a blind eye to their horrible acts, betraying Olympism’s value to respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. We urge the international community to stand in solidarity with us. To boycott them by not watching it, by calling out CCP’s hypocrisy, and by spreading awareness about what is going on in Tibet, East Turkestan, Tigray and Hong Kong.”
The alternative opening ceremony is the culmination of a long-running campaign against the decision by the IOC to award Beijing a second Olympic event, despite a dramatic surge in human rights abuses by the Chinese government since the 2008 Summer Olympics. This includes:
The detention of at least two million Uyghur, Kazakh, and Uzbek Muslims in “re-education camps”, where they are forced to endure systematic torture, rape, and political re-education.
The finding that the CCP has separated at least 80% of Tibetan children from their parents and into colonial boarding schools, where they face intense political indoctrination.
Draconian security measures in Hong Kong, including the National Security Bill, which have effectively criminalised protest and removed what civil liberties existed in Hong Kong.
Attacks on the culture and language of Southern Mongolians.
The scale of the human rights abuses perpetrated by Beijing, including the recognition by numerous governments that it is committing genocide against the Uyghur people, has led to the 2022 Winter Games being widely known as the “Genocide Games”.
Rahima Mahmut, UK Director of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) and Executive Director of Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG), said:
“We are holding an alternative opening ceremony to remind the world – our leaders, corporations, the International Olympics Committee, and all of those watching – that a genocide is being perpetrated beyond the bounds of the Olympic Park. Whilst fireworks are set off for opening celebrations, millions of my fellow Uyghurs are tortured and violated in concentration camps. While the world watches media coverage of ski slaloms, my Uyghur brothers and sisters are subject to constant surveillance. Whilst athletes are presented with medals, Uyghur mothers mourn for children that have been stolen from them and indoctrinated in state-orphanages. This will prove to be an indelible moment of shame for everyone that remained complicit, particularly the IOC and Thomas Bach.”
The alternative opening ceremony and wider day of action are also being organised and attended by people affected by the CCP’s increasingly confrontational foreign policy. This includes the Tigray Youth Network, who oppose the Ethiopian government’s ongoing siege of Tigray, which has killed around 150 thousand people, and displaced a further 2.2. million Tigrayans, policies that have received material and diplomatic support from the Chinese government.
Rowena from the Tigray Youth Network said:
“Tigray Youth Network is boycotting the Winter Games because of China’s involvement in arming the Federal government of Ethiopia to continue the genocidal war on Tigray; China voted against the UN Human Rights Council motion to set up a three-member investigate team citing the war is an internal matter and objected a statement by the U.N. Security Council calling for an end to the violence in Tigray and to spotlight the millions in need of humanitarian assistance.”
Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan filmmaker and former political prisoner, is currently travelling from Riga, capital of Latvia, to Vilnius in Lithuania, on a bus-ride. He is accompanied by Wangpo Tethong, a former Tibetan MP and the new Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Europe.
Starting on 17th November 2021 from France, Dhondup Wangchen will soon end his three-month Europe Tour for Tibet on 10th February 2022 in Switzerland. Wangchen has been meeting and interacting with so many parliamentarians, government officials, journalists, media houses as well as individuals during his campaign tour to advocate for the Tibetan people as well as other persecuted communities in China despite the rising COVID situations across Europe.
Wangchen’s Baltic trip is the last leg of his planned Europe Tour, ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games. As his Europe Tour is soon coming to an end, Wangchen calls for action: “Wear Tibetan “Rangzen Bracelets” during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games. The former Tibetan political prisoner is very clear in his message – “Don’t forget us Tibetans! Don’t forget Tibet!”
Tibetans and rights groups label the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games as the #GenocideGames.
When Wangchen wraps up the 15-countries Europe Tour next month, organisers in Switzerland will screen his documentary ‘Leaving Fear Behind’ once again.
Dhondup Wangchen was arrested and imprisoned by the Chinese authorities for making his documentary film in 2008. In his documentary, Wangchen was simply seeking the views of Tibetans in China’s occupied Tibet about their love for the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and what the 2008 Beijing Olympics meant for them.
After serving over 6 years in Chinese prisons and further house arrest, Dhondup Wangchen escaped into exile in December 2017. He was granted political asylum in the US where he reunited with his family.
Wangpo Tethong, who is accompanying Dhondup Wangchen to the Baltics States, says that the former Tibetan political prisoner “is a tireless campaigner who inspires the folks around him.” Tethong further adds that Wangchen is “an authentic and talented storyteller” who “connects easily with all people” he comes across.
Noting the change of the international community’s attitude towards China, Tethong said, “Media and governments are ready to listen”. According to the former Tibetan MP, some countries in Europe announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games after Dhondup Wangchen’s visit to the European countries. He said that the former Tibetan political prisoner’s “story may have well contributed to this success”.
At least 15 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Scotland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States have announced the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games.
Diplomatic boycott by these leading democracies is great news for Tibetans and rights groups around the world who have been campaigning for the boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games. It is already a success even before the #GenocidesGames started. Tibetans and rights groups worldwide are staging further protests on 3rd February, as part of the Global Day of Action, to highlight the Chinese regime’s ongoing violations of human rights and Uyghur genocide.
Initiated by Switzerland-based Filming for Tibet, Dhondup Wangchen’s Europe Tour was coordinated by the International Tibet Network. His tour received amazing support from many Tibetan communities in Europe and campaigning groups including, the ICT Europe, Tibetan Youth Association in Europe and Students for a Free Tibet.
(All photos taken from Wangpo Tethong’s Facebook.)
Dhondup Wangchen’s Appeal:“The promises made by China for the 2008 Olympics have all been broken and have taken many innocent lives. People had to go through all sorts of hardships, it is our responsibility to make sure that such mistakes aren’t repeated. It’s crystal clear that people under repressive Communist Chinese rule don’t even have the right to express their views. Doing so might cost their lives. I had to face much danger to reach safety and to be able to speak out. So, my dear friends, I request each one of you to support me and make an oath. Thank you.”
Albert Leroy Shelton (1875-1922) was an American doctor and a Protestant missionary in Batang, Kham region of eastern Tibet, from 1903 until 1922.
In 1908, The Sheltons and another missionary family, the Ogdens, established the first Christian mission in Batang, a town of 350 Tibetan families. Shelton took many photographs of Tibetans in Kham and collected artifacts which he later sold to Newark Museum, New Jersey.
Shelton’s objective was to establish missions deeper into Tibet and ultimately to travel to Lhasa. On February 16, 1922, en route to Markam, he was ambushed by brigands a few miles outside Batang. He died of a gunshot wound the next day and was buried in Batang. Shelton wrote about his experiences in Tibet in an article “Life among the People of Eastern Tibet,” which was published in National Geographic Magazine in 1921 and the same year, he authored a book, ‘Pioneering in Tibet’. Shelton’s eldest daughter, Dorris Evangeline Shelton Still (1904-1997) also wrote about growing up in Tibet in a book, ‘Sue in Tibet’. It was a rare book in its time, in that the main character and heroine of the adventures was a girl.
After Tibet’s annexation in 1959, Dorris Evangeline Shelton still continued her relationship with Tibet and supported Tibetan cause and also had the privilege of meeting His Holiness the 4th Dalai Lama.
These photographs were taken by Dr. Shelton during his time in Kham, Tibet
China’s persecuted communities in the UK are hosting ‘Alternative Olympic Opening Ceremony’ on the eve of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, which is scheduled from 4th to 20th February.
This ‘Alternative Olympic Opening Ceremony’ will be held in Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain) on 3rd February from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Victims of Chinese regime at home and abroad including, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers and Tigrayans, are coming together to protest against the International Olympics Committee (IOC) for awarding this year’s Winter Olympics to China and to highlight the Chinese Communist regime’s gross violations of human rights and crimes against humanity.
In addition to speeches from the affected communities, the ‘Alternative Olympic Opening Ceremony’ will feature political theatre, a ceremonial ‘torch lighting’, poetry readings and personal testimony from those who have been subject to the CCP repression.
Leading British political figures including Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP and Layla Moran MP will address this unique event.
It’s time to send a strong message and remind the Chinese regime and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) that the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games is nothing but the #GenocideGames of the 21st century.
Please join this unique ‘Alternative Olympic Opening Ceremony’ and show your support. Human rights matter.
26th January 2022: Responding to a question on China’s ongoing military threat and invasion of Taiwan, from Rob Butler MP during the PMQs this afternoon, Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged that the Chinese military flights have taken place near Taiwan in recent days and months. He said it is not conducive to peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Johnson urged for restraint and calls for a peaceful and constructive dialogue by people on both sides of the Taiwan Straight. The British Prime Minister further added that Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and all his colleagues are working towards a peaceful resolution in the region.
Tsering Passang, Founder and Chairman of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, said: “China must stop threatening its neighbours. First, Communist China invaded East Turkestan in 1949. A year later Tibet was invaded. In recent years we saw Beijing taking full control over the lives of people in Hong Kong by disregarding the international treaty, UK-China Joint Declaration regarding Hong Kong. China under Xi Jinping is now preparing a war with the people of Taiwan. The military invasion of this peaceful Island nation is a disaster in the 21st century. China is a real threat to the region and the wider world. It is time the CCP and its leaders show respect to the international rule-base system if China wants to be an important player on the world stage. It must respect the human rights including self-determination of the people of Taiwan.”
Radio Free Asia (RFA) interview with Tibetan activists – Kyinzom Dhongdue (Australia) and Tsering Passang (UK)
As part of the hour-long “Call-in” programme, the Radio Free Asia (RFA) Tibetan language service interviewed two prominent Tibetan activists – Kyinzom Dhongdue from Australia and London-based Tsering Passang to share their experiences and analysis on China’s ongoing interference in foreign countries.
The interview was broadcast on Radio Free Asia on Sunday, 23rd January 2022.
Kyinzom Dhongdue
Kyinzom Dhongdueis a former Tibetan MP, who represented the Tibetans living in the Australasia region from 2015 to 2020 at their parliament in Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration (de facto Tibetan Government-in-exile). She was a former Executive Director of Australia Tibet Council, a leading Tibet advocacy group based in New South Wales.
Dhongdue is the first Tibetan-Australian to run for public office in Australia. A parliamentary candidate for the newly-formed Democratic Alliance, Dhongdue is eyeing for a Senate seat, the Upper House of the Australian Parliament.
Knowing Communist China’s growing influence in Australia as well as in the Indo-Pacific region, Dhongdue hopes that her candidacy would draw greater attention to the plight of Tibet from across the Australia continent. Dhongdue said that winning a seat in the forthcoming election may be slim but she’s delighted to have strong support from her own community and others. She said that her political campaign is just beginning and called for support from everyone in her constituency in New South Wales.
Tsering Passang
Tsering Passang, a former Director of Tibet Foundation, is the Founder and Chairman of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM). He shared his thoughts on the recent Chinese Spy case in the UK, Christine Lee, her association with the British political parties and the huge donations made to parliamentarians to buy influence for the Chinese regime.
Passang explains that though no laws were broken by Christine Lee, who is linked to the United Front Work Department (UFWD), the unfolding of this latest news is a possible tactic employed by the MI5 to disrupt ongoing activities of the individual concerned. The United Front Work Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party is an important department that reports directly to the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which gathers intelligence on, manages relations with, and attempts to influence elite individuals and organisations inside and outside China. It reports directly to the Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This Notice from MI15 was originally issued to the Speaker of the Parliament. It alerts Christine Lee’s interference in the UK Parliament with donations of over £400,000 made to the Labour MP Barry Gardiner. The domestic secret service further cautions members of the parliament when making contact with Lee.
Passang said that by raising this latest concern at the highest level, the MI5 has managed to invoke the development of appropriate legislation by the government for much stricter controls over foreign donations to buy influence which threatens national security. Such legislation would give legal powers to the concerned agencies to take appropriate action against foreign agents to protect national security.
Passang also highlighted the UK’s tougher stance against China under Xi Jinping by making reference to the 2021 Integrated Review vis-a-vis UK National Security and Foreign Policy. He states that China is highlighted as one of the UK’s four major threats over the next decade including Russia, Iran and Terrorism in the Integrated Review. This, Passang said, presents a good opportunity for the persecuted communities and their allies to challenge the CCP regime and it should not be missed.
Passang calls on the Tibetans in diasporas to engage proactively and challenge the Chinese regime. He said that the Tibetans came into exile in 1959 with an object of fight-back and this should not be forgotten. He said Tibetans should foster stronger relations with other persecuted communities including those from Hong Kong and challenge the CCP regime altogether. He also called on the Tibetan Buddhist leaders to condemn the Chinese authorities for demolishing Buddhist statues and forcing monks and nuns out of their monasteries in eastern Tibet late last year.
The interview was conducted by Dhondup Namgyal, a journalist at Radio Free Asia (RFA) Tibetan Service.
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has today (Thu 20th July 2022) called upon the Government to step up to its legal and moral obligations following the Uyghur Tribunal’s verdict that genocide is being committed in Xinjiang. Nusrat noted that the Government’s defence – that the Tribunal is not a competent court – is invalid, because the International Court of Justice’s Bosnia and Herzegovina v Serbia and Montenegro 2007 ruling completely blows that argument out of the water.
With her parliamentary colleagues, Ms Ghani has worked tirelessly over the past few years and brought the case of Uyghur Genocide committed by the brutal #CCP regime to the forefront in the UK Parliament and beyond.
That this House notes that the December 2021 Uyghur Tribunal’s judgment in London found beyond reasonable doubt that the People’s Republic of China was responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and torture in the Uyghur region; and calls on the Government to urgently assess whether it considers there to be a serious risk of genocide in the Uyghur region and to present its findings to the House within two months of this motion being passed, use all means reasonably available to ensure the cessation of ongoing genocide, including conducting due diligence to ensure it is not assisting, aiding, abetting or otherwise allowing the continuation of genocide and fulfil its other obligations under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, accept the recommendations of the Fifth Report of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, Uyghur forced labour in Xinjiang and UK value chains, Session 2019-21, HC 1272, including black-listing UK firms selling slave-made products in the UK and putting in place import controls to protect UK consumers, and place sanctions on the perpetrators of this genocide, including Chen Quanguo.
Relevant Documents:
e-petition 300146, Impose sanctions on China over its treatment of Uyghur Muslims
On 4th January, friends and members of Tibetan Community in Britain, Uyghur Community UK and Hong Kong Community UK took part in an hour-long protest outside the BBC Broadcasting House in central London despite the cold British weather.
4th January 2022 marks the one month countdown until the Beijing 2022 Olympics and more plans are underway for cross-movement groups to take action throughout January and before the opening of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games on 4th February.
Whilst highlighting gross violations of human rights by the #CCP regime, the peaceful protesters urged the BBC not to broadcast #GenocideGames.
The protesters also made a point that the BBC should give balanced airtime on human rights issues and minorities rights in China and its occupied territories.
This latest protest in London was supported by rights groups including Free Tibet, Stop Uyghur Genocide, World Uyghur Congress, Tibetan Community in Britain, Hong Kong Aid and Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities.
4th January 2022 marks the one month countdown until the Beijing 2022 Olympics and plans are underway for cross-movement groups to take action on this day and throughout January.
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities are staging a protest on Tuesday, 4th January from 3.30pm to 4.30pm outside the BBC Broadcasting House in partnership with UK-based rights groups including Free Tibet, Tibetan Community UK, Stop Uyghur Genocide and World Uyghur Congress. The object of this protest is to urge the BBC to not to broadcast the #GenocideGames on its channels.
We appreciate everyone’s concerns on public gatherings due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, originated from Wuhan (China), and therefore we urge all those who can make it to the protest to observe the government guidelines closely.
Despite the difficult challenges, we must continue to speak up and condemn the CCP regime for its atrocities committed over these past 100 years and the ongoing occupation of Tibet, East Turkestan as well as curtailment of freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
Let’s unite and challenge the #CCP regime altogether. When we’re united front we’re stronger & can defeat the opponents quite easily.
CCP and its #brutalregime continue to torment their own people as well as persecuted communities – Tibetan and Uyghur in China’s occupied Tibet and East Turkestan respectively. The Hong Kong community are the latest victims. Taiwan is said to be the next.
Needless to remind us all that the global community too have suffered a lot in recent years. Over 5 million people died from COVID-19 pandemic and millions more continued to suffer. Death numbers could be much lower had the #CCP regime chose to be more transparent about the source of the coronavirus.
When China Lies, Tibetans die – a popular Tibetan protest slogan. Now, we can safely add: When China Lies, people around the World die.
Curtailment of #freedomofspeech, violation of #humanrights and crackdown on #political dissent are some of the true signatures of the #EvilCCP regime.
As #CCP turns to its 2nd century of existence, we should increase our efforts and challenge the #EvilCCP regime in 2022.
I’m ready for this just fight; it’s my commitment/New Year resolution. Please join me in 2022 to challenge the #EvilCCP regime. Happy New Year!
Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India – Immediately on being informed that his “respected elder spiritual brother and good friend” Archbishop Desmond Tutu had passed away, His Holiness the Dalai Lama composed a letter to the Archbishop’s daughter, Rev. Mpho Tutu.
“Please accept my heartfelt condolences,” he wrote, “and convey the same to your mother and other members of your family. I pray for him.
“As you know, over the years, your father and I enjoyed an enduring friendship. I remember the many occasions we spent time together, including the week here at Dharamsala in 2015 when we were able to share our thoughts on how to increase peace and joy in the world. The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we cherished.
“Archbishop Desmond Tutu was entirely dedicated to serving his brothers and sisters for the greater common good. He was a true humanitarian and a committed advocate of human rights. His work for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was an inspiration for others around the world.
“With his passing away, we have lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life. He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him and keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others.”
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities is delighted to join in forces with over 250 campaigning groups around the world representing Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Chinese, Southern Mongolians, Taiwanese, and other affected and concerned communities to urge EU leaders to take strong multilateral action by committing to a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
13 DECEMBER 2021
Dear High Representative and European Union Foreign Ministers,
RE: Joint diplomatic boycott action of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
We are a coalition of over 250 global campaign groups representing Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Chinese, Southern Mongolians, Taiwanese, and other affected and concerned communities. Ahead of the European Council Summit, we urge EU leaders to take strong multilateral action by committing to a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
For EU leaders or diplomats to attend the Beijing 2022 Winter Games in the knowledge that the host state is enacting a genocide would be an act of complicity and an enabling of China’s plan to ‘sport wash’ their human rights abuses.
There is no prospect of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games playing a positive role for human rights or encouraging the Chinese government to halt the above human rights violations. As the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics showed, the Chinese government will instead interpret the lack of action by governments and the presence of leaders and dignitaries at the opening and closing ceremonies as a message that it risks no serious consequences for its actions.
Governments must now prove that there is the political will to stand up against China’s despicable human rights abuses and crimes against humanity. In this last week we have seen the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia all make commitments to boycott Beijing 2022, and it is now time for every government around to stand on the right side of history. The Chinese government is aware that the EU is in a uniquely powerful position due to its ability to act as a bloc to stand for human rights. A joint boycott by EU countries has the potential to be the strongest statement yet by governments who care about defending human rights.
We, therefore, call on EU leaders to urgently commit to a joint multilateral diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022.
Yours sincerely,
Mandie McKeown, International Tibet Network Dolkun Isa, World Uyghur Congress Frances Hui, We The Hongkongers Bhuchung Tsering, International Campaign for Tibet Teng Biao, China Against the Death Penalty Dorjee Tseten, Students for a Free Tibet Rushan Abbas, Campaign for Uyghurs Jenny Wang, Keep Taiwan Free Lhadon Tethong, Tibet Action Institute Tashi Shitsetsang, Tibetan Youth Association Europe John Jones, Free Tibet Dr Zoe Bedford, Australia Tibet Council 周锋锁 Zhou Fengsuo, Humanitarian China Mattias Bjornerstedt, Swedish Tibet Committee Omer Kanat, Uyghur Human Rights Project Enghebatu Togochog, Southern Mongolian Human Rights Center
on behalf of the following organisations:
Action Free Hong Kong Montreal Aide aux Refugies Tibetains Alberta Uyghur Association Amigos de Tibet, Colombia Amigos del Tíbet, Chile Amigos del Tíbet, El Salvador Anterrashtriya Bharat – Tibbet Sahyog Samiti AREF International Onlus Asociación Cultural Peruano Tibetana Asociación Cultural Tibetano Costarricense Association Cognizance Tibet, North Carolina Association Drôme Ardèche-Tibet Associazione Italia-Tibet Association of the New School for Democracy Atlas Movement Australia China Watch Australian East Turkestan Association Australian Uyghur Association Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women’s Association Austria Uyghur Association Bath District Tibet Support Group Bay Area Friends of Tibet Belgium Uyghur Association Bharrat Tibbat Sahyog Manch, India Birmingham Stands with Hong Kong Boston Tibet Network Boston Uyghur Association Briancon05 Urgence Tibet Bristol Tibet Burst the Bubble UK CADAL Canada Tibet Committee Canadian Coalition Against Communism Captive Nations Coalition Casa del Tibet – Spain Casa Tibet México Centro De Cultura Tibetana, Brazil China Alarm Circle of Friends (Philippines) Citizen Power Initiatives for China Comité de Apoyo al Tibet (CAT) Comité pour la Liberté à Hong-Kong Committee of 100 for Tibet Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India Cornell Society for the Promotion of East Asian Liberty Covenants Watch Czechs Support Tibet DC Chapter of China Democracy Party DC4HK – Washingtonians Supporting Hong Kong Defend Democracy Dream for Children, Japan Dutch Uyghur Human Rights Foundation East Turkistan Association in Finland East Turkistan Association of Canada East Turkistan Education Center in Europe East Turkistan New Generation Movement East Turkistan Nuzugum Culture and Family Organization East Turkistan Press and Media Organization East Turkistan Union in Europe Eastern Turkistan Foundation Eastern Turkistan Uyghur Association in Netherlands EcoTibet Ireland Étudiants Pour Un Tibet Libre Euro-Asia Foundation: Teklimakan Publishing House European Uyghur Institute Federation for a Democratic China Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong Foundation for Universal Responsibility France-Tibet Free Indo-Pacific Alliance Free Tibet Fukuoka FREE TIBET ITALIA Friends of Tibet in Costa Rica Friends of Tibet in Finland Friends of Tibet New Zealand Friends4Tibet Germany Stands with Hong Kong Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities Global Solidarity with Hong Kong – Chicago Grupo de Apoio ao Tibete, Portugal Hong Kong Committee in Norway Hong Kong Democracy Council Hong Kong Affairs Association of Berkeley (HKAAB) Hong Kong Forum, Los Angeles Hong Kong Liberty Hongkongers At McGill Hong Kong Outlanders Hong Kong Social Action Movements in Boston Hong Kongers San Diego Hong Kongers in San Francisco Bay Area Human Rights Solidarity Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan Ilham Tohti Initiative India Tibet Friendship Society International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China Institute for China’s Democratic Transition International Pen Uyghur Center International Society for Human Rights- Sweden International Society of Human Rights, Munich Chapter International Support for Uyghurs International Tibet Independence Movement International Uyghur Human Right and Democracy Foundation Isa Yusup Alptekin Foundation Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People Japan Association of Monks for Tibet (Super Sangha) Japan Uyghur Association Jewish movement for Uyghur freedom Justice 4 Uyghurs Justice For All Canada Kazakhstan National Culture Center Le Club Français, Paraguay Les Amis du Tibet – Belgium Les Amis du Tibet Luxembourg Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine Lions Des Neiges Mont Blanc, France Lungta Association Belgium Maison des Himalayas
Maison du Tibet – Tibet Info Mavi Hilal Humanitarian Organization McGill Hong Kong Public Awareness and Social Service National Campaign for Tibetan Support, India National Democratic Party of Tibet Netherlands for Hong Kong Never Again Right Now Northern California Hong Kong Club Norwegian Uyghur Committee NY4HK Objectif TibetPasseport Tibetain Ontario Hong Kong Youth Action (OHKYA) Perth Anti-CCP Association Phagma Drolma-Arya Tara Power to Hongkongers The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan RangZen:Movimento Tibete Livre, Brazil Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts Roof of the World Foundation, Indonesia Sakya Trinley Ling Santa Barbara Friends of Tibet Save the Mongolian Language Save the Persecuted Christians Save Tibet Foundation Save Tibet, Austria Shukr Foundation Sierra Friends of Tibet Society for Threatened Peoples International Society Union of Uyghur National Association STAND Canada Stand With Hong Kong Vienna Stop Uyghur Genocide Canada Students for a Free Tibet – Canada Students for a Free Tibet – UK Students for a Free Tibet – Denmark Students for a Free Tibet – India Students for a Free Tibet – Japan Students for a Free Tibet – Taiwan Students For Hong Kong Sweden Uyghur Education Union Swedish Tibet Committee Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association (GSTF) Switzerland East Turkestan Association Taiwanese Civil Aid to HKers 台灣永社 Taiwan Forever Association Taiwan Friends of Tibet Taiwan East Turkistan Association Taiwan New Constitution Foundation Taiwan Association for Human Rights Taiwanese Civil Aid to HKers Taiwan Labour Front Tashi Delek Bordeaux The Norwegian Tibet Committee The Youth Liberation Front of Tibet, Mongolia and Turkestan The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan Tibet Action Group of Western Australia Tibet cesky (Tibet in Czech) Tibet Committee of Fairbanks Tibet Group, Panama Tibet Initiative Deutschland Tibet Justice Center Tibet Lives, India Tibet Mx Tíbet Patria Libre, Uruguay Tibet Rescue Initiative in Africa Tibet Society of South Africa Tibet Solidarity Tibet Support Committee Denmark Tibet Support Group Adelaide Tibet Support Group Kenya= Tibet Support Group Kiku, Japan Tibet Support Group Netherlands Tibet Support Group Slovenia Tibetan Association of Germany Tibetan Association of Ithaca Tibetan Association of Northern California Tibetan Association of Philadelphia Tibetan Community Austria Tibetan Community in Britain Tibetan Community in Denmark Tibetan Community in Ireland Tibetan Community of Italy Tibetan Community of Victoria Tibetan Community Sweden Tibetan Community, Queensland Tibetan Cultural Association – Quebec Tibetan Programme of The Other Space Foundation Tibetan Women’s Association (Central) Tibetans of Mixed Heritage Tibetisches Zentrum Hamburg TIBETmichigan Toronto Association for Democracy in China Torontonian HongKongers Action Group U.S. Tibet Committee Uigur Society of the Kyrgyz Republic Umer Uyghur Trust United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) US Hongkongers Club Uyghur Academy Uyghur American Association Uyghur Association of Victoria Uyghur Association of France Uyghur Center for Human Rights and Democracy Uyghur Cultural and Education Union in Germany Uyghur Education Union Uyghur Projects Foundation Uyghur Refugee Relief Fund Uyghur Research Institute Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project Uyghur Support Group Netherlands Uyghur Transitional Justice Database Uyghur U.K. Association Uyghur Youth Union in Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Uyghur Culture Center Vancouver Hong Kong Forum Society Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement Viktoria Uyghur Association Voces Tibet World Uyghur Congress Foundation
Note:Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan filmmaker, activist and former political prisoner was due to address the Human Rights Rally in London on 10th December at the invitation of Free Tibet. Wangchen was unable to come to London at the last minute. An excerpt of Wangchen’s Speech was read by Tsering Passang of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), a co-organiser of the Human Rights Day London Protest 2021. Passang said that he accompanied Wangchen’s wife, Lhamo Tso, during 2012 UK Speaking Tour, organised by the Tibet Society, who was campaigning for the release of her husband, when he was in Chinese prison. Below is the full speech.
“My Urgent Call for the International Community to Boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics to be Held in Beijing, China”
By Dhondup Wangchen
“First and foremost, sincere greetings to the people and governments of the world!
My name is Dhondup Wangchen. I come from an ordinary farming family from a small village in eastern Tibet. I never had a formal education, nor do I consider myself a person who knows much about politics. But like any other person, I am an ordinary Tibetan man who very much admires peace and equal rights.
When China was declared as the host of the 2008 Summer Olympics, Tibetans and human rights activists across the globe were shocked and saddened. The simple reason being that, the host societies of the Olympics games, we believed, should have basic human rights where discrimination against people is abolished and equal justice prevails. The fact that China, a corrupt and authoritarian country, was awarded to host the Olympic Games was unbelievably hard to bear. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under the pretence of “liberation” and “aid”, has undertaken a murderous campaign of illegal occupation of Tibet over three generations, which is unprecedented in any period in the history of Tibet.
Tsering Passang, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), delivering Dhondup Wangchen’s Speech at the Rally – Piccadilly Circus Piazza, London | Photo: Kit Lee (Lei_uk)
Following the International Olympics Committee’s (IOC) statement on China, an emboldened Chinese regime seized the opportunity to tell the world that people under Chinese rule have freedom of expression and free and independent journalism. With full trust in the IOC, I and a group of friends started a documentary film project called “Leaving Fear Behind”, capturing the ground reality of Tibet and Tibetans’ feelings on the 2008 Olympic games. I was then arrested on 26 March 2008 and detained in an undisclosed location for over a year.
Governments and non-governmental organisations voiced their concerns and rallied for my release but the Chinese government repudiated those calls. After my arrest, I was deliberately and continuously deprived of sleep and food for 7 days and 8 nights. I had to endure the worst unthinkable torture and inhumane beatings. Then I was given a 6 years prison sentence and labelled a separatist. I was denied access to a lawyer. For no good reason, I was punished for my behaviour and sent to hard labour for around 15 to 16 hours a day with constant beatings and starvation. After release, I was punished yet again. This time I was subject to strict surveillance and every move of mine was monitored. I was warned of serious consequences if I travelled to places of my choice and met people including my own friends and relatives. It was like a prison outside the prison. I was forced to live a solitary life for three years and four months. I believed that freedom is a greater cause than my life and thus survived through the harshest of situations and finally made it to the US with help from numerous people and organisations.
I arrived on American soil on 25 December 2017. I had my wife and four children waiting for me. My elderly parents had moved from India to Australia in 2017. When the news of my arrest was first heard by my mother, she had a massive heart attack and had to undergo treatment for a prolonged period. In February 2018, I sought a special travel permit to go and meet my parents and jn June that year I went to the Australian Embassy in Washington. The staff promised to grant me a permit as early as possible but the same staff forced a condition on me to never involve myself in political activism on Australian soil. Just a few days later, the Australian Embassy changed their mind and rejected my visa application. This decision to me was clearly due to pressure from the Chinese government thus in order to appease them, the embassy took the decision accordingly. Sadly my mother passed away on 28 December that same year, the news of which was similar to a dagger to the heart to this day. My mother’s tears and prayers to reunite with her son for over a decade couldn’t be fulfilled. When my mother and I had the perfect opportunity to reunite, the embassy’s desire to appease the Chinese government loomed over them. In the end, everything turned into tears and pain.
Despite imminent danger, many people risked helping me across checkpoints to safely reach the US and reunite with my family. By taking this opportunity, I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved who immensely cared and supported me. For making “Leaving Fear Behind”, a 25-minute documentary film, my parents, wife, and children had to go through immeasurable hardships and pain which can never be summed up in a brief moment.
The people, governments, and non-governmental organizations that cared for human rights and stood for justice had well received the documentary and also expressed solidarity and amplified critical support. Particularly, democracy and human rights-loving Chinese people have supported the cause. Lawyer Mr. Li Donyung has risked so much to help and support me. International non-governmental organizations such as Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), H and several others have given awards and organized rallies for the documentary film. The US and a number of governments have raised their concerns by citing my innocence and demanded my immediate release time and again to the Chinese government. China cannot challenge the international pressure every time and come up with excuses. The kind of recognition received by the documentary was not because it was entertaining but rather the viewers were shell shocked by the reality they have seen in it and decided to stand for truth. The documentary was significant in exposing the Chinese government’s blatant lies to the international media about people enjoying human rights and freedom of expression.
The freedom-loving people of nations under Chinese occupation such as Tibet, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, and China are rounded up and imprisoned for “crimes” that never happened. The IOC had the power and many opportunities to bring change to the authoritarian Communist regime of China. These opportunities couldn’t go to waste. I urge the IOC to adhere to its commitments and values of the Olympic games and seize these critical opportunities. The IOC should use its position to stand up for the truth and speak up for the millions of stateless and persecuted people. Led by the United Nations, the international leaders, politicians, and businessmen can make a difference and hold China accountable. I firmly believe we have the power and ability to prevent or change the reckless Chinese government based on international norms and human rights. We have to unite to fight against the authoritarian regimes in order to bring peace, human rights, and democracy in the world. We have the shared responsibility to make sure that murderous authoritarian regimes never be assisted over fame and profiteering at the cost of human lives. A murderous Communist government that disrupts international norms and order, was in fact awarded the 2022 Winter Olympics has once again frightened and disappointed millions of people.
The blood that was shed in 2008 is very much fresh. The tears of countless parents have not yet dried. Many children remain orphans and so many innocent people are imprisoned and suffer from “crimes” they have never committed. In 2008, many Chinese and other occupied nationalities protested against the CCP to host the Olympic games. Particularly, millions of Tibetans peacefully protested in unison against the Communist government to raise their voices and discontent for which the police responded by killing thousands of peaceful protesters with total disregard for human life. A great number of people were arrested and are still in prison and countless others disappeared.
Tibetans have successfully exposed the lies and deception tactics used by the Chinese government to fool the people and governments around the world. Since 2009, 156 Tibetans have self-immolated, out of pure desperation to protest against the brutal policies of the Chinese government. No one can say that a similar 2008 uprising will not repeat itself! But the Chinese government is out there threatening and boasting at the same time to the world in order to fulfill the ultimate goal of the CCP.
The chaos and challenges faced all over the globe in recent years are a direct result of the actions of the Chinese government. The consequences of a curtailed freedom of journalism and information flow have led to the worst pandemic in the history of humankind. Covid-19 that originated in Wuhan, China, has killed over 5 million people, over one billion lives endangered and billions of dollars worth of economic meltdown. The Chinese communist government is the real enemy of humanity in that sense. If we remain indifferent and unmoved, this will embolden the Chinese government to create more harm in the world. An ordinary person like me has been tortured beyond imagination but I am never angry at the Chinese government. On the other hand, I am more inspired to expose the lies and deceptive tactics used by the Chinese government till the end. As a human being, I call for the cancellation or change of the host for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. It is significant to make this move because this is not an individual matter but rather the world peace, overall well-being, and the benefit of humanity depend on it, thus cannot be ignored.
What you see is a world spectacle where hundreds of young people compete for various sports but for me, I see the suffering and life-and-death situation of people of an occupied nation that is ignored and deprived of much-needed solidarity. The Olympic participants train very hard every day, as do the Tibetans that have to take risks and work tirelessly to safeguard their basic rights. The 2022 Winter Olympics are approaching, hence I also would like to take an oath on the occasion. To the people believing in truth and those who supported me, I would like to assure you that I’ll never abandon this fight for truth. I take this pledge for Tibetans and other persecuted people who suffer continuously. Henceforth, I think the Olympics should be held in a country where equal opportunity and joy is prevalent. The promises made by China for the 2008 Olympics have all been broken and have taken many innocent lives. People had to go through all sorts of hardships. It is our responsibility to make sure that such mistakes don’t repeat. It’s crystal clear that people under the repressive Communist Chinese rule don’t even have the right to express their views. Doing so might cost their lives. I had to go through imminent danger to reach safety.
So, my dear friends, I request each one of you to support me and make an oath. Thank you.”
For more details, please visit Dhondup Wangchen’s My Olympic Oath
Dhondup Wangchen at the National Olympic Committee of France (Photo credit: SFT France)
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 
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