Dear Joshua,
I would like to share an update
with you on how we secured another victory at the United Nations in Geneva for Tibet
last week.
For the first time since 2005, China
had to face an eight-hour long review by the UN Committee for Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights. We knew that China
would white-wash its human rights abuses and claim outright denial of
violations in Tibet .
I joined members of our UN
Tibet Lobby Team in Geneva to counter China 's lies and stand up for Tibet at this
important review. China
showed up in full force with a 40-heads strong delegation, which the UN
Committee described as “the largest delegation in the room ever.”
Days prior to the review I
directly briefed the UN Committee made up of 18 independent representatives
on the situation of the Tibetan nomads, language rights and education, Khenpo
Kartse’s urgent appeal for release and also about the Tibetan people’s
fundamental UN right to self-determination.
During the 8-hour long review, China was questioned about the forced
resettlement of Tibetan Nomads, trampling of religious rights and denial of
cultural self-determination in Tibet . I
am particularly glad to share that the UN Committee in addressing China used our
recommendation almost word-for-word!
Now, what can we do next?
Next month the UN Committee’s
concluding observations and recommendations to China will be published. We
can ensure that our governments - from our Foreign Offices and State Department
to our UN missions - include the recommendations on Tibet in their China
policy to hold China
accountable for its atrocities in Tibet . By building the
diplomatic cost for its actions, we can force Beijing
to address its failed policies in Tibet .
I have to admit I was nervous
about speaking to a room full of UN representatives but what gave me the
confidence to get up and speak the truth on Tibet was the strength of the
Tibetan people and their relentless fight for freedom.
There is a great deal of work
still left to be done but I am confident that step-by-step, seizing every
international opportunity to spotlight Tibet
and challenge China ,
we will lift the Tibetan struggle towards freedom.
With hope and determination,
Padma Dolma
Campaigns & Europe Director
Campaigns & Europe Director
P.S. Support SFT's work to ensure that
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