A group of Tibetans in London are taking part in #WalkaMileForTibet on 10th March 2021 in support of Tibetan independence activisit and writer – Mr Tenzin Tsundue. India-based Tsundue started his month-long Peace Walk from Dharamsala to Delhi (500 kilometres distance) on Losar – Tibetan New Year – on 12th February to raise awareness of China’s continued colonisation of Tibet as well as the border clashes between India and China.
Tsundue’s mission is simple: he wants India to Repeal “One-China” Policy and hopes to expand this campaign around the world. The Tibetan activist is expected to submit his online Petition to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after completing peace walk on 10th March.
Tsering Passang of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) said, “We are soon going to launch a parallel campaign – Repeal “One-China” Policy here in the UK. It is time we build stronger alliances with like-minded causes and countries and, then exert increased pressure on China to abide by international norms. We must stop China’s global expansionist drive now.”
10th March 2021 marks the 62nd Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day. On 10th March 1959, tens of thousands of Tibetans rose up against the invading Chinese forces in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. A week later, on 17th March 1959, Tibet’s temporal and spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama left Norbulinka, his summer palace in Lhasa and then went into exile to India. He established the Tibetan Government-in-exile (aka Central Tibetan Administration) after arrival in India. Dharamsala is the home of the Tibetan Government-in-exile since 1960.
China’s occupation of neighbouring countries such as Tibet and East Turkistan (Xinjiang) continues. The Chinese regime’s brutal suppression of peoples in China and the neighbouring countries is beyond the pale to say the least.
A panel of experts shared their thoughts on the freedom struggle of Tibet, East Turkistan and Hong Kong during a special virtual seminar, hosted by the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), on 28 February 2021.
Panellists included:
Benedict Rogers, Journalist & Human Rights Activist (CEO of Hong Kong Watch and Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission)
Rahima Mahmut, UK Director, Uyghur World Congress
Tenzin Tsundue, Writer and Tibetan Activist from India
Priyajit Debsarkar, Author & Political Analyst
Burzine Waghmar, Scholar, SOAS University of London
Tsering Passang, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM)
The seminar was hosted ahead of the Commemoration of the 62nd Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising in Lhasa, when tens of thousands of Tibetans rose up in protest against the invading Chinese Communist forces on 10th March 1959 in Tibet’s capital.
It also coincides with the month-long solo Peace Walk from Dharamsala (headquarters of the Tibetan Government-in-exile) to Delhi (500 kilometres distance) by Tenzin Tsundue, Writer and Tibetan Activist based in India, who leads his latest political campaign – Repeal “One-China” Policy. Tsundue started his Peace Walk on 12th February – Losar – Tibetan New Year and is expected to finish on 10th March 2021.
On 13th February 2021, Tibetans in diasporas commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Tibetan Independence by the Great Thirteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet, on 13th February 1913.
In Tibet’s history, foreign powers invaded this Buddhist landlocked country from time to time. The previous 13th Dalai Lama had to flee Tibet and went into exile, to India in 1910 and stayed there for over two years. After the Manchu dynasty collapsed in the course of the Chinese revolution and, with the remaining Chinese representatives expelled from Tibet, the 13th Dalai Lama declared Tibetan independence.
For nearly forty years afterward, Tibetans enjoyed self-rule – only for it to come to an end in 1949, after Mao Tsetung, the founder of the Chinese Communist Party, declared the “peaceful liberation” of Tibet from foreign imperialists. In March 1959, the current 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and went into exile to India after Communist China invaded Tibet.
To discuss the historical development of China’s colonisation of Tibet and the Proclamation of Tibetan Independence by the 13th Dalai Lama, the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) were delighted to conduct an interview with a British scholar – Mr. Burzine Waghmar from the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
This online discussion was conducted by Tsering Passang of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) on 21 February 2021.
In his Proclamation of the Tibetan Independence, on 13th February 1913, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, declared: “Tibet is a country with rich natural resources; but it is not scientifically advanced like other lands. We are a small, religious, and independent nation. To keep up with the rest of the world, we must defend our country. In view of past invasions by foreigners, our people may have to face certain difficulties, which they must disregard. To safeguard and maintain the independence of our country, one and all should voluntarily work hard. Our subject citizens residing near the borders should be alert and keep the government informed by special messenger of any suspicious developments. Our subjects must not create major clashes between two nations because of minor incidents.”
The proclamation was made after the Great Thirteenth Dalai Lama returned to Tibet from exile in India, in January 1913. At the time of the Dalai Lama’s return to his landlocked Tibetan Kingdom, the Manchu dynasty had been dissolved in the course of the Chinese revolution. For nearly forty years afterwards, Tibetans enjoyed self-rule – only for it to come to an end in 1949, after Mao Tsetung declared “peaceful liberation” of Tibet from foreign imperialists.
For Tibetans, Mao’s declaration was not only a brutal attack on Buddhist religion and the Tibetan culture but an illegal occupation of their peaceful nation by Communist China. The Tibetan people have a proud history of independence with the successive Dalai Lamas enjoying spiritual patronage over Mongols and Chinese emperors.
Just as it did more than a thousand years ago, today, a doring (pillar) stands outside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital city. On its stone sides the Tibet-China Treaty of 821-822 AD is carved, signifying the legacy of a free and independent Tibet.
“Tibetans shall be happy in the land of Tibet, and Chinese shall be happy in the land of China,” reads a key text in the treaty, clearly describing the borders between Tibet and China.
Tibetan blogger – Ugyen Gyalpo
A New York-based Tibetan blogger, Ugyen Gyalpo, on his social media posting, “It’s such a paradox to say Happy Independence Day when our country is still under colonization. But what is not paradoxical is when we don’t take ownership of our historical past which is the basis of our fight. We must own our past and not suppressed it. We have compromised enough.
“We celebrate 4th of July like it is our own. We celebrate 15th of August like it is our own. We celebrate Canada Day, like it is our own. But we are hesitant to celebrate and reclaim our historical proclamation of independence on this day in 1913 by the 13th Dalai Lama. Are we living and embracing the world of alternate distorted facts. The only thing that separate our fight with China is the truth and if we are trying to be politically correct by denouncing anything to do with Independence, we are stabbing yourselves to death,” Gyalpo added.
Tibetan rangzen (Independence) activist and writer, Tenzin Tsundue in India launched his month-long Peace March from Dharamsala to Delhi on the Losar, Tibetan New Year – 12th February.
On the eve of one-man’s 500 kilometres Peace March, Tsundue posted on his social media, “I am going on a March from tomorrow, Dharamshala to Delhi to highlight the issue of Tibet as a missing link in the India-China conflicts.”
Tibetan independence activist and writer – Tenzin Tsundue
Tsundue’s mission is clear: “To fully appreciate the complexities of the Sino-Indian border conflict, the people of India must understand the issue of Tibet. The Indian government and its people must understand very clearly that India’s border will be permanently secure only when the Tibetan issue has been resolved”.
Tsundue will be asking the people he meets on the road “to sign an online petition asking the Government of India to repeal its One-China policy”. He also hopes that his “campaign will converge with a global campaign asking governments to repeal their One-China Policy.”
Tsering Passang, Convener at The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), who after recently taking part in the weekly vigil outside the Chinese Embassy, on 10th February, to mark the 108th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Tibetan Independence by the 13th Dalai Lama, said, “China must relinquish its grip on Tibet and allow Tibetans to exercise their basic rights including their freedom of speech. Tibetans have the rights to self-determination for Tibet, and China being a Permanent Member of the United Nations, it must upheld the founding principle of the world’s body that affect the Tibetan people.”
Tsering Passang, outside the Chinese Embassy on 10th February 2021 with Tibetan protester “Ignyen”
For those who haven’t read the Proclamation of Independence Issued by the Great 13th Dalai Lama, please see below:
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY H.H. THE DALAI LAMA XIII, ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH OF THE WATER-OX YEAR (1913)
Translation of the Tibetan Text
“I, the Dalai Lama, most omniscient possessor of the Buddhist faith, whose title was conferred by the Lord Buddha’s command from the glorious land of India, speak to you as follows:
I am speaking to all classes of Tibetan people. Lord Buddha, from the glorious country of India, prophesied that the reincarnations of Avalokitesvara, through successive rulers from the early religious kings to the present day, would look after the welfare of Tibet.
During the time of Genghis Khan and Altan Khan of the Mongols, the Ming dynasty of the Chinese, and the Ch’ing Dynasty of the Manchus, Tibet and China cooperated on the basis of benefactor and priest relationship. A few years ago, the Chinese authorities in Szechuan and Yunnan endeavored to colonize our territory. They brought large numbers of troops into central Tibet on the pretext of policing the trade marts. I, therefore, left Lhasa with my ministers for the Indo-Tibetan border, hoping to clarify to the Manchu emperor by wire that the existing relationship between Tibet and China had been that of patron and priest and had not been based on the subordination of one to the other. There was no other choice for me but to cross the border, because Chinese troops were following with the intention of taking me alive or dead.
On my arrival in India, I dispatched several telegrams to the Emperor; but his reply to my demands was delayed by corrupt officials at Peking. Meanwhile, the Manchu empire collapsed. The Tibetans were encouraged to expel the Chinese from central Tibet. I, too, returned safely to my rightful and sacred country, and I am now in the course of driving out the remnants of Chinese troops from DoKham in Eastern Tibet. Now, the Chinese intention of colonizing Tibet under the patron-priest relationship has faded like a rainbow in the sky. Having once again achieved for ourselves a period of happiness and peace, I have now allotted to all of you the following duties to be carried out without negligence:
Peace and happiness in this world can only be maintained by preserving the faith of Buddhism. It is, therefore, essential to preserve all Buddhist institutions in Tibet, such as the Jokhang temple and Ramoche in Lhasa, Samye, and Traduk in southern Tibet, and the three great monasteries, etc.
The various Buddhist sects in Tibet should be kept in a distinct and pure form. Buddhism should be taught, learned, and meditated upon properly. Except for special persons, the administrators of monasteries are forbidden to trade, loan money, deal in any kind of livestock, and/or subjugate another’s subjects.
The Tibetan government’s civil and military officials, when collecting taxes or dealing with their subject citizens, should carry out their duties with fair and honest judgment so as to benefit the government without hurting the interests of the subject citizens. Some of the central government officials posted at Ngari Korsum in western Tibet, and Do Kham in eastern Tibet, are coercing their subject citizens to purchase commercial goods at high prices and have imposed transportation rights exceeding the limit permitted by the government. Houses, properties and lands belonging to subject citizens have been confiscated on the pretext of minor breaches of the law. Furthermore, the amputation of citizens’ limbs has been carried out as a form of punishment. Henceforth, such severe punishments are forbidden.
Tibet is a country with rich natural resources; but it is not scientifically advanced like other lands. We are a small, religious, and independent nation. To keep up with the rest of the world, we must defend our country. In view of past invasions by foreigners, our people may have to face certain difficulties, which they must disregard. To safeguard and maintain the independence of our country, one and all should voluntarily work hard. Our subject citizens residing near the borders should be alert and keep the government informed by special messenger of any suspicious developments. Our subjects must not create major clashes between two nations because of minor incidents.
Tibet, although thinly populated, is an extensive country. Some local officials and landholders are jealously obstructing other people from developing vacant lands, even though they are not doing so themselves. People with such intentions are enemies of the State and our progress. From now on, no one is allowed to obstruct anyone else from cultivating whatever vacant lands are available. Land taxes will not be collected until three years have passed; after that the land cultivator will have to pay taxes to the government and to the landlord every year, proportionate to the rent. The land will belong to the cultivator.
Your duties to the government and to the people will have been achieved when you have executed all that I have said here. This letter must be posted and proclaimed in every district of Tibet, and a copy kept in the records of the offices in every district.
From the Potala Palace.
(Seal of the Dalai Lama)”
Source (and further reading): Tibet: A Political History, Tsepon W.D. Shagapda, New Haven, 1967, pp. 246-248.
2021 Preliminary Election Results of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile
‘Mang-tso’ or democracy is one of the major gifts to the Tibetan people by His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama. Tibetans in exile have been enjoying democracy whilst experimenting with this new concept over the past 60 years. We still have a lot of good learning to do in the years ahead, in my view.
As per the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, there are currently 45 parliamentary seats for grabs – 40 in India/Nepal, 2 in Europe & Africa, 2 in North and South Americas, and 1 in the Australasia regions. The Tibetan parliamentary elections are held every five years.
On 2nd and 3rd January, the preliminary round of the parliamentary election was conducted in the UK despite the difficult circumstances due to the COVID-19 restrictions. A week later, on 9th January, the Regional Election Sub-Commission for Northern Europe announced the latest election results – votes cast by Tibetans in the UK, Ireland, and Sweden.
This latest announcement from the Regional Election Sub-Commission for Northern Europe clearly shows that I have secured the highest votes amongst the parliamentary candidates for Europe & Africa constituency. I am deeply humbled and thankful for placing me into the highest pedestal in my home country. Regrettably, these votes are not adequate for me to be in the next and final round in April.
In Europe, the vote banks are based in countries such as Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Holland where the Tibetan populations are much higher than in the UK. So, in short, I will not be going into the final round.
During these past six weeks, I have come across some amazing people, whom I had not previously met, supporting my 2021 Chithu election campaign based on my service records, potentials, and for being issue-oriented. Many of these individuals include former and current responsible Tibetan community leaders, professionals, and Tibetans from Tibet who are residing in various European countries, the US, Canada, India, Nepal, and Australia. And of course, there are my core supporters here in the UK. I will cherish their genuine support, trust and honest conversations for our shared interest in Tibet and the Tibetan people’s just cause.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to all those who have supported me with their votes and encouragement in the preliminary round. I also would like to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to all the candidates including those who will be going into the final round.
As a concerned Tibetan, I will continue to work for Tibet and the Tibetan cause, which I have been doing over the past two decades. For me, it’s a great honour to take part in the 2021 Tibetan parliamentary election to represent the Tibetan communities in Europe & Africa and more importantly, to be a voice for the Tibetans inside Tibet. I am also immensely proud to have engaged in a positive and clean election campaign.
To conclude, our country, Tibet, is still under illegal occupation by a foreign country – China. Fellow Tibetans, we must all unite and direct our energy, resources, and efforts to challenge the Chinese regime to restore freedoms and justice in Tibet. Bhod Gyalo!
This is part of an interview series with new candidates of the 2021 Tibetan Parliament in Exile (17th TPiE). Interview with new Australasia and EU candidates for the 2021 Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
Kasur Gyari Dolma la made it a point to virtually meet and interact with the Chithue aspirants from Europe and Australasia as she did with those from North America to overcome the communication challenges posed by the COVID-19 related travel restrictions.
The Europe continent has over 44 countries. This rich continent is currently home to at least 14 Tibetan Communities with 30,000 Tibetans (rough estimation).
Five foreign missions of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) are based in Europe – Brussels, Geneva, London, Moscow and Paris.
The Africa continent has over 50 countries and currently home to one foreign CTA mission, based in South Africa. China has huge/active economic and trade interests as well as diplomatic/political engagements in these two continents. Naturally, China’s engagements in these two continents have impacts on the China-Tibet Conflict which is yet to be resolved. So, what are the roles of Europe and Africa Chithu? How significant is this platform to advance the Tibetan cause?
Tsering Passang, 2021 Europe Chithu Candidate from London will speak live on these vital issues via his social media platform. He will also welcome comments and answer any questions from the public.
Please tune in!Sunday 6th December 2020Time: 7pm UK | 8pm Europe
A week after his initial announcement to run for the Europe seats in the forthcoming Tibetan parliamentary elections of 2021, Tsering Passang spoke on his four “Key Priorities”. Reiterating his intention to stand in the forthcoming elections, the London-based Tibetan parliamentarian candidate used his social media platform to reach out to Tibetans living in Europe and Africa.
Tsering said that as elected Chithu, in addition to his legislative responsibilities in the Tibetan Parliament, he would focus on the following key priorities:
Leading, coordinating and strengthening political campaigning and advocacy work on Tibet in Europe and beyond.
Supporting dialogue with the Chinese leadership towards finding a lasting political resolution of the China-Tibet issue.
Strengthening Tibetan Communities in Europe.
Ensuring the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) delivers its vital public services to the Tibetan Communities in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
The London-based aspiring Tibetan parliamentarian shared his ideas on Tibet advocacy, cultural preservation, and strengthening unity amongst the Tibetan communities in Europe through a range of events such as annual lobby days, political rallies, Eurovision style Tibetan festivals, Europe Chithu channel, etc.
Tsering also explained how he intended to achieve his priorities during the five-year term in office:
In Europe and Africa, I will work towards strengthening relations with key stakeholders including parliamentarians, government officials, support groups, Buddhist centres, human rights advocates, Chinese dissidents, Tibetan communities, and Offices of Tibet. I will pursue new alliances and opportunities for the Tibet issue and the Central Tibetan Administration.
I will maintain cordial relations with all the key Departments and Offices of the Central Tibetan Administration and find ways to help our communities in the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
I will make every effort to pay visits, listen to and interact with Tibetan communities in Europe and Africa and to learn about their views, opinions and problems and their solutions during my term as a Chithu.
I will release regular updates – both in written and video materials – so that I keep all concerned members informed.
In addition to public meetings, I will also make myself available for individual meetings to discuss any issues or concerns and finding amicable solutions.
Tsering responded to questions from the public via his social medial channel on 26th November. So far, eight candidates had declared their candidacies for the two seats (allocated for Tibetans in Europe) in the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, based in Dharamsala, northern India. Exiled Tibetans go to the primary elections of Sikyong (President) and Chithu (parliamentarians) on 3rd January 2021.
Tsering Passang is the latest candidate to announce his decision to run for the Europe seat in the forthcoming Tibetan parliamentary elections of 2021. He is passionate about Tibet and the Tibetan issue. Tsering believes that his long commitment to the Tibetan cause and extensive experience in the field makes him a suitable candidate to advance the Tibetan cause both within the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and beyond, including in Europe. The announcement was made online this morning via his social media channel.
Tsering said: “Tibet continues to remain under the illegal occupation of Communist China. The current shift in global attitudes towards China presents a unique opportunity to promote stronger advocacy work on behalf of Tibet on the international forum. The current situation also presents a new opportunity for us Tibetans to strengthen and form new alliances with like-minded nations around the world. I am therefore keen to use my initiative, experience and social networks and to work hard towards achieving the goals of advancing Tibet’s just cause by challenging Communist China.
“With nearly 20 years of experience as director, fundraiser, programme manager, special adviser, rights advocate, and public events and community organiser for a number of British Tibet-related, membership-based NGOs (charitable, political, advocacy and voluntary community organisations), I know what needs to be done for my community and for our freedom struggle. I am ready to take on a challenging and public leadership role in uniting our people to secure a greater impact for our peaceful freedom struggle and justice in Tibet.”
Running for the Tibetans in Europe’s Chithu seat, Tsering said: “I have shown time and again that, when given the opportunity to lead an organisation such as the Tibetan Community UK as the elected Chairman from 2014 to 2016, I can make a huge impact in a short period of time, whether through public mobilisation or fundraising initiatives. I have proven success with other Tibet organisations such as the Tibet Foundation, the Tibet Society and Tibet Relief Fund, in securing substantial funds as well as undertaking new initiatives in support of Tibetans inside Tibet as well as for those in exile in the Indian subcontinent.”
Tsering’s latest initiative – the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) – aims to highlight the plight of Tibetans and other persecuted peoples under China’s control. Within months of starting this new platform, Tsering has successfully organised numerous public and online events, and secured political support from British MPs through their parliamentary debates and public statements.
Apart from giving talks in public settings, including schools and universities, Tsering has addressed special forums on human rights and political issues in Geneva and with Chinese student groups at Oxford. In addition to organising many political, cultural and community events, Tsering continues to engage with the UN, and with British and European political figures and their governments on Tibet advocacy work.
Tsering was brought up in a Tibetan refugee camp in western Nepal, home to the Mustang-based Tibetan Resistance veterans.
CONTACT:
Tsering Passang
Candidate, Chithue Election 2021 (Tibetan Parliament in Exile)
Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), led the Westminster Hall Debate on Wednesday, 7th October 2020 from 9.30am to 11am. He introduced the debate by stating that Tibet was in the news before but then it got forgotten for a while. The former Conservative Party leader said that this important debate was about China’s rapid expansion of the mass labour programme in Tibet. Sir Iain Duncan Smith also stated that the report was co-published by IPAC with Adrian Zenz, an independent scholar.
The debate was attended by MPs from all political parties namely – the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party (SNP). The Debate was chaired by Mr Philip Hollobone MP.
This timely debate was welcomed by Tsering Passang of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM. He said, “We welcome and thank Sir Iain Duncan Smith and all the other MPs for taking part in this important debate on China’s rapid expansion of labour programme in Tibet. We are also encouraged by MPs from all political spectrum taking keen interest on the latest developments in Tibet, East Turkistan, Hong Kong and other parts of China. We urge the UK government to use its power and work with international partners and allies to bring about a positive change, dignity and freedoms for Tibetans, Uyghur Muslims and all the other peoples currently suppressed by the Chinese regime.”
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE GLOBAL ACTION DAY - 1 OCTOBER 2020By Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM)
Contact: Tsering Passang
Email: gatpm2020@gmail.com
Tel: +44 (0) 7927 376 532
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) welcome Statements by British MPs – Tim Loughton and Abena Oppong-Asare from the Conservative and the Labour Parties respectively on the ‘Global Action Day’ – 1st October 2020.
Public Statement by Tim Loughton MP, Co-Chair, The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet – 1st October 2020
“On the day that the Chinese Communist Party celebrates the National Day of the People’s Republic of China with a characteristic display of military might and global arrogance we join the great majority of the free world in remembering the victims of Chinese oppression past and present. For over 60 years now the peace loving people of Tibet have seen their liberty, their culture and their heritage systematically suppressed and over a million have lost their lives upholding everyday freedoms that we take for granted in the Free World. They continue to be persecuted within Tibet and increasingly amongst the widespread communities forced to live outside of their homeland.
In the last few years the suppression of minorities within Chinese borders has taken an even more sinister turn as we see the latest assault on the liberties of the Uighur people, forced into concentration camps and subject to appalling sterilisation programmes that constitute genocide under UN definitions. In Hong Kong, which has for long been a beacon of freedom and creativity China has thought nothing of reneging on international agreements to bring that population to heal and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave citizens who continue to take a stand against the world’s most oppressive superpower.
Whilst the Government of China celebrate power and military force we remember and support those who have given their lives and continue to stand up for liberty and the values of peace and freedom we all represent.”
Public Statement by Ms Abena Oppong-Asare MP- 1st October 2020
“I strongly believe human rights should be at the heart of UK foreign policy. I have been absolutely horrified by reports of human rights violations in Xinjiang, China. On this Global Day of Action it is important that we speak out against actions that are so clearly wrong that no Government should be able to turn a blind eye. The mass detention of the Uyghur peoples and the efforts to restrict cultural and religious practices targeting Tibetan and Uyghur people must be condemned by all politicians.”
I have long believed the Government should impose sanctions on Chinese officials involved in the persecution of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang. Today I want to echo these calls again and ask that the Conservative Government urgently condemns all human rights violations in Xinjiang, China.”
Each year, on 1st October, the People’s Republic of China celebrate its National Day. This year marks the 71st anniversary of the China’s occupation of East Turkistan and Tibet. Whilst China celebrates its victorious day, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Taiwanese, Chinese Democracy activists, Southern Mongolians, Hong Kongers and activists from other Chinese occupied territories join hands together to call on the international community to rise and stand up against the Chinese Communist regime for its brutal crackdown on freedom, democracy and human rights violations. Human Rights activists and those seeking justice from the Communist China are observing ‘Global Action Day’ on 1st October and organizing events worldwide to create awareness about the Chinese expansionist designs and atrocious policies implemented against the innocent peoples of Chinese-occupied countries. Public demonstrations, lobbying with the MPs and various discourses are taking place worldwide to garner political support for their causes.
Freedom and human rights are the fundamental birth rights of every human being but regrettably, the people living under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are stripped off these rights. The brutal illegal occupation of Tibet, arbitrary detention of millions of Uyghurs in internment camps, unreported detention, forced disappearance and silencing of countless Chinese lawyers and activists, loss of fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, erasure of Southern Mongolian’s culture & language, intimidation and bullying of Taiwan illustrates the scale of the existing concerns across the country and among the global diaspora.
Tibetan Buddhists and Uyghur Muslims suffer atrocities and acts tantamount to Genocide, masterminded by the Chinese Communist regime in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR and other militarily occupied countries for over the past seven decades. Uyghur Muslims are subjected to mass detention, mass surveillance, restriction of religious and cultural identities, as well as other gross human rights abuses. Over 3 million Uyghurs have been forced into world’s largest detention centres. The confirmed reports have revealed that the Uyghur detainees are forced to eat pork, drink alcohol and denounce their identity as Muslims. They are forced to take pills, injections and are subjected to sterilisation procedures, medical experiments, and organ harvesting. The atrocities and human rights abuse faced by each and every community, particularly the minorities, in China and the occupied areas, is a reflection of the CCP’s clamorous disregard for the rights of the people whom it called their own citizens. This also makes evident the evil and nefarious desire of Xi Jinping to consolidate power and forcibly stifle dissent. There is an extensive and well researched body of evidence, including first-hand testimony, eyewitness accounts, and a range of supportive information from a variety of sources, including Chinese documentation, international media reports, television documentaries and accounts from first hand witnesses testifying gross human rights abuses and forcible mind wash of the minorities in Tibet, East Turkistan etc.
It is painful to note the minimal, tentative and generalized response to what is a major human rights concern within Tibet and East Turkistan. This is a right time and the United Nations Organizations (UNO), which is believed to be a torch bearer for the protection of Human Rights of every individual across the globe irrespective of its origin/ethnicity, and the world leadership to address these grave issues on priority and take cognizance of all the human rights abuses in Tibet, East Turkistan and elsewhere in China and its occupied territories.
International leadership has just started speaking up against the Chinese brutalities and it is believed that a global initiative and international strategic coalition is much required thing to counter the Chinese government’s totalitarian regime. Last year in October, over 23 countries issued a joint statement and asked China to stop the human rights abuse against Uyghurs but nothing has been done to minimize the suffering of this minority community. China is continuously committing cultural genocide and the world’s silence is deafening. The silence of World community has emboldened the Chinese aggression and onslaught against Tibetans and Uyghurs who are being stripped of their human rights.
Although, much damage has already been done, it is high time that the international community should wake up and recognize the threat posed by the Chinese Communist party to peoples living under its rule, and to those countries which are under the influence of China due to the monetary benefits, huge debts etc.
In order to ensure that the justice is prevailed, the world leadership must hold Chinese regime accountable for genocide/ crimes against humanity in Tibet/East Turkistan and the members of UNO should slap economic and diplomatic sanctions on China. A special session of UNO should be called urgently and a formal statement issued after passing a resolution on this serious issue. There is an urgent need of an independent inquiry be initiated under the auspices of UN designated body to look into the Genocide and crimes against humanity in Tibet and in East Turkistan and those responsible for these crimes be sanctioned under the international laws. The crimes against the Uyghurs & Tibetans should be recognized as genocide according to the International Genocide Convention.
The Chinese companies involved in exploitation or oppression should be held publicly accountable and a boycott action should be considered to put pressure on them to stop facilitating inhumane surveillance on the Uyghur inmates, benefiting from forced labour, and profiting from a systematic abuse of human rights. It is vital that a special rapporteur should be assigned to Tibet and to China’s Xinjiang region, with the task of documenting the suffering of the Tibetans, Uyghur & other Chinese Muslim minorities and presenting a clear picture before the UNO and other international bodies. There is a need to unravel the truth and conduct an impartial assessment, with the participation of independent human rights organisations, of the impact of the Chinese population control programme on the Tibetans, Uyghurs and other subject peoples of the Chinese occupied territories.
As part of the ‘Global Action Day’ – #ResistChina, the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) has just released an interview with Mr John Billington, the Goodwill Ambassador for London-based Tibet Foundation, an international development charity, and former Chairman of Tibet Society, the world’s oldest Tibet support group.
The 84-year old sympathetic Briton, who is very familiar with China’s occupation of Tibet and East Turkistan, said, “I think there are legitimate grounds for criticising China, and we have reached a point where opposition to China is now very widespread. So, I think this does give an opportunity to those countries which feel that their freedom has been taken away by Chinese invasion, by Chinese occupation, as you rightly termed it. There is chance for them to form a coalition of countries which want to regain their independence from China.”
The 32-minute interview with the China analyst was conducted by Tsering Passang, Convener of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities.
This morning, my delicious lunch which I brought with me was left behind on a seat of the London Cannon Street bound (Thameslink) train. As I hurriedly got off at London Bridge station around 7.45 am to change for my next train to London St. Pancras station, I forgot to take my lunch box which was put in a white cotton bag. In it you will find some clean rubber hand gloves as well, but no dessert – sorry! The founder may enjoy my delicious lunch!
I was actually listening to one of my favourite Tibetan pop songs by Tenzin Choegyal singer/musician from Canada and I got carried away when the train pulled into the London Bridge station.
I enjoy cooking and eating plenty as well! I started cooking at the age of about 12, my mother used to tell me! Last night, I cooked a delicious meal for my wife and I – kids wanted pizza. It was one of my favourite meals – a Chinese style with Tibetan input!
The lunch box contained plain boiled basmati rice, which we bought from the Morrison store. The aubergine was slow fried. Pork chop was cut into smaller pieces and slow fried in olive oil. Oh yes, garlic was fried first until it got brownish. And there are some red chilies sauce. For my last night cooking, I only used soya and hoisin sauces which we bought from a local Vietnamese supermarket.
My name is Tsering Passang and I am a charity worker – currently the Director of Tibet Foundation. Soon this 35 year old Tibetan charity will cease to exist. Previously, I served as the Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain. I have nearly 20 years of experience of working in the Tibet world – in the NGO sector primarily.
I see myself as a born Tibetan activist. I was born and brought up in a refugee camp in a remote part of Nepal before I came to the UK 24 years ago. I vividly remember the older generation of our people in the Tibetan refugee camp – telling me that Britain has all the historical documents that proved Tibet was an independent country before China’s invasion of my parents’ homelands. I never forget those words particularly from an elder called – Azin, my neighbhour, who sadly passed away a year ago. He was a tall, a man of few of words who was born in the far eastern part of Tibet in Yunnan province (Jupa). He was absolutely right. The documents are well documented in the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office archives.
I passionately continue to advocate for the rights of the Tibetans as well as other persecuted minorities in China including the Ugyhur Muslims. I love the Chinese people and have many Chinese friends but I also love challenging the Chinese Communist regime openly for causing so many problems not only in Tibet but now around the world.
Tibetan Buddhists shave their heads when they enter their monasteries or nunneries to ordain. In some other cultures, people shave heads too – for instance, to mourn when close family members die. In my own case, an initiative to help charities replace income lost due to the coronavirus pandemic – The 2.6 Challenge – has led me to fundraise for Tibet Foundation by shaving my head for the first time ever!
A personal mission to raise vital funds to help the elderly Tibetan refugees.
(Tsering Passang, former Chairman and a current adviser to the Council of Tibetan Community in Britain, is the Director of Tibet Foundation.)
Tibetan Buddhists shave their heads when they enter their monasteries or nunneries to ordain. In some other cultures, people shave heads too – for instance, to mourn when close family members die. In my own case, an initiative to help charities replace income lost due to the coronavirus pandemic – The 2.6 Challenge – has led me to fundraise for Tibet Foundationby shaving my head for the first time ever!
As you know, COVID-19, which originated from Wuhan (China), has caused extreme disruption worldwide and has resulted in many thousands of people losing their lives. They include a small number of fellow Tibetans, including my good friend, Jamchoe-la, a respected member of the Tibetan community in the UK and a generous supporter of many good causes.
Our scientists and medical experts tell us that the virus, which primarily affects the elderly, is likely to remain with us for some time. Against this background, we remember our Tibetan refugee elders in India and Nepal. Already hugely vulnerable through old age and for economic and social reasons, they now find themselves increasingly imperilled by this killer disease. They need our practical support now more than ever before.
Tibet Foundation’s “Give Elders Dignity” campaign is providing essential aid for this section of the exile community, with a particular focus on care standards and safety in the old people’s homes we support. I am shaving my head for The 2.6 Challenge to raise funds for these elders and show solidarity with all who have lost loved ones in the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the small act of shaving my head for The 2.6 Challenge inspires you and others, I urge you consider sponsoring me, or making a donation to Tibet Foundation, through Virgin Money Giving This is also a genuine practice of compassion ahead of the Saka Dawa festival when we all engage in doing good deeds. 100% of your donation will go directly to the “Give Elders Dignity” appeal. An advantage of donating through Virgin Money Giving within the next 7 days is that we can receive additional funds from the central 2.6 Challenge pot administered by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
So, will you please consider making a donation today to make a real difference and help the vulnerable elderly Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal?
I’d like to thank all those who have already made a donation to the “Give Elders Dignity” appeal. Your support means a lot to me personally because, like you, I care about our elders who need our help during the twilight years of their lives.
Please donate today and share this message with your friends and network.
Delivering political speech outside the Chinese Embassy, London to mark the 10th March anniversary event (Tibetan National Uprising Day), 2012
Celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 75th Birthday in the Park, 2010
Fundraising event after The Dalai Lama’s public talk at the Royal Albert Hall London with amazing friends of Tibet- Maybe and Joanna Lumley, 2012
With Chinese dissidents, Uyghurs activist and Tibet supporters during our joint dignified protest against the Chinese propaganda at the London Book Fair, The Olympia, London, 2012
Receiving “Outstanding Community Leadership” award from Sikyong, Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration in London, 2019. I was proud to lead the Tibetan Community in Britain as Chairman. With my team, we made amazing contributions both here in the UK as well as for the Tibetan refugee community in India.
Advocacy work with the EU Representative in London, 2012. I was delighted to organise and lead a small Tibetan delegation who were born in Tibet to advocate on the rights of Tibetans.
Advocacy work with my former local MP, Teresa Pearce
At the launch of The Society for Threatened People’s Special Report with Human Rights Campaigner, Bianca Jagger and British MPs outside the parliament. I was delighted to coordinate the report launch in London at the request of Tibetan Youth Association in Europe and Wangpo Tethong ahead of the “Europe Stands with Tibet” Solidarity Rally in Vienna, 2012
With my amazing team – fellow Council members of the Tibetan Community in Britain during the launch of “Tibetans Helping Tibetans” initiative in a London Hotel, 2015. With my team, we made amazing contributions both here in the UK as well as for the Tibetan refugee community in India.
With teachers from Prudhoe Community High School in Northumberland and Tibetan MP Youdon Aukatsang from India. In January 2015, Tibet Foundation organised the “First UK Cultural Tour by Tibetan refugee children” from India. The British school has been in touch with the Tibetan Community ever since. Thanks to the amazing teachers – Yvonne and Jacqui for their support. The school had been raising Tibetan flags every year ahead of the Tibetan Losar in show of solidarity with the Tibetan people.
With my fellow classmates from Lekshedh Tsal Primary School in Jampaling Tibetan Refugee Settlement, Nepal, 1989
As His Holiness the Dalai Lama turned 84, over 250 former CTA staff gathered together in Dharamsala this past week to offer a long life prayer ceremony for His Holiness. The event also turned into a reunion of sorts for hundreds of former CTA staff who worked tirelessly alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama for decades. Among these are Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, Gyari Pema Gyalpo, Phunstok Wangyal and Tsering Dorje who worked as the Representative of His Holiness in the United States, Japan, UK and Switzerland in the early 1970s and 1980s. Watch them sit together and discuss about their stint as His Holiness’ Representative, the challenges they faced and their future hopes for Tibet. PS: Don’t miss the section where they also talk about their visit to Tibet in 1980. They were all a part of the second fact finding delegation to Tibet.
ONLINE PANEL DISCUSSION APRIL 25, 2020, (Time: 7pm IST, 9:30am EST)
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic across the world, an important part of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery’s 31st birthday celebration of the 11th Panchen Lama (Gedun Choekyi Nyima) this year will be an Online Pancel Discussion and keynote Speech by CTA President Dr. Lobsang Sangay. The following experts will also speak and answers any questions from the audience.
Dr. Lobsang Sangay, President of Central Tibetan Administration, India
Ven. Zeekyab Rinpoche, Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, India
Ms Sophie Richardson, China Diretor, Human Rights Watch, USA
Dr Tenzin Dorjee, Commissioner, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), USA
Mr Arif Virani, Member of Parliament, Canada
Mr Metteo Mecacci, President of International Campaign for Tibet, USA
Moderated by Ms Pema Tulotsang, Asia Officer at National Endowment for Democracy, USA
The agenda for the online panel discussion will cover the following issues:
In view of this live discussion, we are happy to invite questions from the public based on the issues raised above. Please email your questions before the panel discussion starts to office@tashilhunpo.org
I. The 11th Panchen Lama’s tragic life story
II. The importance of Panchen Lama’s lineage to the Tibetan Buddhism
III. The release of the Panchen Lama from the clutches of the Chinese government
Please ensure that your questions are specific and to the point. The online panel discussion will be aired via Bluejeans and streamed live on Facebook.
We are very saddened by the passing of Jamyang Choegyal Kasho (popularly known as Jamchoe-la within the Tibetan Community in London) in the early hours of 24th March. We remember him in our prayers and send our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Jamchoe-la is the first British Tibetan (living in the UK) known to have been infected with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). According to his close friend, Jane O’Sullivan, Jamchoe-la was admitted to King’s College Hospital in south London on 15th March after initial flu-like symptoms. Two days later, doctors diagnosed COVID-19. Jamchoe-la was already known to have serious underlying medical conditions.
Jane, who has known Jamchoe-la since 1992, said that he was always very grateful for the compassionate medical care he received from staff at King’s College Hospital. The hospital is one of London’s largest and busiest teaching hospitals, with a strong profile of local services.
Jamyang Choegyal Kasho was born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1938. Educated in Tibet, India and Beijing, he became completely fluent in the Chinese language and ways of thinking, whilst also attaining mastery of Tibetan and English. In 1991, after a career as a middle-level official in Tibet, he became the first (and probably only) Tibetan official and Party member of that rank to defect while on an official visit abroad. He then spent some 20 years in London as a translator, advisor and analyst of exceptional ability, working alongside those studying and publishing commentaries on contemporary Tibetan affairs.
Jamchoe-la was a philanthropic person and a generous supporter of voluntary community organisations and charities including Tibet Foundation. Only a few weeks ago, Jamchoe-la donated to our “Give Elders Dignity” appeal – in aid of elderly Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal. He also often sent money to his friends, intended for poor people as well as for commissioning pujas in India.
His book, “In the Service of the 13th and the 14th Dalai Lamas: Choegyal Nyima Lhundrup Kashopa– Untold Stories of Tibet”, was published by Tibet House, Germany, in 2015. Jamchoe-la painstakingly dedicated many years to producing this book, to tell what he described as the “Untold Stories of Tibet” as seen through his own eyes and family experience.
In the Foreword, Professor Robert Barnett, former Director of the Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia University, New York, and co-founder of the Tibet Information Network (TIN), wrote, “Kashopa Choegyal’s book is unique in many ways. It provides a detailed glimpse into the inner world of Tibetan elite politics in the first half of the twentieth century. Focusing on the last decade of the period between the 1910 and 1950 invasions of Lhasa by armies from China, it details the life and thinking of his father, a leading government official at that time. Several works about that epoch have appeared in English in recent years, written by other leading aristocrat-officials or their offspring, including at least five by the Dalai Lama or his immediate family. But those writers and their subjects had fled with the Dalai Lama in 1959 and had little knowledge of events in Tibet following their departure, as well as limited familiarity with Chinese language or politics. This book is thus the first of its kind, and the first to be written in English without a ghost writer or intermediary by a Tibetan brought up and educated in the Chinese system.”
Prominent Tibetan historian and Canada Research Chair in Religion and Society in Asia at the University of British Columbia, Professor Tsering Shakya also wrote, “Jamyang Choegyal has written a compelling case for his yab dampa pa, noble father’s place in the recent history of Tibet. As he writes, he is not writing what might be called an objective history, but the truth as he and his family see it. Yet it is a frank and detailed account of an important Tibetan historical period and as such it provides a window into the political life of Tibet. The publication of the book adds to our understanding and knowledge of Tibet.
“By writing this book, Jamyang Choegyal has served faithfully his noble father’s memory, but also provided a source of information on the recent history of Tibet for future generations of Tibetans, for whom the recollection of a once free and independent Tibet will surely provide inspiration.”
Jamchoe-la is survived by his daughter and a grandson in Tibet.
(This tribute piece was written for Tibet Foundation website, first published on 24th March 2020.)
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 
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