Tibet Feed

Employment announcement - National Coordinator for CTC

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

The Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) – National Office – is seeking a passionate and experienced professional to fill the role of National Coordinator. Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, the National Coordinator is responsible for the overall operations of CTC, a membership based Tibet advocacy organization with volunteer branches across Canada.

The role requires strong leadership skills in a collaborative context, and excellent communication skills. Experience in financial and organizational management and development, government relations, fundraising, strategic planning, advocacy campaigns, and volunteer management is necessary.

Experience with NGOs, coalition work, and membership-based organizations is an asset. Very good understanding of the Tibetan issue is essential. Excellent spoken and written English skills are a must. Fluency in French and/or Tibetan is a strong asset. A university degree or equivalent experience in a related field is sought.

Must be willing to work some weekends and travel up to 20% of the time.

Main responsibilities:

Implement strategic fundraising plans including membership expansion and other initiatives
As the principle spokesperson for CTC, plan and communicate key messaging to the public through press releases, op-eds, media contacts, public speaking engagements, and other methods.
Brief individual parliamentarians, parliamentary committees, and government officials. Monitor relevant policy and legislative developments
Oversee growth and maintenance of key communications tools including the website and social media tools
Manage administration of the office including management of membership records and communication.
Coordinate organizational initiatives with volunteer branches, develop and maintain relations with like-minded organizations, and working groups.

The outgoing Executive Director with the Board of Directors, will provide transition support.

Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status applicants only please.

Please send a cover letter, resume/CV and salary expectations as text in the email by January 10, 2012.

DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS.

Only those invited to be interviewed will be contacted. For more information about the Canada Tibet Committee, please visit www.tibet.ca.

Canada Tibet Committee

P.O. Box 217
Place du Parc 2 Station

Montreal QC H2X 4A4

Fax: (514) 487-0665
E-mail: employment@tibet.ca

Global day of action for Tibet on Parliament Hill

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release

Global day of action for Tibet on Parliament Hill

(Montreal, Monday, 31 October 2011) – Tibetans and their supporters from across Ontario and Quebec will gather at a vigil on Parliament Hill on Wednesday, November 2^nd as part of the Global Day of Action for Tibet.

The Ottawa vigil is being organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and five Toronto-based Tibet Support Groups. Events are also planned in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.

Since March 2011, eleven young Tibetans have set fire to themselves in eastern Tibet. Five have died, including a nun. At least seven of these self-immolations are linked to the Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, one of the largest and most influential monastic institutions in Tibet. These truly desperate acts are a cry to the world for help.

The Canada Tibet Committee and other Tibet support groups around the world are calling on western leaders to raise the Ngaba tragedy with China's president Hu at the G20 summit in France and seek assurances that the crackdown in Tibet will end. If the world does not act now, this growing tragedy could spiral even further into a Tibet-wide crisis.

Event: Vigil

Date: November 2nd, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Place: Parliament Hill

CTC executive director Dermod Travis will be attending the vigil in Victoria, BC, but is available throughout the day for interviews.

The Canada Tibet Committee is an independent, non-governmental organization of Tibetans and non-Tibetans living in Canada, concerned with the continuing human rights violations and lack of democratic freedom in Tibet.

- 30 -

For more information:

Dermod Travis

514.487.0665

dermod@tibet.ca / www.tibet.ca

Kunga Tsering 416-464-6512 or

Ms Trinlay Chonzom 647-708-3631

Global Tibet Movement Condemns China's Escalating Crackdown after Tibetans shot and beaten in eastern Tibet

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

Vows to Intensify Efforts for Multilateral Pressure on China as Tibetans continue to Self-immolate for Freedom

The 185 Tibet advocacy organizations that form the International Tibet Network (1) strongly condemn China's policies and continued crackdown in Tibet that have provoked an unprecedented wave of self-immolations by Tibetan monks, nuns and laypeople. Each individual who has carried out the act of self-immolation has demanded freedom for Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama. We vow to intensify our efforts in support of Tibetans inside Tibet and call on world governments, international institutions, and the global community to pressure China to address Tibetan grievances before more lives are lost.

On 23 January Tibetans in Drango, Kardze, eastern Tibet began demonstrating, possibly following the arrests of Tibetans suspected of distributing political leaflets around the area. Chinese security forces opened fire as large numbers of Tibetans marched towards a government office. A Tibetan named Yonten is reported to have been killed and a number of others injured (2). These events follow an incident in Ngaba (Sichuan Province) on 14 January, when Chinese security forces severely injured two Tibetans through beatings, and shot at least two others after layman Lobsang Jamyang self-immolated. Tibetans became distressed and angry after witnessing Chinese police beating Lobsang Jamyang; they began to protest and attempted to reclaim the dying man, but police beat and opened fire on some in the crowd. There have been unconfirmed reports that a woman was killed and - as in Drango - those injured are apparently not seeking medical help for fear of arrest (3).

To date there have been 17 self-immolations in eastern Tibet (4); four since 6 January 2012. At least 12 of these self-immolations have been fatal. One of these, 42-year old respected monk Lama Sopa who set light to himself and died on 8 January, left behind a tape-recording in which he paid his respects to those who had self-immolated before him. He said, “Tibet’s future as a glorious country depends on the efforts of these heroes and heroines and all of you united as one”. He offered his life for the “well-being of Tibet’s six million people and especially of all high lamas, headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama” (5).

At least two other Tibetans have been killed as a result of China’s security response (6). There have been numerous detentions and arrests in connection to the self-immolations. In Ngaba, three monks were charged in connection to the March 2011 self-immolation of a fellow monk from Kirti monastery, and received prison sentences of between 10 and 13 years (7).

The self-immolations have so far been centered in eastern Tibet (8), areas that since demonstrations occurred across the Tibetan plateau in 2008 have been flooded with armed troops and virtually closed off from the world. Many monasteries have been all but shut down and Tibetans are routinely harassed by the authorities in the streets, in their workplaces and in their homes. The region has also seen a surge in other forms of protest.

The scale of this crisis and China's unwillingness to acknowledge international concern warrants a strong international response. The worldwide membership of the International Tibet Network condemns China’s flagrant disregard for fundamental human rights and its cruel and systematic assault on the Tibetan people.

We urge all governments to:

i. publicly condemn China’s use of force against unarmed Tibetan protestors, and

ii. urge China to cease all extralegal actions and policies that are contributing to the tensions, unrest and self-immolations in Tibet, and to respond positively to the calls of Tibetans for freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama.

We further urge governments to vigorously pursue actions in appropriate international forums that will focus the attention of the government of the People’s Republic of China on the severity of the situation in Tibet and on the legitimate concern of the international community that Tibetans enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international covenants to which China is a party.

Notes
1. The International Tibet Network is a global coalition of 185 Tibet related non-governmental organizations, which works to maximise the effectiveness of the worldwide Tibet movement. In response to this crisis, Network Members have been lobbying governments and parliaments, taking part in Global Days of Action to raise public awareness and, working in partnership with Avaaz, generating the support of hundreds of thousands of people. See Stand Up for Tibet.

2. For more information see reports by Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and Free Tibet.

3. For more information see reports by the International Campaign for Tibet (14/16 January and18 January). The status of those injured and the timing of Lobsang Jamyang’s death are details which are not currently possible to confirm absolutely.

4. There have been 16 self-immolations in eastern Tibet since March 2011, in addition to one in February 2009. Details of each case and a map showing the locations of these self-immolations can be found at http://standupfortibet.org/further-information/.

5. See report by Radio Free Asia to whom the tape was sent.

6. Two elderly Tibetans died after being beaten by security personnel as they tried to prevent over 300 monks in Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, from being taken away in April 2011. There are unconfirmed reports that a woman died as a result of police action in Ngaba on 14 January 2012 - a woman named Choki Dawa is said to be in a critical condition (see 2). In April 2011 the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported that a 24-year old Tibetan man, Chukpel, had died of his injuries after being beaten severely by police after he protested outside a local police station in the Ngaba area.

7. The three monks were sentenced in August 2011. One of those was the uncle of the monk Phuntsok who self-immolated and died in March 2011. There is no evidence they had any involvement in Phuntsok’s death.

8. All the self-immolations to date have taken place in the Tibetan regions of Amdo and Kham, which are today part of China's Sichuan and Qinghai Provinces and extend into the Tibet Autonomous Region. See map at http://standupfortibet.org/further-information/.

SIGNED

A.C.T. Tibet Support Group
Aide aux Refugies Tibetains
Amigos del Tibet, El Salvafor
Anterrashtriya Bharat - Tibbet Sahyog Samiti
Asociacion Cultural Peruano Tibetana
Asociacion Cultural Tibetano - Costarricense
Association Cognizance Tibet, North Carolina
Association Dorje
Association Drôme Ardèche-Tibet
Association of Free Tibet
Association Rencontres Tibetaines - C.S.P.T. Midi-Pyrenees
Associazione Italia-Tibet
Australia Tibet Council
Australian Tibet House Inc.
Austrian Committee for Tibet
Autodétermination-Tibet 09/31
Bay Area Friends of Tibet
Bharrat Tibbat Sahyog Manch, India
Boston Tibet Network
Briancon05 Urgence Tibet
Caisse d'Aide aux Prisonniers Tibetains
Canada Tibet Committee
Casa del Tibet - Spain
Casa Tibet Mexico
Centro De Cultura Tibetana
Circle of Friends (Philippines)
Colorado Friends of Tibet
Comite de Apoyo al Tibet (CAT)
Comite de Soutien au Peuple Tibetain (Les Lilas)
Committee of 100 for Tibet
Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India
Corse - Tibet
CTC - Calgary
Dhokam Chushi Gangdruk
Eco-Tibet France
Eco-Tibet Ireland
Fair Society o.s.
Foundation for Universal Responsibility
France-Tibet
Free Tibet
Friends of Tibet - Isamailia (Egypt)
Friends of Tibet in Costa Rica
Friends of Tibet in Finland
Friends of Tibet New Zealand
Friends of Tibet Slovakia
Friends of Tibet Society St. Petersburg, Russia
Fundacion Pro Tibet
Gannasamannay
Groupe Non-Violent Louis Lecoin, France
Grupo de Apoio ao Tibete, Portugal
Grupo De Apoyo a Tibet Chile
Grupo Pro-Cultura Tibetana, Chile
Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet
Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights - Tibet Desk
Himalayan Committee for Action on Tibet
India Tibet Friendship Society
International Campaign for Tibet
International Campaign for Tibet Deutschland
International Campaign for Tibet Europe
International Society of Human Rights, Munich Chapter (IGFM)
International Tibet Independence Movement
International Youth Human Rights Group - Human Rights in Tibet
Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People
Jamtse Thundel Association
Japan Association of Monks for Tibet
Japan Committee of 100 for TIbet
La Porte du Tibet, Geneva
Le Club Francais
Les Amis du Tibet - Belgium
Les Amis du Tibet - Luxembourg
Lions Des Neiges Mont Blance, France
Lithuanian Tibet Culture Foundation
Los Angeles Friends of Tibet
Lung-Ta Project
Mahatma Gandhi Tibet Freedom Movement
Maison des Himalayas
Maison du Tibet - Tibet Info
National Campaign for Tibetan Support, India
National Democratic Party of Tibet
Nice Tibet
Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association
Nos Amis de l'Himalaya
Ns3 Rigpa Community Builder’s Foundation
Objectif Tibet
Passeport Tibetain
Pensando En Tibet - Mexico
Phagma Drolma-Arya Tara
Polish Movement for a Free Tibet
Raise Tibetan Flag Campaign
Reseau International des Femmes pour le Tibet
Roof of the World Foundation, Indonesia
Sakya Trinley Ling
San Diego Friends of Tibet
Santa Barbara Friends of Tibet
Save Tibet, Austria
Save Tibet Foundation
Sierra Friends of Tibet
Society for Croatia-Tibet Friendship
Society for Threatened Peoples International
Solidarite Tibet
South African Friends of Tibet
Students for a Free Tibet
Students for a Free Tibet - Bangladesh
Students for a Free Tibet - France
Students for a Free Tibet - India
Students for a Free Tibet - Japan
Students for a Free Tibet - UK
Students for a Free Tibet – Canada
Students for a Free Tibet New Zealand
Students for a Free Tibet, Poland
Swedish Tibet Committee
Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association (GSTF)
Taiwan Friends of Tibet
Taiwan Tibet Exchange Foundation
The Foundation for Civil Society, Russia
The Norwegian Tibet Committee
The Tibetan Alliance of Chicago
The World Tibet Day Foundation
The Youth Liberation Front of Tibet, Mongolia and Turkestan
Tibet 59 / 62
Tibet Action Group of Western Australia
Tibet cesky (Tibet in Czech)
Tibet Committee of Fairbanks
Tibet Democratie
Tibet Group-Panama
Tibet Initiative Deutschland
Tibet Justice Center
Tibet Languedoc
Tibet Liberte Solidarite
Tibet Libertes, France
Tibet Lives, India
Tíbet Patria Libre, Uruguay
Tibet Society, U.K.
Tibet Solidarity Forum, Bangladesh
Tibet Support Association - Hungary
Tibet Support Committee Denmark
Tibet Support Group - Ireland
Tibet Support Group - Krasnodar Region, Russia
Tibet Support Group - Netherlands
Tibet Support Group - Romania
Tibet Support Group - Sochi Region, Russia
Tibet Support Group Adelaide - Australia
Tibet Support Group Kenya
Tibet Support Group Kiku, Japan
Tibet Support Network Japan
Tibet Unterstutzung Liechtenstein
Tibetan Association of Germany
Tibetan Association of Ithaca
Tibetan Association of Northern California
Tibetan Association of Philadephia
Tibetan Association of Santa Fe
Tibetan Association of Southern California
Tibetan Buddhist Center (Singapore)
Tibetan Community Austria
Tibetan Community in Britain
Tibetan Community in Denmark
Tibetan Community in Ireland
Tibetan Community in Poland
Tibetan Community of Australia (Victoria)
Tibetan Community of Italy
Tibetan Community Sweden
Tibetan Cultural Association - Quebec
Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre
Tibetan Programme of The Other Space Foundation
Tibetan Rights and Freedom Committee
Tibetan Student Association, Madras (TSAM)
Tibetan Women's Association
Tibetan Women's Association and Friends Australia
Tibetan Youth Association in Europe
Tibetan Youth Congress
Tibetan Youth UK
Tibetisches Zentrum Hamburg
TIBETmichigan
Tibets Kinder im Exile V.
Toronto Tibet Youth Congress
TSG - Slovenia (Formally Foundation Dharmaling)
TSG Free Tibet And You
Tsowa-Maintenir la Vie, France
U.S. Tibet Committee
Union Latvija Tibetai (Latvia for Tibet )
United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT)
Vrienden Van Tibet
Western Colorado Friends of Tibet
Wisconsin Tibetan Association
Zida Cels, Latvia

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Offers His Condolences at the Passing Away of President Václav Havel

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

December 19th 2011

Dharamsala, HP, India, 18 December 2011 - His Holiness the Dalai
Lama expressed his deep sadness at learning of the passing away of
his dear friend President Václav Havel. In a letter to his wife
Mrs. Dagmar Havlova, His Holiness wrote that in his death, the
world has lost a great statesman whose steadfast and unflinching
determination played a key role in bringing freedom and democracy
to the then Czechoslovakia. He was an unassuming and a courageous
leader whom His Holiness personally had the greatest admiration and
respect and will miss him.

His Holiness recalled that he had the privilege of meeting
President Václav Havel in February 1990 – months after he became
President following the Velvet Revolution, which he led with an
extraordinary display of people power. Over the ensuing two decades
he had the opportunity to meet with him regularly, most recently in
Prague on 10 December 2011. His Holiness concluded by offering his
heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Dagmar Havlova and other members of
their family and those who were closely associated with him.

He stated that perhaps the best tribute we could honour and
remember President Václav Havel is to work as best we can towards
building a more peaceful, open and just world.

International Human Rights Day appeal for the work of the Canada Tibet Committee

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

Dear friend:

December 10^th was International Human Rights Day and this year it marked both a difficult and a promising time for the Tibetan people.

Crisis in Tibet

Earlier this month, Tenzin Phuntsog set himself on fire to protest the authoritarian Chinese regime occupying Tibet. He died from his injuries.

Since the end of September, ten Tibetans – crying out against injustice – have chosen to set themselves on fire so that the world might hear the pain of the Tibetan people. At least seven have died.

Tragically, these protests are occurring in Tibet with alarming frequency.

From the comfort of our homes, it's difficult to condone these acts, but who among us has the right to decide which is a less painful end for these young Tibetans: years of torture in a Chinese jail or the hope we will hear their screams for freedom?

Acts of self-immolation are the last power any of us has left – the power over our own life and death. They occur at times of crisis and helplessness.

Just this past week Tibetan writer Tsering Woeser wrote in a Wall Street Journal blog: Tibetans are not so foolish that they value their lives lightly. Rather it is the despots who have ignited the flames that engulfed these monks and nuns by pushing them to the point of desperation.... The Chinese government is afraid that Tibetans who sacrifice their lives will inspire the living to resist. But no matter how it tries to hide the self-immolations and distort their meaning, the truth continues to get out."

Silence to this crisis is not an option. If the world does nothing the number of Tibetans self-immolating will increase. These acts will only end by laying the groundwork to bring the oppression Tibetans and Chinese suffer daily to an end.

You can know that the Canada Tibet Committee is not only speaking out about this crisis, we're working with the Canadian government to ensure that it is raised at the highest levels of the Chinese government and will continue to do so in 2012.

Hope in Canada

Wanting the very best for our children is something we all share, whether we live in Vancouver or 12,000 kilometres away in the five Tibetan settlements of Arunachal Pradesh, India.

The reality though for thousands of Tibetans who live in Arunachal Pradesh is that they may never have the chance to realize their potential and to experience what so many Canadians take for granted: the very best for themselves and their children.

But now – following the 2007 request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – the Canadian government is facilitating the immigration of 1,000 Tibetans living in Arunachal Pradesh to Canada over a five year period.

We can help fulfil the Dalai Lama's achievement by supporting these incredible families as they set out to achieve their dream as they start new lives in Canada. Each of these families is counting on us.

Your help is needed now

There's a crisis in Tibet and Tibetans need our help.

There's hope for Tibetans living in Arunachal Pradesh and they need our help.

And they all need it today.

The CTC's work is funded entirely by donations we receive from our members and generous supporters. Even the smallest of contribution goes so far in helping us support Tibet and human rights.

Please consider making a donation at http://www.tibet.ca/en/join_donate/ as your way to help us mark International Human Rights Day.

Sincerely,

Dermod Travis

Executive Director

PS: For those who prefer to donate by mail there is a form that can be downloaded from that page or we'd be happy to email you a form, just contact us at ctcoffice@tibet.ca

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang Issues Statement Regarding Critical Situation in Tibet

CTA — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

Press Statement:

The Central Tibetan Administration is deeply concerned and alarmed
over the recent news of three more self-immolations in Serthar
(Sichuan) on Friday, February 3, 2012.

Unconfirmed reports state that three Tibetans were involved, two of
them aged in the 60s and 30s respectively. All three have sustained
injuries, but their exact condition and whereabouts remain unknown.

We also hear reports of build-up of security forces and police in
and around the city of Lhasa, and its key monasteries, Ganden,
Sera, and Drepung. Furthermore, draconian measures to restrict
movement of Tibetans in the capital could further aggravate the
tense situation in Tibet. With Tibetan New Year on
February 22nd and the March 10th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan
uprising coming up, we fear there will be further bloodshed and
loss of lives. The Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan
community’s democratically-elected representative, urges the
international community to directly and immediately engage the
Central Chinese leadership to assert its control over local
authorities and forbid police violence and shooting of unarmed
citizens.

Drastic actions, such as the self-immolations, indicate to us that
the Chinese policies in Tibet have reached new levels of
repression. Not mere acts of protest, these actions convey a
message which cannot be ignored. They represent an emphatic
rejection of the continued occupation of Tibet and repressive
policies of the Chinese government. They stand firm for the freedom
of the Tibetan people. Over fifty years ago, thousands of Tibetans
were forced to flee into exile due to the Chinese occupation of
Tibet. Since then, a broad global network of friends of Tibet has
been built. Today, at this critical time, we wish to express our
heartfelt gratitude to all those individuals, non governmental
organizations, Tibet support groups, and the various foreign
governments who have recently publicly expressed their concern for
the present situation in Tibet. Your unwavering support for truth
and justice has made it possible for the Tibetan issue to still be
alive.

We call on the Chinese government to address the underlying
grievances of the Tibetan people. Only then, will there be a
lasting solution to the escalating tensions in the region and the
longstanding dispute between Tibetans and the Chinese government.
As witnessed recently, Tibetan areas have been closed off and
members of the press have been denied access. The international
community must let leaders in Beijing know unequivocally that the
world is concerned and closely watching events inside Tibet.

To show solidarity and to raise its voice in support of the
fundamental rights of the Tibetan people at this critical time, we
invite the international community to participate in a worldwide
vigil for Tibet on February 8, 2012. We request everyone to conduct
these vigils peacefully, in accordance with the laws of your
country, and with dignity. In Dharamsala, the Central Tibetan
Administration will hold a prayer service at 3 PM at the
Tsuglakhang-Main Temple.

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang
Dept. of Information and International Relations
February 6, 2012

This is the link to the video shown prior to the press conference
today by Kalon Dicki Chhoyang at Dharamsala. You can watch it from
tibetonline.tv

the direct link to the video is
http://tibetonline.tv/videos/963/tibetan%27s-fierce-objection-to-
unjust-and-repressive-rule-by-china

Kalon Tripa’s Losar Statement

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

Tashi Delek to Tibetans and friends around the world! Warm Losar
greetings from Dharamsala, which falls on February 22.

As requested, please do not celebrate Losar this year, but do
observe traditional and spiritual rituals by going to the
monastery, making offerings, and lighting butter lamps for all
those Tibetans inside Tibet who have sacrificed and suffered under
the repressive policies of the Chinese government.

News from Tibet continues to be grim. Tibet is virtually sealed off
with foreigners not allowed to enter. Even Chinese tourists are
prevented from visiting Tibet, and the military buildup is very
heavy. [The Chinese government has launched a massive crackdown on
Tibetans who visited India for the Kalachakra Teachings. Several
hundred Tibetans have been detained and are being forced to undergo
political re-education [please see the news release from Human
Rights Watch] . We are extremely worried over what is happening and
what might happen inside Tibet. Under such circumstances, please do
pray for all Tibetans inside Tibet especially on the third, eight,
tenth and fifteenth day of Losar, as these are auspicious days.

March 10, our National Uprising Day, is coming up soon. There will
be many other activities as well where Tibetans and our friends
will be requested to participate. Please remember and observe the
guidelines issued by CTA, which is to organize and participate in
events peacefully, legally and with dignity. Peacefully because non-
violence is our core principle. Legally as we are in a democratic
country and have to follow the law of the land, and with dignity
because we are seeking our freedom and dignity

Tibet Lobby Day is also coming up when Tibetans and friends lobby
parliaments or the congress and share with members our concern over
Tibet and the continuing repressive policies of the Chinese
government. This year is especially important given the unfolding
tragedy inside Tibet. It is important that we do the best we can to
approach as many Congressional members and Parliamentarians as
possible so as to make them aware. If possible, please try to have
a resolution passed in the parliament or have a good debate on the
situation inside Tibet. This way the suffering of Tibetans inside
Tibet and their voices will be heard loud and clear around the
world, particularly by the leaders in Beijing.

I would like to thank all those Tibetans and friends who
participated in the global vigil on February 8. According to
various accounts, hundreds of activities were organized around the
world, thousands participated, and the day was very successful.

In conclusion, I want to say to our dear brothers and sisters
inside Tibet that you are in our hearts and prayers every day.

Letter from the Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China to Prime Minister Harper on eve of visit to China

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper

Prime Minister of Canada

80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2
by fax: 613 941 6900

January 31, 2012

Dear Prime Minister,

We are writing to you, as members of the Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China,¹ in advance of your upcoming visit to China. We view your visit as a valuable opportunity to advance human rights as a key priority in Canada’s relationship with China and in particular to highlight a number of critical issues, including the plight of prisoners of conscience. We recognize that you face competing pressures regarding issues to prioritize, including trade considerations at a time of economic uncertainty. We trust that you will agree with us that human rights cannot be sold short to these interests. The rights of the many millions of people who face injustices at the hands of Chinese authorities on a daily basis matter too much to be given secondary attention. And ultimately, the relationship between Canada and China will be stronger if it is grounded in mutual respect for key international human rights principles.

A critical moment

Prime Minister, you travel to China at a critical time for increased and more forceful attention to human rights in the China/Canada relationship for three key reasons.

First, the past year has been a very difficult time for human rights protection in China. Coming in the wake of the global human rights scrutiny that accompanied the Beijing Olympics in 2008 or the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo in 2010, the international community’s interest in China’s human rights situation appears to have waned during 2011. Unfortunately, that diminished concern comes alongside deterioration in China’s human rights record.

Notably, throughout the year there has been a relentless crackdown against the country’s beleaguered human rights community. Human rights lawyers and other activists have been arrested, disappeared in custody, subjected to torture and ill-treatment, held for long periods without charge or trial, and convicted after blatantly unfair trials. The crackdown reflects Chinese government fears that reformers in China intended to launch a peaceful protest movement similar to the so-called “Arab Spring”. But while the world spoke out forcefully about the repression in the Middle East and North Africa, China’s moves against individuals pressing for democratic and human rights change went largely unchallenged by other states.

Against this backdrop, changes to China’s Criminal Procedure Law have been proposed which would allow detention for up to six months in undisclosed locations without charge or trial, essentially legalizing “disappearances.”

Second, your visit comes at a time when the balance of influence Canada has with China has shifted in important ways. Past Canadian governments have argued that Canada holds little sway with China and that forcefulness with respect to human rights concerns will be ignored and will only harm Canada’s commercial links with the country. However, that has changed considerably in recent years with the Chinese government’s notable interest in gaining a foothold in the Canadian natural resource sector, including oil, gas and mining companies and projects. That merits, in our view, a more confident and bold willingness to raise human rights concerns during your meetings with Chinese officials.

Third, we have noted the priority your government has given to the need for strengthened protection of the right to freedom of religion, reflected in the decision to establish an Office of Religious Freedom within the Department of Foreign Affairs. Many of the very serious human rights problems prevailing in China involve violations of this right, be it the persecution of Tibetans and Uyghurs, the campaign against practitioners of Falun Gong, and the ban on “underground” Christian churches. The government’s decision to establish an Office of Religious Freedom, with a global mandate, offers a timely opportunity to raise these concerns.

In particular, the unprecedented wave of self-immolations as a form of desperate protest by sixteen Tibetans in recent months, and the demonstrations by Tibetans and escalating violence by Chinese security forces in response in Sichuan Province over the past week, are all cause for grave alarm.

In fact, the human rights situation in China continues to be worrying on very many fronts and has worsened recently in some respects. Attached to this letter we have provided a summary of some of the key concerns of members of our Coalition. We have also included a list of ten cases of individuals detained in China at this time who we consider to be unjustly imprisoned. A complete list of such cases would, unfortunately, be far too lengthy to compile. This list is a selection of emblematic cases which we feel represents that range of cases.

Recommendations:

Prime Minister, we began this letter urging that you make human rights issues a priority focus of your upcoming visit to China. In that regard we specifically call on you to:

Raise concerns about the worsening situation in Tibet, in line with previous statements made by the US and German governments.
Press for reforms to be instituted to ensure that the right to religious freedom and all other universally-recognized human rights of Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Christians and other faith groups is fully respected.
Raise concerns about the prisoner cases outlined in the list compiled by our Coalition. The document includes the case of Husseyin Celil, which we expect you will pursue at all possible opportunities. We urge you to press forcefully for Canadian consular access to Mr. Celil finally to be granted, and demand that due to the failure to provide him with a fair trial he should be promptly and unconditionally released.
Make it clear that Canada is gravely concerned about the crackdown against human rights lawyers and activists.
Urge that the proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Law be withdrawn and that any further reforms be consistent with international human rights requirements.

We will follow the news of your visit with close interest and look forward to hearing of the efforts you take to press these and other human rights concerns while you are in China.

Sincerely,

Alex Neve

Secretary General

Amnesty International Canada,

on behalf of the Canadian Coalition for Human Rights in China

1 This letter is endorsed by the following member organizations of the Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China: Amnesty International Canada (English & Francophone Branches), ARC International, Canada Tibet Committee, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Federation for a Democratic China, Movement for Democracy in China (Calgary), PEN Canada, Students for a Free Tibet Canada, Toronto Association for Democracy in China, the Uyghur Canadian Society and the Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement in China.

Summary of specific concerns

Tibet:

The situation for Tibetans is very distressing and has been highlighted by the deepening despair that has led 16 Tibetans to set themselves on fire in protest of China’s policies. Some of these self-immolations are linked to the situation at Kirti Monastery and other monasteries, which are surrounded by heavily armed riot police, and widespread arrests of monks and nuns. Tibet has once again been closed to foreign visitors, until the end of March. Notably, the US and German governments have spoken out and expressed concern about the situation in Tibet.

Falun Gong:

The crackdown against Falun Gong, underway for more than a decade now, does not abate. Falun Gong practitioners constitute one of the largest groups of prisoners in the country. Last year the campaign against Falun Gong intensified, with sweeping detention, unfair trials leading to long sentences, enforced disappearances and deaths in detention following torture. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has noted that Falun Gong practitioners may account for 2/3 of victims of alleged torture in government custody.

Uyghurs:

Extensive human rights violations continue against the Uyghur population. It is 2½ years since the massive crackdown following violence and protests in 2009. Hundreds were arrested at the time. The clampdown against Uyghur dissent has deepened, with numerous Uyghur journalists or managers of Uyghur websites being sentenced to lengthy prison terms. We know that you personally have intervened with Chinese officials previously about the case of Canadian citizen Husseyin Celil, a Uyghur originally from Xinjiang. He has been imprisoned in China for over 5 years now, and is serving a life prison term after a blatantly unfair trial.

Reformers, Lawyers, Activists and Journalists:

Democratic reformers, human rights activists and independent journalists remain under siege. Liu Xiaobo is still in prison of course, more than one year now since his chair was so starkly empty at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo. In general, over the past year, numerous individuals have been imprisoned for no other reason than peacefully expressing their opinion about democratic and human rights reform in China. This includes a continuing crackdown against individuals who share their views over the internet, particularly bloggers. Lawyers who dare take up human rights cases pay a heavy price. The case of human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng demonstrates that very clearly. His three year prison sentence, which had been suspended, was reinstated last month. In general, unfair trials, arbitrary detentions and use of fabricated charges against journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders are all prevalent.

Disappearances:

For years there has been a widely documented pattern of people from a whole variety of backgrounds disappearing in the Chinese prison system. Individuals disappear into so-called “black jails”, their detention unacknowledged, access to family and lawyers denied, and no legal process pursued. Many human rights activists have suffered this fate. The Chinese government is poised to legalize this practice through amendments to the country’s Criminal Procedure Law which would allow detainees to be held for up to six months in undisclosed locations in cases involving state security, terrorism or serious corruption. It is a troubling recipe for increased human rights violations.

Labour:

Labour activists are clearly another group of concern, regularly harassed and restricted. Internal migrant workers in China remain one of the most vulnerable groups in the country. Health and safety legislation is routinely ignored and accidents covered up. Despite threat of arrest and other intimidation, many workers are taking action to raise these concerns.

Prisoners of Conscience in the People's Republic of China

We, the Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China* submit a list of jailed prisoners of conscience. Each individual case has not necessarily been investigated or taken up by each of the organizations. They are presented together here as a compilation in alphabetical order. We request Canadian authorities to inform us of their situation, and to urge the Chinese government to release them immediately and unconditionally.

Index	Prisoner’s Name
	Wang, Bingzhang 王炳章also known as Lou Kaiwen or Qi Xia
	Liu Xiaobo
	Dhondup Wangchen
	Wang, Zhiwen 王治文
	Nurmehemmet Yasin 努力默赫默德. 亚森
	Gao Zhisheng 高智晟
	Shi, Tao 师涛
	Yang Tongyan 杨同彦 (alternate name: Yang, Tianshui 杨天水)
	Yang Chunlin 杨春林also known as Li, Zhi 李志
	Huseyin Celil

Letter to the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper in advance of his February 2012 visit to China

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

16 January 2012

Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper

Prime Minister of Canada

Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0A2

Fax: 613-941-6900 / pm@pm.gc.ca

Dear Prime Minister:

As you will soon be visiting China on your second official visit, the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) would like to take this opportunity to share our concerns and priorities with you.

In your announcement last Wednesday, you stated: “Our Government is committed to moving our relationship with China forward by focusing on deepening economic ties, including opening new markets, and setting the foundation for long-term growth”. It's unfortunate that a reference to Canada's long-standing concerns with the Government of China's human rights practices was omitted from this announcement. It's our position that human rights and trade are not mutually exclusive.

In 2010, former Ambassador Derek Burney wrote: “We do not have to camouflage our differences (with China). Nor do we have to “go along or kowtow to get along.” That is a juvenile concept that has nothing to do with fundamental foreign policy analysis. A more adult approach to the relationship by both countries would allow for honest disagreements on issues such as human rights.”

We agree. Compromising our values is not the Canadian way.

As your government knows, sixteen Tibetans have self-immolated since 2009. On past official visits, US leaders have made a point of worshipping in Beijing. We urge you to do the same. Tibetan monks who have self-immolated as a desperate act of defiance against religious repression deserve no less. Such an act will also provide an auspicious start to your government's new Office of Religious Freedom.

We also urge you to raise Canada's human rights concerns in a public forum before Chinese citizens while you are in Beijing as President Obama and former Australian Prime Minister Howard have both done.

And it is essential that in your meeting with President Hu Jintao that you make the strongest possible representations to President Hu over China’s lack of fair judicial process, religious repression and continued human rights abuses against the Tibetan people.

The CTC favours a transparent, principled, and constructive relationship with China that encompasses all facets of our relationship and that has human rights at the core. We believe that a free, prosperous China is in Canada’s interests. But more importantly, it’s in the interests of Tibetans and Chinese citizens alike.

Sincerely,

Dermod Travis

Executive Director

Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Losar

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

Ottawa, February 22, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Losar, the Tibetan New Year:

Today, Tibetan Buddhists in Canada and around the world mark Losar, the most important day of the lunar Tibetan calendar.

On this first day of 2139, the Year of the Water Dragon, I recall with fondness my participation in past Losar festivities.

I have also had the great honour of meeting more than once with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the world’s great champions of peace and pluralism and an honorary Canadian citizen.

Losar is traditionally a time of celebration and joyful gatherings with family and community. We are aware of calls that this year’s celebrations be cancelled on account of the growing unrest. Canada stands in support of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Chinese citizens, including ethnic Tibetans.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I wish peace in the new year to all who mark this holiday.

I reflect today on the Dalai Lama’s lecture after he accepted the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize. In it, His Holiness quoted the words of one of his favorite prayers, written by the 8th Century Buddhist master Shantideva:

For as long as space remains,

For as long as sentient beings remain,

Until then may I too remain

To dispel the miseries of the world.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/statements/2012/2012-02-22.asp

Montreal band Sunrise and Good People launches new Tibet-inspired video

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

I Won't Fall Down

A Tibetan monk and Sunrise and Good People (a Montreal alternative rock band)...

What could they have in common?

Here's the story behind the video:

Dateline: Dharamsala, India, November 2011

While visiting the little town of McLeod Ganj, where Tibetan refugees now live, a small museum, next to the Buddhist temple of His Holiness the Dalaï Lama caught the attention of members of the Montreal, Canada-based band Sunrise and Good People.

The museum tour started with a huge picture and text relating the atrocities perpetrated by the Chinese Army in the 1950's within the homeland of the Tibetans. Sorrow and disbelief take hold of the band's members.

A few moments later, a Tibetan monk named Ven. Bagdro reaches out and starts talking about his life. With a deep and penetrating look, he explains how he managed to survive a four-year sentence before fleeing to exile to India, where he continues his long and difficult mission to educate people about the situation in Tibet today.

The next day, he gave the band the opportunity to shoot some images while he meditated, prayed and chanted. On the same visit, Sunrise and Good People asked other Tibetans living in McLeod Ganj to join in helping with what was then only the seeds of an idea.

On their way back to Montreal the seeds bore fruit: make a short film with these images and blend it with one of the band's songs: I won't fall down.

Spirituality, freedom and liberty are the song's main theme. The story is about a soul being confronted to many obstacles and difficulties and still manages to keep faith, to pursue his goal: to free oneself.

The truth stands, freedom is vital and for an individual or a nation.

The video clip is a tribute to the courage and compassion of the Tibetan people.

Links:

www.vimeo.com/32420149 (video clip)

www.sunriseandgoodpeople.com (band)

Montreal Tibetan Bazaar

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

Please note that this year the Bazaar is on Saturday and Sunday.

Montreal’s annual Tibetan bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 26^th (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and Sunday, November 27^th (Noon to 6:00 p.m.) at Santa Cruz Church Hall, 60 Rachel West.

Help us help Tibet!

Please help us promote the Bazaar:

Forward this email to friends and colleagues;

Post our poster at work or at other high traffic areas in the city; and

http://www.tibet.ca/_media/PDF/flyer_BW_E-1_.pdf

Like our Facebook bazaar page to invite even more friends.

Our Facebook page is:

www.facebook.com/BazarTibetanMontreal

Event: Tibetan Bazaar

Date: Saturday, 26 November 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, 27 November Noon – 6:00 p.m.

Place: Santa Cruz Church Hall, 60 Rachel West (corner St. Urbain)

Admission: $5 ($3 seniors and students)

The Tibetan Bazaar is held in collaboration with the Canada Tibet Committee and Montréal’s Tibetan community. The bazaar features traditional arts and crafts, Buddhist literature and ritual objects, clothing, jewelry, as well as a sample of Himalayan cuisine and cultural performances.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students.

Statement by Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the recent killings of Tibetans by the P. R. China’s government

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

As Chinese everywhere were celebrating the first couple of days of
the Year of Dragon on January 23rd and 24th, 2012. Chinese police
fired indiscriminately on hundreds of Tibetans who had gathered
peacefully to claim their basic rights in Drakgo, Serthar, Ngaba,
Gyarong, and other neighboring Tibetan areas. Six Tibetans were
reportedly killed and around sixty injured, some critically.

Because of gruesome acts such as these and the systematic
repression of Tibetans, the resentment and anger amongst Tibetans
against Chinese government has only grown since the massive
uprising of 2008.

Ever since the invasion of Tibet, the Chinese government has
claimed that it seeks to create a socialist paradise. However,
basic human rights are being denied to Tibetans, the fragile
environment is being destroyed, Tibetan language and culture is
being assimilated, portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are
banned, and Tibetans are being economically marginalized. Tibet is
in virtual lockdown. Foreigners have been barred from travelling to
Tibet now and the entire region is essentially under undeclared
martial law.

I urge the Chinese leadership to heed the cries of the Tibetan
protestors and those who have committed self-immolation. You will
never address the genuine grievances of Tibetans and restore
stability in Tibet through violence and killing. The only way to
resolve the Tibet issue and bring about lasting peace is by
respecting the rights of the Tibetan people and through dialogue.
As someone deeply committed to peaceful dialogue, the use of
violence against Tibetans is unacceptable and must be strongly
condemned by all people in China and around the world.

I call on the international community to show solidarity and to
raise your voices in support of the fundamental rights of the
Tibetan people at this critical time. I request that the
international community and the United Nations send a fact-finding
delegation to Tibet and that the world media be given access to the
region as well. The leaders in Beijing must know that killing its
own “family members” is in clear violation of international and
Chinese laws, and such actions will cast further doubts on China’s
moral legitimacy and their standing in world affairs.

I want to tell my dear brothers and sisters inside Tibet that we
hear your cries loud and clear. We urge you not to despair and
refrain from extreme measures. We feel your pain and will not allow
the sacrifices you have made go in vain. You all are in our heart
and prayers each and every day.

To my fellow Tibetans, I request you not to celebrate Losar
(Tibetan New Year), which falls on February 22 this year. However,
please observe the basic customary religious rituals such as going
to temple, burning incense and making traditional offerings.

To demonstrate our solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet, I urge
Tibetans and our friends around the world, to participate in a
worldwide vigil on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Let’s send a loud
and clear message to the Chinese government that violence and
killing of innocent Tibetans is unacceptable! I request everyone to
conduct these vigils peacefully, in accordance with the laws of
your country, and with dignity.

A video message of this statement is available with the following
link: www.tibetonline.tv.

Summary of Recent Events in Tibet

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

24 January:
Serthar (Sichuan): At least two Tibetans have been shot dead and an undetermined number seriously injured as Chinese forces opened fire on protesting Tibetans. A crackdown in Serthar has been reported with approximately 40 Tibetans arrested and all public movement limited. Free Tibet report -http://www.freetibet.org/newsmedia/second-day-killing-tibet. TCHRD report -http://www.tchrd.org/press/2011/pr20120125a.html. An eye witness stated that "a kind of martial law has been imposed". (Radio Free Asia reported that five Tibetans were shot dead.http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/protest-01242012093312.html)

23 January:
Drango (Sichuan): Thousands of Tibetans gathered in Drango, following a buildup of tensions in the area. Police opened fired on protesting Tibetans killing at least three and injuring many more injured. ICT Report -http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-news-reports/three-tibetans-shot-dead-first-day-chinese-new-year

Serthar: Tibetans distributed leaflets stating that more Tibetans were ready to self-immolate.

Ngaba (Sichuan): Hundreds of Tibetans took part in day-long protests and candle light vigils demanding Freedom in Tibet and calling for the return of the Dalai Lama. Phayul Report.www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=30737&article=Day-long+protests+in+Ngaba%2c+Tibetans+beaten+and+arrested&t=1&c=1

Previously:
On 14 January in Ngaba, Chinese security forces severely injured two Tibetans through beatings, and shot at least two others after layman Lobsang Jamyang self-immolated. Tibetans became distressed and angry after witnessing Chinese police beating Lobsang Jamyang; they began to protest and attempted to reclaim the dying man, but police beat and opened fire on some in the crowd. There have been unconfirmed reports that a woman was killed and those injured are apparently not seeking medical help for fear of arrest.http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-news-reports/escalation-ngaba-following-self-immolation-two-tibetans-shot

On 8 January in Golog (Qinghai), respected monk Lama Sopa self-immolated and died. His death sparked a protest by local Tibetans who demanded the return of his body. ICT report http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-news-reports/tibetan-self-immolations-continue-and-spread-tibet-2012. Alsowww.StandupforTibet.org/further-information

On 6 January in Ngaba, two Tibetans named Tennyi and Tsultrim, a monk and former monk both around the age of 20; self-immolated and died. See ICT report above.

Second day of killing in Tibet | Free Tibet

www.freetibet.org

Chinese continue shooting Tibetans

Tibetans before trade: Harper must convey Canada's deep concern over escalating violence

Tibet — 2012-02-23T02:04:29Z

CTC calls on Canadians to contact Chinese ambassador

(Montreal, 26 January 2012) – The Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) is calling on the Canadian government to immediately demand that the Chinese government cease its increasingly violent crackdown on Tibetan protesters which has resulted in at least four deaths this week alone and countless injuries.

Reports from inside Tibet indicate that at least four Tibetans have been killed since Monday after Chinese police opened fire on Tibetan protesters.

At least one Tibetan was killed on Tuesday when police fired on protesters in Serthar (Chinese: Seda) in Kardze.

This followed the Chinese New Year's deaths of three Tibetans after police opened fire on Tibetans who had gathered to protest in Drango, Kardze (the Tibetan area of Kham). Several others were injured in the police shooting.

The escalating crackdown in Drango follows the circulation of leaflets in the area saying that Tibetans should not celebrate the New Year in 2012 because of the self-immolations, and declaring an intention by the unnamed author of the leaflets to set fire to themselves at the time of Tibetan New Year (Losar falls on February 22).

Since February 2009, 17 Tibetans have self-immolated, including 15 men and two women. Twelve of the 17 died following their protest. Ten of the 17 were monks or former monks at the Kirti monastery in Ngaba and one was a nun from Mame Dechen Chokorling nunnery in Ngaba.

In addition to calling upon the Chinese government to cease its violent crackdown, the CTC is also calling upon the Prime Minister to make the plight of Tibetans a priority issue when he meets with President Hu Jintao is a little over two weeks.

As the first western leader to visit China since the crackdown began, Harper has a unique opportunity to convey not only Canada's abhorrence at the escalating violence but also the shared revulsion of western governments. The CTC wrote the Prime Minister on January 16^th, 2012 (copy below).

The CTC is also calling on Canadians to act today by contacting China's ambassador to Canada at:

Ambassador: Zhang Junsai
Address: 515 ST. Patrick St, Ottawa, ON KIN 5H3
Tel: 613-789-3434 791-0511
Fax: 613-789-1911 789-1414
E-mail: chinaemb_ca@mfa.gov.cn

- 30 -

For more information:

Dermod Travis

514.487.0665

January 16^th CTC letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper

As you will soon be visiting China on your second official visit, the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) would like to take this opportunity to share our concerns and priorities with you.

We agree. Compromising our values is not the Canadian way.

And it is essential that in your meeting with President Hu Jintao that you make the strongest possible representations to President Hu over China’s lack of fair judicial process, religious repression and continued human rights abuses against the Tibetan people.
The CTC favours a transparent, principled, and constructive relationship with China that encompasses all facets of our relationship and that has human rights at the core. We believe that a free, prosperous China is in Canada’s interests. But more importantly, it’s in the interests of Tibetans and Chinese citizens alike.