Geneva, 11 March – 10th March is a painful and unforgettable day for Tibetans because tens and thousands of Tibetans were brutally massacred by Chinese military when protested against them. In remembrance of this historic day, over 700 Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered in Geneva not only to commemorate the 48th anniversary of Tibet National Uprising Day but also to condemn PRC for its continued human rights abuses in Tibet.
The rally began by prayer led by Abbot and monks from Tibet Institute, Rikon for those Tibetans who sacrificed their life and also for those who still languishing in Chinese prisons for demanding their legitimate rights. The marchers then walked toward “Palais des Nations” holding banners and placards which carries slogans such as UN: Please act now ! Stand up for Tibet ! Tibet needs your support ! Urge the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue ! in English and German language.
The speakers included Mr. Sonam Monkhar, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile;
Mr. NR Ueli Leuenberger, Member of the Swiss Parliament; Mr. Tenzin Samphel KAYTA, on behalf of Representative of Tibet Bureau, Geneva; Mr. Régis de Battista, Director of La Maison des Associations and President of the CSPT; Pablo Lobsang Cherpillod, Vice-President of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe;
Mrs Drölga Porong, Vice-President of the Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association;
Mrs Yangkyi Nelung, Former President of the Tibetan Women’s Organization in Switzerland and Mr. Tsewang Gyatso, Representative of the Tibetan Community in Austria
A brief function was held in front of the Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights while en route to Palais des Nations. Speaking in front of the UN building at Palais de Nations, among other speakers Mr. Tenzin Samphel KAYTA on behalf of Representative, Tibet Bureau read the 10th March Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Before concluding the rally Mr. Lobsang Gangshontsang, President of Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein on behalf of the organiser thanked everyone for their support and also making this event successful. The day concluded after singing Tibetan National Anthem and Den-Tsig Molam.
The organiser has sent a memorandum to Mr. Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China drawing his attention on the following issues. A copy of which was also forwarded to President of the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Foreign Minister of Federal Government of Switzerland and the UN independent Expert on Minority Issues and Global Rights for their information and support.
- Urge to cease the policies that adversely affect Tibetans in preserving and protecting its identity, cultural, language and religion.
- Urge to release all Tibetan political prisoners especially Gedun Choekyi Nima, Xith Panchen Rinpoche and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
- Condemning Golmud to Lhasa railway which became operational since July last year.
- Urge to seriously think over H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Middle-Way policy and try to resolve Tibet issue during lifetime of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
At the evening programme, Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen, Envoy & Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama in Central and Eastern Europe based in Geneva spoke to over 200 audiences from all ages on historical background of the 10th March and the current status of the Tibet issue especially on the ongoing Sino-Tibetan Dialogue. After the speech, a documentary film called “Lhasa Prison, which is about the story of Ngawang Sangdrol, one of the youngest political prisoner in the world was shown to the public.
The rally was jointly organized and attended by members from Tibetan Community in Switzerland & Liechtenstein; Tibetan Women’s Organization in Switzerland; Tibetan Youth Association in Europe; Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association and CSPT/Porte du Tibet and Tibetan Community, Austria.
