Nobel Peace Laureates Statement Support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people

October 27, 2009

For 50 years, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people have waged a peaceful struggle to preserve their ancient culture, religion, language, and identity. As the issue of Tibet remains tragically unresolved and Tibetans continued to endure harsh and repressive conditions in Tibet, we, as Nobel Peace Laureates, wish to express our grave concern about the survival of Tibetan identity and offer our support to His Holiness for his non-violent efforts to attain meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people.

The distinct culture of Tibet embodies universal values of compassion, tolerance, and a profound understanding of our interdependence with all living beings. These qualities have much to offer the world as we seek to build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable global community in the 21st century.

While the Tibetan people continue to face a dark and painful chapter in their history, they have succeeded in preserving their cultural traditions in exile and contributing their knowledge to many fields of human endeavor. As the world has benefitted from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's wisdom and moral authority, it is fitting that we honor him, and that we stand behind him now to keep the issue of Tibet alive.

We urge the Chinese government to take immediate and constructive steps to resolve the status of Tibet and end the oppressive policies that continue to marginalize and impoverish Tibetans in their own land. By implementing laws that are enshrined in the Chinese constitution for a legitimate and meaningful autonomy for all Tibetans, the Chinese government will make great strides in securing peace and unity in their country.

We commend the Tibetan people for their courage and resilience in the face of untold suffering and we urge peace-loving people around the world to lend their support so that authentic Tibetan culture may once again flourish in its homeland and survive as a valued part of our global heritage.

Sincerely,

Jody Williams
Shirin Ebadi
Mairead Corrigan Maguire
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Rigoberta Menchu Tum
Adolfo Perez Equivel
Betty Williams
Wangari Maathai