2 February 2013 DHARAMSALA, 28 January, 2013: THIS WHITE PAPER EXAMINES the underlying causes of the increasing number of self- immolations that are currently engulfing Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration has made many appeals to the Tibetans in Tibet to desist from self-immolation. Despite the Central Tibetan Administration’s repeated appeals to stop the self immolations, unfortunately the numbers of Tibetans setting themselves ablaze are adding up at an alarming rate and frequency. All Tibetans who have set themselves ablaze have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland and freedom for Tibet. What are the causes which drive Tibetans to such acts of extreme desperation? The reason lies in China’s massive policy failure in Tibet over the course of more than 60 years of its rule. The revolution that is brewing in Tibet is driven by political repression, cultural assimilation, social discrimination, economic marginalisation and environmental destruction. 98 Tibetans so far, most of them in their teens and early twenties, have set themselves ablaze. According to Chinese communist propaganda, this is the generation that was supposed to have benefitted most from Chinese rule in Tibet. Clearly, though, China’s spectacular policy failure in Tibet has totally alienated the new generations of Tibetans and they express this alienation by asserting their loyalty to His Holiness the Dalai Lama whom they have not seen in their entire their lives and who has not set foot in Tibet for more than 50 years. China’s failure to solve the fundamental problem of its rule in Tibet was foreseen in the early days of Chinese rule in Tibet by eminent Tibetan leaders working within the Chinese communist establishment. As far back as the early 1960′s, these Tibetan leaders strongly decried Chinese communist rule. In an act of unprecedented courage and boldness, the late 10th Panchen Lama presented a 70,000-character petition addressed to the top Chinese leaders, which, though diplomatically worded, amounted to an accusation of China committing cultural genocide in Tibet. This blistering critique of the nature of Chinese rule in Tibet cost the Panchen Lama dearly. Mao Zedong called the Tibetan leader “our class enemy” and denounced his 70,000-character petition as a “poisoned arrow.” He was “struggled”, sometimes violently, and subjected to imprisonment and solitary confinement for many years. When he was released from confinement in the aftermath of the death of Mao Zedong, the Panchen Lama rebounded, and in 1989, stated that Tibet had lost more than it gained under Chinese communist rule. He made these comments only a few days before his mysterious and untimely death. Arjia Rinpoche, the abbot of Kumbum Monastery in Tibet, held many important posts in the Chinese Buddhist Association. In 1998, when increasing pressure was exerted on him to recognise the Chinese- appointed Panchen Lama, he fled to America. “Modern Chinese history,” he says, “can be characterised as a ‘Tale of Three Fish.’ January-March 2013 Tibet News January - March 2013 Vol 20 No 1 ISSN 1328-2964 The Newsletter of the Tibet Information Office for Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia CTA Releases White Paper on Self-Immolations 21 March 2013 CANBERRA: SENATOR SARAH HANSON- YOUNG from the Greens party moved a motion on Tibet in the upper house of the Australian Parliament. The following motion was passed in the Senate on 20 March 2013: That the Senate notes the Australian Government’s efforts to urge Chinese authorities to: (a) address the underlying causes of tension in Tibetan regions; (b) end the use of harsh policies, such as increased surveillance and violent crack downs, which have only exacerbated the security situation in Tibetan areas; (c) lift restrictions on access to Tibetan regions, including for international media and diplomats; and (d) resume substantive talks with the Dalai Lama’s representatives to prevent the situation deteriorating further. HHDL Congratulates the New Pope 2 Tibet Advocacy Day in Australia with 4 Tibetans, supporters & Chinese friends Human Rights Watch: China enforces highly repressive policies in Tibet 5 CTA refutes Chinese Government’s allegation on self-immolations 5 Historic Tibetan People’s Solidarity Campaign launched in New Delhi 7 Statement: Sikyong Lobsang Sangay 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day 7 Photo: Senator Sarah Hanson-Young speaking at a Tibet rally outside Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on 18 March 2013/Photo/Senator Sarah Hanson-Young facebook page WHY TIBET IS BURNING Tibet Motion Passed in Australian Senate Continued page 2 Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay releases the first publication of the Tibet Policy Institute on the fundamental reasons for the increasing number of self-immolations in Tibet.
Transcript
2 February 2013DHARAMSALA, 28 January, 2013:THIS WHITE PAPER EXAMINES the underlyingcauses of the increasing number of self-immolations that are currently engulfingTibet. The Central Tibetan Administrationhas made many appeals to the Tibetans inTibet to desist from self-immolation. Despitethe Central Tibetan Administration’srepeated appeals to stop the selfimmolations, unfortunately the numbers ofTibetans setting themselves ablaze areadding up at an alarming rate and frequency.All Tibetans who have set themselves ablazehave called for the return of His Holiness theDalai Lama to his homeland and freedom forTibet. What are the causes which driveTibetans to such acts of extreme desperation?
The reason lies in China’s massive policyfailure in Tibet over the course of more than60 years of its rule. The revolution that isbrewing in Tibet is driven by politicalrepression, cultural assimilation, socialdiscrimination, economic marginalisation
and environmental destruction. 98 Tibetansso far, most of them in their teens and earlytwenties, have set themselves ablaze.According to Chinese communistpropaganda, this is the generation that wassupposed to have benefitted most fromChinese rule in Tibet. Clearly, though,China’s spectacular policy failure in Tibethas totally alienated the new generations ofTibetans and they express this alienation byasserting their loyalty to His Holiness theDalai Lama whom they have not seen intheir entire their lives and who has not setfoot in Tibet for more than 50 years.
China’s failure to solve the fundamentalproblem of its rule in Tibet was foreseen inthe early days of Chinese rule in Tibet byeminent Tibetan leaders working within theChinese communist establishment. As farback as the early 1960′s, these Tibetan leadersstrongly decried Chinese communist rule. Inan act of unprecedented courage andboldness, the late 10th Panchen Lamapresented a 70,000-character petitionaddressed to the top Chinese leaders, which,though diplomatically worded, amounted to
an accusation of China committing culturalgenocide in Tibet. This blistering critique ofthe nature of Chinese rule in Tibet cost thePanchen Lama dearly. Mao Zedong calledthe Tibetan leader “our class enemy” anddenounced his 70,000-character petition as a“poisoned arrow.” He was “struggled”,sometimes violently, and subjected toimprisonment and solitary confinement formany years. When he was released fromconfinement in the aftermath of the death ofMao Zedong, the Panchen Lama rebounded,and in 1989, stated that Tibet had lost morethan it gained under Chinese communist rule.He made these comments only a few daysbefore his mysterious and untimely death.
Arjia Rinpoche, the abbot of KumbumMonastery in Tibet, held many importantposts in the Chinese Buddhist Association.In 1998, when increasing pressure wasexerted on him to recognise the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, he fled toAmerica. “Modern Chinese history,” hesays, “can be characterised as a ‘Tale ofThree Fish.’
January-March 2013
Tibet NewsJanuary - March 2013 Vol 20 No 1 ISSN 1328-2964
The Newsletter of the Tibet Information Office for Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia
CTA Releases White Paper on Self-Immolations
21 March 2013CANBERRA: SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG from the Greens party moved amotion on Tibet in the upper house of theAustralian Parliament.
The following motion was passed in theSenate on 20 March 2013:That the Senate notes the AustralianGovernment’s efforts to urge Chineseauthorities to:(a) address the underlying causes of
tension in Tibetan regions;(b) end the use of harsh policies, such asincreased surveillance and violent crackdowns, which have only exacerbated thesecurity situation in Tibetan areas;(c) lift restrictions on access to Tibetanregions, including for international mediaand diplomats; and(d) resume substantive talks with theDalai Lama’s representatives to preventthe situation deteriorating further. �
HHDL Congratulates the New Pope 2
Tibet Advocacy Day in Australia with 4Tibetans, supporters & Chinese friends
Human Rights Watch: China enforceshighly repressive policies in Tibet 5
CTA refutes Chinese Government’sallegation on self-immolations 5
Historic Tibetan People’s SolidarityCampaign launched in New Delhi 7
Statement: Sikyong Lobsang Sangay54th Tibetan National Uprising Day 7Photo: Senator Sarah Hanson-Young speaking at a Tibet rally outside Parliament House in Canberra, Australia,
on 18 March 2013/Photo/Senator Sarah Hanson-Young facebook page
WHY TIBET IS BURNING
Tibet Motion Passedin Australian Senate
Continued page 2
Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay releases the first publication of the Tibet Policy Institute onthe fundamental reasons for the increasing number of self-immolations in Tibet.
Tibet News is the Newsletter of theTibet Information Office, Canberra
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OOFFFFIICCEESS OOFF TTIIBBEETT (worldwide)
New Delhi, IndiaNew York, USAGeneva, SwitzerlandKathmandu, NepalTokyo, JapanLondon, UKMoscow, RussiaParis, FrancePretoria, South AfricaTaipei, TaiwanBrussels, Belgium
2 TIBET NEWS January-March 2013
TibetNews
Taiwan is still swimming in the ocean. Noone has caught that fish – at least not yet.Hong Kong is alive but on display in aChinese aquarium. Tibet, the third fish, isbroiled and on the table, already halfdevoured: its language, its religion, itsculture and its native people aredisappearing faster than its glacial ice.”
The late Ngapo Ngawang Jigme, one ofthe most prominent Tibetans who hadworked with the Chinese communistestablishment and was considered one ofthe national leaders of the People’sRepublic of China, said at a party congressmany years ago that the dearest wish of allold Tibetans was to see the Dalai Lamabefore their death. This would fulfill alltheir fondest hopes.
This universal wish of the Tibetan peoplewas reiterated by Baba Phuntsog Wangyal,the founder of the Tibetan CommunistParty, in one of the several letters headdressed to the top Chinese leaders on theissue of Tibet. “Therefore, most people inKham, in (Central Tibet) Tibet and Amdomiss their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama,from the bottom of their hearts. They trustand rely on him and ask him to grant favourto them and pray for them.”
Many Tibetan intellectuals and cadreswho work in the communist establishmentin Tibet make their judgment of Chinesecommunist rule in these terms: “In the first10 years (1950-60) we lost our land (i.e.communist China invaded Tibet). In thesecond 10 years (1960-70) we lost politicalpower (the government of old Tibet wasreplaced by the communist establishment).In the third 10 years (1970-1980) we lost
our culture (the Cultural Revolutiondestroyed Tibet’s traditional beliefs). In thefourth 10 years (1980-90) we lost oureconomy (Chinese settlers took over the jobmarket in Tibet).”
This stark judgment of Chinese rule inTibet describes the reasons that drive somany young Tibetans in Tibet to self-immolation. Daily, they see and experienceChina’s constant assault on TibetanBuddhist civilization, Tibetan language andtheir very identity. They strongly resent theChinese communist party’s activeinterference in their spiritual life, includingthe attempt to appoint Tibetan spiritualleaders. They resent to the core of theirbeing China’s demonization of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama and the policy of forcingmonks to denounce him. They look on withalarm and fear as Chinese settlers streaminto Tibet, taking away Tibetan jobs, landand their very future—and in the process,transforming Tibetan towns and cities intoso many Chinatowns. They resent the forcedremoval of nomads from the grasslands,away from their animal herds and theirsource of livelihood, and settling them onpermanent housing structures, which bringno income, and reduce formerly self-sufficient families to impoverishment.
At the same time the Tibetan people seemassive development activities undertakenon their land that bring little or no benefitto them and aimed, instead, to cart awayTibetan natural resources to a resource-hungry China. In fact the policies of theChinese communist party demonstrate tothe Tibetan people that China wants Tibetbut not the Tibetan people. �
14 March 2013DHARAMSHALA: APPRISED OF THEELECTION OF A NEW POPE this morning,His Holiness the Dalai Lama lost no timein writing to him to express hiscongratulations.
“May I offer you my greetings andsense of joy on your historic election asthe Pope.”
Acknowledging the new pontiff’shistoric choice of name, he wrote:“Although I am not very familiar withmany Catholic saints, I do know about St Francis, having visited Assisi andattended inter-religious gatherings there.His discipline, the simplicity of his wayof life and his love for all creatures are
qualities that I find deeply inspiring. I ammoved to know that his is the name youhave chosen for your papacy.”
Recalling his cordial meetings withPope Paul VI, John Paul II and BenedictXVI and other Christian brothers andsisters, His Holiness looked forward tomeeting the new leader of the RomanCatholic Church:
“I am very pleased to have met andenjoyed friendly conversations with yourimmediate predecessors and, for the lastforty years or so, have participated infruitful exchanges with my Christianbrothers and sisters. I hope that I mayhave the honour of calling on you toosometime in the near future.” �
His Holiness the Dalai LamaCongratulates the New Pope
January-March 2013 TIBET NEWS 3
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Second Tibetan Youth Workshop at Maitripa Centre23 January 2013A TIBETAN YOUTH WORKSHOP on "EnergeticYouth – Mindful Tibetans" was held atMaitripa Centre near Healesville, Victoriafrom 19 to 22 January, 2013. This is thesecond such workshop organized by TibetInformation Office (TIO) for the Tibetanyouth with participants coming fromdifferent parts of Australia and New Zealandfor this three-day workshop.
The topics of the workshop wereBuddhism as an Art of Living presented bySamdup Tsering, President of TibetanCommunity of Victoria, Essence of TibetanCulture by Kasur Chope Paljor Tsering,Overview of the Tibetan History by Dr.Sonam Thakchoe, Tasmania University,Introduction on Tibetan Traditional Festivalby Ngawang Topchen, former TCV SchoolTibetan teacher, Introduction to CentralTibetan Administration by Sonam Dagpo,Representative of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama, Democratisation in Tibetan Societyby Kasur Chope Paljor Tsering,Introduction on Tibetan Settlements inExile by Ngodup Gyaltsen, Secretary, TIO,Knowing About the Situation in Tibet byMs. Dadon, Chinese Liaison Officer, TIO,Impact of Tibet's Environment by GabrielLafitte, Sustainable Futures for the TibetanPlateau. The discussions concluded withinteractive question and answer session.
Group discussions on How to MaintainTibetaness Among the Youth, How toBuild Strong Network of Tibetan Youth inAustralia and New Zealand, PoliticalLobbying on Tibet Lobby Day, EffectiveStrategy to Engage in Dialogue with Chinesewere held. These engaging group discussionswere moderated by Kasur Paljor Tsering,Tenpa Dugdak, Ms. Tsering Kyinzom,Australia Tibet Council and Dr. SonamThakchoe. The discussions within theparticipants were constructive and it was an
educational experience. Tenzin Yeshe, formerTibetan Institute of Performing Arts taughtthe participants lively Tibetan folk dancesand documentary films on Tibet were shownin the evening. �
Report by Kunga Chodar Dagpo
Group photo of the participants and resource persons at Maitripa Buddhist Centre
23 January 2013, BRISBANE:SITUATED ONTHE BANKS of the Brisbane River, thePowerhouse Museum showcased acelebration of all things Tibetan as host to thefifth annual Festival of Tibet. Tibet’s richculture was presented through film, song,dance and art over five days, opening on 30January with the film Olo, The boy fromTibet. The Japanese production was a fittingway to open the festival, recounting thetouching story of a young boy who havingfled Tibet longs for his homeland. This storyis one shared by many students of the TibetanChildren’s Village (TCV) in India whose goodworks will be supported by the proceedsraised during the festival.
In previous years notable Tibetans havebeen invited to headline the Festival,including TCV founder Jetsun Pema andwriter activist Tenzin Tsundue. This year sawTibet’s State Oracle, the Venerable ThubtenNgodrup, enthralled a sold out PowerhouseTheatre on the Festival’s second night. TheOracles have for centuries been advisors to the
Tibetan Government and the Dalai Lamas,acting as a medium between the human andspiritual realms. During each day thePowerhouse was visited by hundreds whoattended meditation workshops, Thangkapainting classes, photography exhibitions andTibetan folk singing and dancing lessons.Tenzin Yeshe singing traditional Tibetan songat the festival
Some of the most well attended events werethe free talks held on the Saturday. Themorning panel discussion was an engagingexploration of the relevance of Gandhi’s non-violent strategy and philosophies in themodern world. The panelists were HisHoliness the Dalai Lama’s RepresentativeSonam Dagpo, Greens Senator LarissaWaters, the ATC’s Kyinzom Dhongdue andTibetan activist and film maker TenpaDugdak. The talk concluded with the severalhundred audience members engaging in anenthusiastic Q&A session. The stage was thenvacated for an equally well received talk onBuddhism by Geshe Lobsang Jamyang fromthe Chenrezig Institute.
Festival organizer and TCV alumnus,Tenzin Choegyal, is a traditional Tibetanmusician whose collaborations with Japanese,Indian and western artists have garnered hima global following. Choegyal called on thesepartnerships for the concert line ups, bringingtogether artists as diverse as the Camerata ofSt John’s Chamber Orchestra and JapaneseIndian Classical musician Taro Terahara.
The final night’s concert opened with a
rousing speech by one of the Festivals majorsponsors, Salvatore Bataglia. Sal emphasizedthe vital role education and particularly TCV,has played in empowering the Tibetan peopleand praised the Festival attendees forcontinuing to support and grow the Festival inits fifth year. The night ended with theaudience on its feet as the Orchestra played aspecially composed classical version of theTibetan national anthem. The anthem isbanned in Tibet. The following morning thefestival concluded with the dissolution of theSand Mandala that had been constructed inthe public area of the museum by LamaKhedup of the Gyuto Monks. �
Tenzin Yeshe singing tra
ditional Tibetan so
ng at the festival
Festival of Tibet at Brisbane
Report by Tsewang Thupten
THE 14th DALAI LAMA OF TIBET IN AUSTRALIA BEYOND RELIGION 13th -23rd June 2013
tickets at dalailamainaustralia.org
4 TIBET NEWS January-March 2013
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Tibetans, Supporters and Chinese friends heldrallies on the Tibet Advocacy Day in Australia 18 March 2013CANBERRA: ON 18 MARCH, TIBETANS,Tibet supporters and Chinese friends fromacross Australia gathered on the lawns of theParliament House in Canberra, to appeal to theelected politicians to listen to the voices of the108 self-immolators and the millions ofhelpless Tibetans inside Tibet who continue tosuffer under the Chinese Communist regime.
The event coordinated by Thupten Dhondup,President of the Australian Tibetan CommunityAssociation and hosted by Tsering Deki fromCanberra started at the Chinese Embassy wherethe Tibetan Community and supportersdemanded the Chinese government respect thebasic rights of the Tibetan people. NiganGotsang, President of the Sydney TibetanCommunity read a letter to the ChineseAmbassador - Mr Chen Yuming. The letterrequested that the Chinese government enterinto meaningful dialogue with the exiledTibetan Leadership in India and to consider theMiddle Way Approach, which seeks genuineautonomy for Tibetans.
The protest at the Chinese Embassy wasfollowed by a march to the Parliament Housewhere a mass rally was held. Many Australiansand Chinese friends of Tibet joined in the
protest and rally.On the lawns of the Parliament House, the
Representative of His Holiness the DalaiLama, Sonam Dagpo spoke on the currentsituation in Tibet and the need for theAustralian Government’s support for the Tibet cause.
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young addressed thegathering of Tibetans, Tibet supporters andlarge number of Chinese friends to call forhuman rights and urgent help to resolve theescalating crisis in Tibet.
Professor Hong Bing Yuan, an exiledChinese Professor referred to the Tibetanpeople’s self-immolation as a movement offreedom protesting against the ChineseCommunist policy of cultural genocide.
Lhamo Tenzin, the President of the CanberraTibetan Community appealed to the PrimeMinister of Australia, Julia Gillard to: make astrong public statement of concern over thesituation in Tibet; renew efforts to send theAmbassador in Beijing and a parliamentarydelegation to the Tibetan areas affected by theprotests and urge China to allow foreignjournalists unfettered access to all Tibetanareas; and join other concerned countries inintergovernmental forums dedicated to building
stronger international pressure on China toaddress the crisis in Tibet.
While the rally was being held outside the Australian Parliament House, a group of 12young Tibetans from across Australia, led bythe Australia Tibet Council met more than 40parliamentarians and urged Australia to adopta new policy on Tibet by joining forces withother governments. Australia Tibet Councilpetition signed by over 2500 Australians wastabled in the House of Representatives byWarren Entsch.
This rally was organised by the AustralianTibetan Community Association inpartnership with the Canberra TibetanCommunity. � Report by Lhamo Tenzin
Photo: Tibetans a
nd su
pporters take part in a rally to se
ek Austra
lian government and parliament’s su
pport to resolve the issue o
f Tibet, in Ca
nberra, A
ustra
lia,
Meetings with Remarkable Women
SYDNEY: I FIRST MET JOAN WILSON OA, in2004, two years after I arrived in Australia. I stillremember that day. We met in the supermarket,where I had been working in customer serviceand she greeted me with a heartfelt, ‘TashiDeleg’ having seen the Save Tibet tattoo on myright forearm. We have kept in touch ever sincethat connection. Over the years, Joan introducedme to the tradition of Christmas and we sharedan audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lamatogether with TFG members in India, 2005 andwith Joan’s late husband, Don—who had alsobeen a true friend of Tibet.
Joan’s voluntary work since the late 1960s for
Tibet in the form of humanitarian work has beena lifetime commitment which has generated andbenefited hundreds, if not thousands of Tibetanchildren with their education and development.In the process, Joan’s commitment has inspiredmany Tibetans and Australians alike to care forothers. I have to say, I have a somewhat biasedsoft-spot for Joan, as she has supported theschool where I grew up, Tibetan HomesSchool, Mussoorie, in Happy Valley India -- thefirst Tibetan boarding school established by His Holiness, when he arrived in exile in India.
Tibet work in Australia receives very littleacknowledgement outside of our circle ofsupporters and interest groups, due to narrowpolitical interest by the mainstreamgovernment, the media agenda and the realistdynamics of international relations.
Therefore, Australia’s acknowledgement ofJoan by honouring her with the Order of Australiain January, has possibly given more joy to the localTibetans than to Joan herself—as this accolade isas much an acknowledgement of Tibet, as it is ofJoan’s individual and selfless efforts.
As the Tibetan community steadily grows inAustralia, Joan is witnessing more visibly,
qualitative results of a lifetime of work that TFGand its members have cultivated, in what isessentially a relatively slow progressingmovement in our fast-paced world. Gandhi jicalled this a means to an ends.
We Tibetans feel, it has been a goodinvestment Joan has made in the larger contextof the Tibetan movement, with TFG and otherTibet support groups. It is also inspiring andadmirable to see someone of Joan’s maturity,her enthusiasm, energy and spirit after decadesof Tibet work, the same level of endurance andjoyous effort she maintains. I’m sure Joan hasan endless energy supply, which only seems tomultiply with age!
When I think of Joan Wilson, I think ofsomeone who carries Tibet. Essentially she hasbeen a walking advertisement for our Tibet --carrying Tibet with her everywhere she goes, inbody, speech and mind—in compassionateaction -- always seeing the best in us Tibetans.
We have a Tibetan proverb, which says, “Achild without an education is like a bird withoutwings!” We congratulate Joan Wilson onreceiving the Order of Australia, I couldn’t thinkof a more fitting honour, for she has helped manyof us Tibetans grow our wings. �Report by Tenpa Dugdak
January-March 2013 TIBET NEWS 5
INTERNATIONAL
China enforces Highly Repressive Policies in Tibet4 February 2013DHARAMSHALA: A PROMINENT HUMANRIGHTS ORGANISATION has criticised theChinese government for carrying outwidespread secret arrests and torture ofTibetans in custody and authoritariancontrol over all judicial institutions.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW), in itsWorld Report 2013 released Thursday,documented China’s policies threatening theTibetan people’s socio-economic conditionsand religious freedom.
HRW report said China’s repressivemeasures in Tibet continued after itsmassive crackdown on popular protests thatshook the region in 2008. “The situation inTibet remained tense following the and theintroduction of measures designed to placeall Tibetan monasteries under the direct
control of government officials who will bepermanently stationed there.”
“As part of its drive to build “a NewSocialist Countryside” on the Tibetanplateau, the government continues toimplement large development programsmandating rehousing or relocating up to80 percent of the rural population. Therelocation policies have been carried out—contrary to Chinese government claims—with no effective choice and withoutgenuine consultation of those affected,while compensation mechanisms areopaque and inadequate,” the report said.
”Pastoralists deprived of their traditionallivelihood face declining living standardsand increased dependency on governmentsubsidies,” it added. The report furthersaid, “Chinese security forces maintain a
heavy presence and the authoritiescontinue to tightly restrict access andtravel to Tibetan areas, particularly forjournalists and foreign visitors,” it said.
“Tibetans suspected of being critical ofpolitical, religious, cultural, or economicstate policies are systematically targetedon charges of “separatism”,” it said.
“Chinese people had no say in theselection of their new leaders, highlightingthat despite the country’s three decades ofrapid modernization, the governmentremains an authoritarian one-party systemthat places arbitrary curbs on freedom ofexpression, association, religion, prohibitsindependent labor unions and humanrights organizations, and maintains partycontrol over all judicial institutions,” it said. �
13 March 2013PRESS RELEASE: THE CENTRAL TIBETAN
ADMINISTRATION would like to categoricallyreject the baseless allegations made by PadmaCholing, Chairman of the Standing Committeeof the so-called Tibet Autonomous RegionalPeople’s Congress, that they have evidence ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama providing moneyto encourage people to set themselves on fire.Choling made this allegation in Beijing last Friday.
One of the world’s leading mediaorganisation, The New York Times, recentlyreported that “Chinese officials in the past saidthe self-immolators were mentally unstable orblamed outside agitators.
Despite the accusations, Chinese officialshave never provided evidence of anyconnection between the acts and the DalaiLama or other Tibetan leaders in exile.”
The UN High Commissioner for HumanRights Navi Pillay on 20 November 2012urged the Chinese authorities to promptlyaddress the longstanding grievances that haveled to an alarming escalation in desperateforms of protest, including self-immolations,in Tibetan areas.
‘The blame and solution lies squarely withBeijing. Occupation and repression are thecause and reform is the solution. If the blamegame continues and unless independent fact-finding delegations and the international media
are not allowed to visit Tibet to assess the realsituation in Tibet, the international community,including the Chinese people, will view theChinese government with deep scepticism. Atthe same time, we once again invite the Chineseauthorities to Dharamshala to prove theirallegations of our alleged role in the self-immolation,’ said Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Sikyongof the Central Tibetan Administration.
As life is precious, the Central TibetanAdministration has consistently discouragedself-immolations and any other forms ofdrastic actions. But the self-immolationspersist. The self-immolators have called forfreedom for Tibetans and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland.The time has come for the internationalcommunity to press the Chinese governmentto enter into dialogue to peacefully resolve theissue of Tibet. �
CTA Refutes Chinese Government’sAllegation on Self-Immolations
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
GABY LIVED WITH HER BELOVED SON in the BlueMountains, and was a deeply valued member of SakyaTrinley Ling. She was a heart felt Tibetan Buddhistpractitioner and dedicated her life towards thepreservation of Tibetan culture and protection ofhuman rights of the Tibetan people; through organizingfundraising stalls, political and cultural events andpolitical and spiritual movie nights. Gaby was a valuedparticipant at Regional Tibet Conferences in India, andtravelled with her Vajra sisters to Tibet in 2007. Gabyalso taught weekly Buddhist classes to the children ofthe Blue Mountains.
Gaby died young, aged 45, but did so much good in her life.
She had an awesome capacity to forge compassionate, lovingconnections with others in her personal life, dharma life, andwork life as a Psychotherapist. The love people felt for Gaby wasdisplayed in her last few months in hospital, where her room wasoverflowing with gorgeous Buddhist drawings from the childrenshe had taught, and flowers from all who had known and loved her.
Gaby was beautiful and brave in the face of her imminentpassing, and deeply embraced her Buddhist beliefs and practice.She was an inspiration of how one can live with integrity andmeaning in the face of our worst fears. Gaby is deeply missed
by her young son, her friends and family, and her Dharma sisters. �
By Gaby’s dharma sisters, Sakya Trinley Ling
Tribute to Gabrielle Lane This is a tribute to the life of an extraordinary woman
6 TIBET NEWS January-March 2013
INTERNATIONAL
DHARAMSHALA: TIBETANS ANDSUPPORTERS ACROSS THE WORLD organisedrallies and prayer services to commemorate the54th anniversary of Tibetan people’s protestagainst the Chinese invasion and occupation ofTibet on 10 March.
Tibetan community and supporters living inCanberra, Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane, Adelaide,Perth and Melbourne held protest rallies beforethe Chinese Embassy and Consulates.
Religion and Culture Kalon PemaChhinjor presided over the commemorationof 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day inMelbourne on 10 March.
The function began with a minute’s silenceand prayer service in memory of all thoseTibetans who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet.
In his address, Kalon Pema Chhinjor saidTibetans living in the free world and Tibetsupporters must redouble their efforts to letthe world aware of the cries of Tibetansinside Tibet.
He spoke about the efforts made by theCentral Tibetan Administration to seek genuineautonomy for Tibet, adding that the Chineseleadership must consider this reasonabledemand. He said the issue of Tibet will notgoing to disappear.
Members of the Chinese-Tibetan FriendshipAssociation, Tibet Support Groups,Vietnamese and Nagaland communities joinedhundreds of Tibetans to mark the epochalmoment in Melbourne. In his address, MrTsering Samdup, president of the local Tibetanassociation, urged the international community,including the UN and peace loving people, tostand up for the Tibetan self-immolators’genuine aspirations for freedom and HisHoliness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet.
In their speeches, the Tibetan supporterssaid the peace and freedom loving nationsand people must persuade the Chinesegovernment to find a lasting solution to theTibet problem through dialogue. �
Tibetans worldwide mark 54th National Uprising Day
19 March 2013DHARAMSHALA: EXPRESSING GRAVECONCERN OVER TIBETAN SELF-IMMOLATIONS, the chairmen of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China have urged theChinese government to end repressive policiesagainst the Tibetan people and to resume adialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama orhis representatives.
“We hope for an end to these tragic self-immolations soon. The Chinese government canreduce tension, but not through its current policyof harsher regulations and heavier security,” saidSenator Sherrod Brown, Chairman of theCommission, said in a statement on 18 March.
“Ending policies that deny Tibetans theirfreedoms of expression, association, andreligion, while showing greater tolerance for
cultural diversity, and resuming a dialogue withthe Dalai Lama or his representatives withoutpreconditions would go a long way towardeasing tensions,” Senator Brown added.
“In recent years, Chinese officials havetightened controls on Tibetan Buddhism andmonastic institutions, used excessive forceagainst peaceful demonstrators, promotedresettlement and educational policies that havethreatened and disrupted Tibetan culture andlanguage, and closed Tibetan areas off to theoutside world,” said Congressman ChrisSmith, Co-chairman of the Commission.“Reversing these policies and allowinginternational observers into the region woulddo much to alleviate the situation.”
“This month marks five years since the startof mostly peaceful protests that swept across
the Tibetan plateau in March and April 2008in opposition to Chinese policies that infringeon the culture, language, religion, andlivelihood of Tibetans. Following the protests,policies that were already harsh haveintensified,” the statement noted.
“In a special report released in August 2012,the Commission noted how the self-immolations had spread geographically andfrom the Tibetan Buddhist monasticcommunity to the lay population. TheCommission continues to monitor the situationand issue periodic updates, the most recentissued on March 8.”
Since 2009, 108 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet calling for freedom forTibetans and the return of His Holiness theDalai Lama to Tibet. 90 of them died. �
US Congressional panel chairmen urge China to endrepressive policies against Tibetans
Photo: Kalon Pema Chhinjor with Tibetans marking the 54thNational Uprising Day in Melbourne, Australia, on 10 March 2013
11 March 2013
Report by Samdup Tsering
Mr. Pema Chhinjor, Kalon for Religion and Culture visits Australia15 March 2013MR. PEMA CHHINJOR, KALON (Minister) forReligion and Culture of the Central TibetanAdministration visited Australia from 6 to 13March. He met with the Tibetan Communitiesof Queensland, Victoria, Canberra and NSWand spoke to them on the policies andachievements of the New Kashag. He visitedthe Tibetan Buddhist Centres of Chenrezig,Tara Institute, Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Centre,Drolkar Buddhist Centre, Tibetan BuddhistSociety (Canberra), Rigpa Centre and
Vajrayana Institute in Sydney.In Melbourne Kalon Pema Chhinjor
participated and spoke on thecommemoration of the 54th Tibetan NationalUprising Day at the Federation Square on 10 March.
He joined the Tibetan Communities’participation in the Canberra Centenarycelebrations on 11 March. On the invitationof the Parliamentary Joint StandingCommittee for Foreign Affairs, Defence andTrade, he briefed the members on the present
situation in Tibet with particular reference toreligion and culture on 12 March.
Kalon Pema Chhinjor was warmly receivedby the Tibetan Community leaders, heads ofTibetan Buddhist centres and teachers duringthe visit. �
Kalon Pema Chhinjor addressing the Tibetan communityDee why, NSW
January-March 2013 TIBET NEWS 7
Statement of Sikyong on 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day
10 March 2013ON THIS DAY IN 1959, THOUSANDS OF TIBETANSfrom all walks of life and all three regions ofTibet (U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo) converged inLhasa to resist and protest the Chinese invasionand occupation of Tibet. We are the children ofthis tragic yet historic moment in Tibet’s rich,unique, 2,000-plus year history. Today, we aregathered here to re-dedicate ourselves to thebrave struggle started by the selfless eldergeneration. We pay tribute to all those who havesacrificed their lives for Tibet. The yearning forfreedom that moved our elders to undertake theepochal events of March 10, 1959 is a beaconthat guides our present-day struggle to secure ourbasic freedom, dignity and identity.
The continuing vicious cycle of repression andresentment in Tibet is manifested in the
devastating number of Tibetans settingthemselves on fire. Since 2009, 107 Tibetanshave self-immolated including 28 in November2012 just before and during the 18th PartyCongress of the Chinese Communist Party.Sadly, 90 of them have died. Such a high toll isperhaps unprecedented in recent world history.Though most of the self-immolators are monks,their ranks include the full spectrum of Tibetans– nomads, farmers and students – from all threeTibetan regions of U-Tsang, Kham and Amdoincluding the capital city of Lhasa. We dedicatethis day to all the self-immolators and those whohave died for Tibet.
The occupation and repression in Tibet by thegovernment of the People’s Republic of Chinaare the primary conditions driving Tibetans toself-immolation. Tibetans witness and
experience China’s constantassault on Tibetan Buddhist civilization, theirvery identity and dignity.
They deeply resent China’s demonization ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama. They look on withalarm as Chinese settlers stream into Tibet,taking away Tibetan jobs, land and their veryfuture—and in the process, transforming Tibetantowns and cities into Chinatowns. They opposethe forced removal of hundreds of thousands ofnomads from the grasslands to permanentghettos, reducing formerly self-sufficientfamilies to impoverishment. They see colonial-like development activities cart away billions ofdollars worth of Tibetan natural resources to aresource-hungry China. These policies couldeasily lead one to suspect that China wants Tibetbut not the Tibetan people.
THE STATEMENT OF SIKYONG DR. LOBSANG SANGAY ON THE 54TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY
File photo/Tibet Today
Historic show of support for Tibet fromIndia’s ruling and opposition parties
JANUARY 30, 2013, DELHI: VARIOUSREPRESENTATIVES FROM INDIAN political partiesgathered at the Talkatora indoor stadiumwhere the inaugural ceremony of ‘TibetanPeople’s Solidarity Campaign’ was held. Over5000 people, including 4500 Tibetans fromIndia, Nepal and Bhutan and about 1000Indian supporters from Delhi, NCR regionand Ladakh were present at the function.
Shri L. K Advani, former Deputy PrimeMinister graced the ceremony as the ChiefGuest. Shri, Priya Dutt, MP and Dr. E.MSudarsan Natchiappan, MP were officialCongress party delegates. Shri Hassan Khan,MP represented National Conference.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Penpa Tsering,the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exilesaid that this mass campaign is a ‘first of itskind’ and that it marks ‘a historic moment forour struggle.’
He further remarked that ‘If China issincere in granting autonomy, then Tibet canplay a positive role as a bridge of peacebetween the two most populous nations inSouth Asia-India and China.’
While expressing gratitude to the IndianGovernment and people, the speakerrequested the delegates from the ruling
Congress party to ‘remind China thatresolving Tibetan issue is in the larger interestof Chinese people.’
The Sikyong (democratically electedpolitical leader of Tibetan people) in hiskeynote address mentioned that the holdingof this campaign in India’s capital city standsas a ‘testament to India’s love and sympathyfor Tibetans.’
Sikyong reiterated that ‘freedom forTibetans and return of His Holiness the DalaiLama to Tibet’ remains the ‘true aspiration ofTibetans inside Tibet and dream of Tibetansoutside Tibet.’ In his reasoning as to whyTibet deserves attention and support, Sikyongstated that ‘Tibet stands as a catalyst and testfor China’ and that ‘autonomy in Tibet willbe the beginning of moderation for China.’Sikyong attributed the success of the Tibetanstruggle to India, and expressed hope thatTibet could be made ‘India’s success story.’He concluded with a vision that ‘Tibetanswill one day go from the holy land of Indiato the holy city of Lhasa with His Holinessthe Dalai Lama.’
Shri L.K Advani shared few excerpts fromSardar Patel’s November 7, 1950 letter onTibet addressed to the then Prime Minister ofIndia, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Advani ji
admitted with conviction that ‘a resolutionbetween China and Tibet, will make the 21stCentury - India’s Century.’ He lauded the‘Tibetan spirit’ and assured that ‘Tibetans willsee the light of the day.’ Advani ji concludedby saying that ‘just as His Holiness the DalaiLama always refers to India as Tibet’s guru,we hope to match up to that expectations.’
Ms Priya Dutt, expressed ‘concern andsolidarity for Tibetans inside Tibet and paidhomage to 99 young lives sacrificed in astruggle to regain identity.’ She thanked theTibetan people for the presence and blessingsof His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India.
Dr. Hassan Khan encouraged Tibetanpeople to persevere and said that ‘the daywill come soon for Tibetans to return to their homeland.’
Dr. E.M Sudarsan Natchiappan assuredIndia’s love and support for the Tibetanstruggle and said that ‘Tibetans are not justIndia’s neighbors but also it’s brothers and sisters.’
Ms. Dolma Gyari, Minister for Home,Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) wasthe master of the ceremony and Mr. TempaTsering, Representative, Bureau of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama proposed the voteof thanks. �
TIBETAN PEOPLE’S SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED AT TALKATORA INDOOR STADIUM, NEW DELHI
Sikyong Dr L
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If undelivered, return to: Tibet Information Office, 8/13 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2600 Australia
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8 TIBET NEWS January-March 2013
Tibet NewsNewsletter of the Tibet Information Office, CanberraPrint Post Approval No. PP 229219 00 131
Yet when Tibetans respond to theseviolations with even the slightest show ofdissent, they risk prolonged imprisonment,torture, public humiliation and disappearanceat the hands of security forces. The prohibitionof peaceful protest and harsh punishmentscompel Tibetans to resort to self-immolation.They choose death rather than silence andsubmission to the Chinese authorities. Recentattempts by the authorities to criminalize self-immolators, and persecute their familymembers and friends through sham trials arelikely to prolong the cycle of self-immolation,persecution, and more immolation.
Through various media, the Kashag hasconsistently appealed and categoricallydiscouraged Tibetans in Tibet from self-immolating as a form of protest. Life is preciousand as human beings we do not want anyone todie in such a manner. As Buddhists, we pray forthe soul of the deceased. As Tibetans, it is oursacred duty to support the aspirations of Tibetansin Tibet: the return of His Holiness the greatFourteenth Dalai Lama to Tibet, freedom for theTibetan people, and unity among Tibetans.
The only way to end this brutal and gravesituation is for China to change its current hardline Tibet policy by respecting the aspirations ofthe Tibetan people.
The Kashag is fully committed to the MiddleWay Approach, which seeks genuine autonomyfor Tibetans, to solve the issue of Tibet. His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama hasshown this to be the most viable and enduringapproach. After careful deliberations, the TibetanParliament-in-Exile unanimously adopted theMiddle Way Approach. It is supported byTibetans inside and outside Tibet, and hasgarnered the support of key foreigngovernments, world leaders, and Nobellaureates. It has, in particular, resonated andsupported by a growing number of Chineseintellectuals, scholars and writers.
At this time, the Kashag hopes that the newChinese leadership will view this pragmatic
political approach, which bridges both Tibetanand Chinese interests, as a win-win solution. In2002, the resumption of dialogue gave hope toTibetans for a peaceful resolution of the issue ofTibet. Unfortunately, this hope has been shakenby the present stalemate in the dialogue process.Tibet is not a constitutional or an institutionalproblem for the government of the People’sRepublic of China. As per Article 31 of the PRCConstitution, China has created a separateinstitutional mechanism of one country, twosystems for Hong Kong and Macau. TheChinese leadership has also displayed thepolitical will by forming a cabinet levelcommittee to deal with Taiwan (Republic ofChina). However, when it comes to Tibet, theChinese leadership has neither employed theavailable constitutional mechanism at itsdisposal, nor has it shown the political will toresolve the issue peacefully. From our side, weconsider substance primary and processsecondary, and are ready to engage inmeaningful dialogue anywhere, at any time.
Finding a just and lasting solution to the issueof Tibet is also in the interest of the world atlarge. Tibet, one of the oldest civilizations isviewed as the Third Pole as its glaciers feed the10 river systems of Asia. It will contribute to thepeace and prosperity of over a billion people inAsia who live downstream and depend onTibet’s water for sustenance. A speedy resolutionwill send the right message and serve as a modelfor other freedom struggles as the Tibetanstruggle is one firmly anchored in non-violenceand democracy. Last, but not the least, solvingthe issue of Tibet could be a catalyst formoderation of China.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the greatpeople and government of India. We are alsoimmensely grateful to all governments,international organizations, Tibet SupportGroups and individual supporters across theglobe for their supportive resolutions,statements, and for their unflinching andgenerous support. At the same time, we believe
that the moment has come for governmentsand the international community to takeconcrete actions to press the Chinesegovernment to enter into meaningful dialoguewith the Tibetan leadership.
We call on the international community topress the Chinese government to allow the UNHigh Commissioner for Human Rights entryinto Tibet, and also to give access to diplomatsand the international media. Only in this way canthe truth about the grave situation in Tibet beunveiled and the self-immolations abated.
The Kashag has announced 2013 as a year ofSolidarity With Tibet Campaign. Each of ournumerous events are organized peacefully,legally and with dignity. Thousands of Tibetansand Indian friends gathered in New Delhi onJanuary 30 for a 4-day mass campaignorganized by the Central TibetanAdministration. Many prominent Indian leadersrepresenting various parties attended andpledged action for Tibet. Tibetans and friends inEurope today are holding The EuropeanSolidarity Rally for Tibet in Brussels. Thismonth Tibetans in North America, Europe andelsewhere are organizing Tibet Lobby Days.The core message we request everyone tocommunicate are the three Ds: Devolution,Democracy and Dialogue.
The character of our people is being shapedby our endurance of the darkest period in Tibet’shistory. Under the enlightened leadership of His Holiness the great Fourteenth Dalai Lama,we continue to meet adversity with exceptionalunity, resilience, and dignity. I fervently pray forthe long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The Kashag is uplifted and deeply gratified bythe support and solidarity it has received fromTibetans inside and outside Tibet. With unity,self-reliance and innovation as the guidingprinciples, we are determined to fulfill theaspirations of all Tibetans to enjoy the freedomand dignity, which we deserve and is our right.Let me conclude by again paying homage to ourbrothers and sisters in Tibet. �
