年輕圖博人在日內瓦UN 的奮鬥

 

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 

P.S. Support SFT's work to ensure that China is held accountable for its atrocities in Tibet by making a donation today: 

http://sft.convio.net/site/Donation2?df_id=3360&3360.donation=form1