By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 19: As the sixth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile commenced on Tuesday in Dharamshala, a group of close to 500 Tibetans from the Indian sub-continent and overseas made appeals to the lawmakers to make necessary amendments in the Charter, including one that will allow the appointment of the Chief Justice Commissioner and two judges of the Supreme Justice Commission, the apex judicial body of the Central Tibetan Administration.
The group under the banner of ‘Advocacy of the general public’ stressed the urgency to appoint the Chief Justice Commissioner and two additional justices of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission (TSJC) to establish a robust judiciary capable of administering oaths for future leadership of the exile Tibetan government. The advocacy group highlighted that this move can play a pivotal role in bringing stability in the parliament.
The advocacy group also called for immediate action to grant the general Tibetan public the right to elect the Members of Parliament from the various religious sects. The appeal asserted that failure to implement this crucial measure would compel them to advocate for the exclusion of MPs from religious sects altogether from the parliament.
In a statement to the media, Tenyang, the President of the advocacy group, expressed her intention to personally deliver the letter containing an urgent appeal to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. She emphasised that the assembly of approximately 500 Tibetans was convened with the specific goal of urging the members of Parliament to pass a resolution for amendments to the Charter that would enable the appointment of the Chief Justice Commissioner, a critical step in ensuring the proper functioning of the Tibetan government-in-exile’s judicial system.
Efforts to amend the Charter for the appointment of the vacant position of Chief Justice Commissioner have faced repeated setbacks in the parliament. This persistent stagnation, if left unaddressed, has the potential to exacerbate issues concerning the future leadership of the exile Tibetan government. Without a resolution, future leaders may face legal impediments in being sworn into their respective positions, leading to a critical challenge in overall governance of the exile Tibetan government.
The sixth session of the current parliament will deliberate on the activities and workings of each departments of the CTA. On the first day of the session on Tuesday, the members of Parliament voiced deep concerns over the deteriorating situation inside Tibet, especially those concerning human rights violations. The discussions also centred on the plight of the Tibetan political prisoners and cultural preservation within Tibet. Additionally, the Parliament session passed a resolution of official mourning in solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet living under the Chinese government’s repressive rule.
2 Responses
With the adjournment of the House due to new issues, there is little hope that the demand for the appointment of Chief Justice will met. These elected leaders are not all interested to meet the just full demands of the 500 representatives who have sacrificed their time. Unfortunately the public is helpless and powerless to do anything against the very people whom they have elected.
I am really not sure if the parliament members are really aware of the grave situation in our beloved country Tibet. They are quarreling each other and acquiescing each other. That is only dealing dealing with personal matters. They are not aware of the feelings of our people in Tibet and and other Tibetans who really think of the situation in Tibet and are doing every thing possible to find a solution to it.
I really want to request our parliament members to think of our nation and people in general and to do every thing possible that can bring harmony and unity in our society. If there is really certain points to criticize, then say please openly with real and clear proof without speculations. Please stop to quarrel each other because of certain personal feelings against each other. You have taken oath as Parlament members to work for our nation and people.