evade arrest.The Tibetan who perished was shot in the faceand died immediately. His name was Choeri and hewas 28 years old. He leaves behind a wife and child.The two Tibetans who were injured are brothersJamphel Lodoe and Karkho, they remain in theregional hospital.Similar incidents have occurred throughout Tibet,with Chinese forces indiscriminately firing intoprotesting crowds. Manhunts for protestparticipants have been reported throughout theregion, with Chinese forces allegedly searchingdoor to door.

Bi-MonthlyB o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Rs.5Vol. 02, Issue 61, 15 March, 2012

TYC Members Detained for Protesting

www.thetibetpost.com

Major Figures in Tibetan AdministrationCommemorate 53rd Uprising Day

Dharamsala: - At 9.00 this morning three majorfigures in Tibetan culture, His Holiness The DalaiLama, Tibet political leader Dr. Lobsang Sangay,and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament PenpaTsering, gathered with nearly five thousandsupporters of the Tibetan cause at the main Tibetantemple in Dharamshala to commemorate the 53rdUprising Day since the flight of His Holiness in1959.Also in attendance was Gianni Vernetti, memberof the Italian Parliament and president of The Italy-Tibet Parliamentary Association, as were a numberof Chinese supporters of the Tibetan cause.To initiate the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr.Lobsang Sangay raised the Tibet's flag to Tibet'snational anthem. Afterwards, Penpa Tseringoffered words on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament.This year, The Dalai Lama offered no words onthis Uprising Day, as he no longer considers himselfthe political head of the Tibetan people. It is thefirst time in 53 years that he has chosen not to doso.Instead, the formal address to the Tibetan Peoplewas made by Dr. Lobsang Sangay, who declaredthat the transition of power did nothing to weakenthe Tibetan exile base. In his speech, Dr Sangaycalled for free and fair elections inside of Tibet,

Commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamsala, India, on 10 March2012. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Kathmandu: - Phayul has reported that the thirteenTibetan Students who were detained for protestingagainst Chinese human rights abuses have beenreleased after being charged 3,51,000 Nepali Rupeesfor bail.The students paid bail after being denied an appealfrom The Supreme Court of Nepal for their release.The students were arrested on February 24 forprotesting in front of the UN building inKathmandu. They had five specific demands forthe United Nations, which included sending a fact-finding mission to investigate the increasingly diresituation inside of Tibet.This situation is reflected in the 26 self-immolation

Monks Arrested at Tsenden Monastery

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Dharamsala Family to March to Tibet

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53rdAnniversary of

Tibetan Women’sUprising Page 2

I will not stopmy peace

march until thePRC acceptsmy demands

One Tibetan Killed in Golok,Two Injured

Dharamsala: An attempt by Tibetans to stopthe arrest of their peers has resulted in the deathof one Tibetan and the serious injury of twoothers.Chinese security personnel opened fire on acrowd of Tibetans in Pema of the Golok regionon Tuesday after arresting one Tibetan for hissuspected participation in January anti-Chinaprotests.Increased security had been implemented in theregion after January's protests in which aChinese flag was pulled off a governmentbuilding. Many escaped from their homes to

The nuns incense burning in Dargo, during the H.H the Dalai lama's Brith day On 6th july 2011.Photo: TPI

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

New Delhi: - Beginning at 10:15 AM this morningsixteen members of The Tibetan Youth CongressRohini protested the meeting of Chinese ForeignMinister Yang Jiechi and Indian Foreign MinisterSM Krishna and were detained by police for doingso.The students, eight of whom were female andeight of whom were male, gathered outside of the

Kalon Tripa Awarded Gold Medal

DUBLIN, 1 March: Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay,was awarded the Gold Medal of the CollegeHistorical Society of Trinity College Dublin forOutstanding Contribution to Public Discourse bythe Auditor of the Society, Ms Ursula Ni Choill.Addressing a packed audience on Trinity College’scampus, Dr Sangay said: "It is an honour and aprivilege for me to be here in Dublin and to accept

Kalon Tripa being presented with Gold Medal of theCollege Historical Society of Trinity College Dublin by

the Society’s Auditor, Ms Ursu Ni Choill.(Photo: Bryan O'Brien / THE IRISH TIMES)

Tibetan Students Arrested in Nepal

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Dharamsala: Today, flyers were distributed for athird time near the Sok Tsenden Monastery ,callingfor the return of the Dalai Lama and for the freedomof Tibet.This is not the first time flyers have been dispersed

Dharamsala: His name is Tsetan Dorjee. He is 35years old, and he has decided to stage a peacemarch in honor of the 53rd anniversary of the 10thof March uprising. In doing so, Tsetan plans tomarch from Dharamsala to the Tibetan border,accompanied by his mother and sister.

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

By Tibetan Youth Congress

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

See Page 3 ...

See Page 2 ...

Tsetan Dorjee, 35 years old, has decided to stage apeace march in honor of the 53rd anniversary of the

10th of March uprising. Photo: TPI

See Page 5 ...

Protest During 15th Sino-India border talk in newDelhi-17-1-2012 photo: RTYC Rohini

criticized unequal hiring practices exercised by theChinese, and addressed the need for greaterautonomy within the Tibetan province. He alsoechoed his request to the international communityto send a fact-finding delegation into Tibet.

Dr Sangay placed a great deal of emphasis on thedenial of fundamental human rights to Tibetans,stating "Today, there is no space for anyconventional protests such as hunger strikes,

The Tibet Post2 TPI EXLIE15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

53rd Anniversary of NationalTibetan Women’s Uprising Day

By Gillian Stewart, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: Hundreds of womenmarched from McLeod Ganj to LowerDharamsala today, in order to mark the53rd Anniversary of National TibetanWomen's Uprising Day. Manybusinesses in McLeod Ganj were closedand the town was markedly quieterwithout many of its female citizens, withmany Tibetan nuns, schoolgirls andwomen choosing to show their supportfor their countrywomen by taking partin the march from Tsuglagkhang toLower Dharamsala.The Twelfth of March commemoratesthe women's uprising of 1959 in Lhasa,which followed the Tenth of Marchuprising against Chinese forces. Themarch today is especially poignant,following a spate of self-immolationsfrom within Tibet during the past year -most notably those of a young womanand a single mother of four.The Tibetan Women's Association(TWA)issued a statementcommemorating the uprising, praisingthe strength of the Free Tibet movement,and expressing concern for those insideTibet:"We remain gravely worried about the

demonstrations and even peacefulgatherings in Tibet. Tibetans aretherefore taking extreme actions suchas the measures taken by the 26Tibetans who have committed self-immolations since 2009. The fault herelies squarely with the hardline leadersin Beijing, as does the solution. Theseself-immolations are an emphaticrejection of the empty promises of theso-called ‘socialist paradise.'"Gianni Vernetti spoke on behalf of theItalian Parliament to show solidarity withthe Tibetan people. In his speech, hedeclared that self-immolations are adirect result of the military occupationof Tibet and the denial of freedom ofexpression and religious beliefs. He alsocriticized the Chinese government'sundeclared martial law in Tibet, statingthat the Italian Parliament adopted aresolution asking for a formal initiativedemanding that the government ofChina end violence in Tibet, allowingfor freedom of religion, and a resumingof dialogue with The Dalai Lama."For more than 60 years after the militaryoccupation of Tibet in 1959 thegovernment of the People's Republic ofChina has been implementing a policyof forced assimilation andmarginalization of Tibet. Human rightsare being systematically denied to theTibetan people. They are deprived of

all political freedom and Tibetanlanguage and culture are being graduallyassimilated." Vernetti said.Two speeches were also given by menwho intended to initiate peacefulmarches on behalf of Tibet.Amongst them is Tsetsen Dorjee, whointends to initiate a peaceful march backto Tibet with his mother and sister today.In an interview with Phayul, he claimedthat the march will raise awarenessabout the Tibetan cause. His intentionis also to call for the return of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.After his speech, a number of weepingattendees offered him money to helphim along his way.A man named Migmar also gave aspeech while wearing a black blindfoldaround his eyes. During his speech,he declared his intention to travelaround India wearing the blindfold torepresent the blindness of theinternational community to the Tibetanissue.The attendees also engaged in a shortprayer ceremony to honor thoseTibetans who have died for the causeof bringing human rights to Tibet.Afterwards, the attendees marched tolower Dharamsala.Uprising Day is observed on March10 to remember the Tibetans who roseup in armed resistance against theChinese invasion force.

53rd Tibetan Uprising Day ........... Continues From front Page

They will bring with them five demandsfor the future of Tibet. Tsetan'sdetermination to complete this journeyis unwaivering. "I might be arrested, orgo to jail, or even die but it doesn'tmatter, I will not stop until Tibet getsfreedom or until the Chinesegovernment accepts my demands".Tsetan Dorjee was born in 1977 inLabrang, a town in the Amdo region ofTibet. In his youth he studied for threeyears at primary school beforebecoming a monk in 1993 at the LabrangTashi Kyil monastery.Three years later he journeyed toKanataka to join the Dripong Gomangmonastery and in 1997 Tseten returnedto Tibet. He returned again to India in1998 and joined TTS, a school in thevalley below Dharamsala. In 2008 Tsetanmet and married an Israeli girl, GangkarLhatso, and they returned to Israelwhere they had two children. He haswritten four books in Tibetan.Q: When you discussed your plans with

your wife, did she support you?A: "No, it was difficult for her at firstbecause she has a country, she has ahome and cannot completelyunderstand the position of someonewho has lost their country and theirhome. If we only think about our familysituation then we cannot struggle forour country. Finally, she agreed with mystruggle and took legal custody of ourchildren so that I might pursue mycause".Q: What is the meaning behind yourdemands to the Chinese government?A: They are as follows:1.) Without any conditions, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama must beallowed to return to his homeland, Tibet.2.) Without any conditions, the11thPanchenRinpocheGedunChoekyiNyimaand all the Tibetan political prisonersmust be released.3.) Without any conditions, Tibetansmust be provided with the freedom tolearn their own language in schools and

monasteries.4.) Tibetans in Tibet must be providedwith the full freedom to preserve theirculture and traditions.5.) There must be an immediatewithdrawal of all the soldiers from Tibetwho are oppressing the Tibetanspeople.Q: Who decided to join your march?

A: My mother, Dongpo Kyi, who is 54,and my sister, Lhamo Kyi, who is 18.Lhamo is currently studying at Bir SujiaSchool, 9th class.Tsetan Dorje is sacrificing his family lifeand himself for the Tibetan cause. Hehas legally separated from his wife sothat he may carry out his mission. He issupported by his wife and children andwill be joined by his mother and sisterin his journey back to his homeland,Tibet.His hope is that China and the worldwill meet his demands and empathizewith the plight of the Tibetan people.

........ March to Tibet...... Continues From front Page

well-being of 850 known Tibetanpolitical prisoners languishing inChinese prisons, and fear for thoseliving under the constant threat ofarbitrary detentions, disappearances,and the ruthless military control ofTibetan areas. The undeniable presenceof armed security confirms China's opendeclaration of 'war' against Tibet andhas created a cauldron of tensionsamongst the international community.During their march, the TWApronounced Chinese President HuJintao to be a failed leader andcondemned his brutal policies ofbloodshed and provocation in Tibet"(TWA).Kirti Dolka Lhamo, president of theTibetan Womens' Association, issueda speech next to the Tsuglagkhang,condemning the suffering in Tibet andoutlining the productivity of theAssociation in the past.On March, 12, 1959 two days after theNational Uprising Day, thousands ofwomen gathered in front of the PotalaPalace in Lhasa. This demonstrationwas the spark that initiated the Tibetanwomen's movement for independence.

Enormous processions were carried outin the streets of Lhasa andindependence memoranda was handedto the Chinese authorities, coincidingwith appeals to Consulates inneighbouring India, Nepal and Bhutanin Lhasa. Chinese authoritiesresponded by resorting to brute forceand arrested the leaders of themovement and many other innocentwomen. They were sentenced toindefinite prison terms, and many ofthem were mercilessly beaten to death.However, these repressive measures didnot dampen the women's courage.After forty-years of occupation, Tibetanwomen inside Tibet continue to play apivotal role in the struggle againstChina's illegal occupation of theircountry. Consequently, they sufferparticular brutality at the hands of theChinese authorities. Like their malecounterparts, Tibetan women continueto be imprisoned for participating inpeaceful non-violent demonstrations.They are also detained, sentenced andjailed, in many cases without any formaltrial, for activities such as displayingthe Tibetan national flag, distributingindependence posters and leaflets orcommunicating news and information.Today, one of TWA's main objectivesis to promote awareness at the local andinternational level of human rightsabuses in Tibet, particularly thosetargeted at women, such as gender-specific torture and forced sterilizationand abortions. The TWA alsoemphasizes the preservation of Tibetantraditions in exile, by organizingactivities promoting Tibetan culture andreligion. TWA has also initiated projectsto address the various social welfare,educational and environmental needsof the exiled community.TWA's expansion is now representedby 56 regional chapters and 16,000members across the globe. They seekto empower Tibetan women in exile onsocial, political, economic, cultural andeducational grounds. Today, on the 53rdanniversary of the Tibetan NationalWomen's Uprising Day, they alsoannounced a fellowship for a Bachelorof Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery."I think a great contribution has beenmade by women both inside and outsideof Tibet. Outside Tibet, Tibetan womenare participating more forcefully andeffectively at various levels in manyfields, and also the women's

associations are very active in socialactivities, especially education. TheTibetan Women's Association has alsomade a great contribution to the freedomstruggle. Inside Tibet, in recent years,nuns have been leading most of thedemonstrations in Tibet. The past alsoreveals many brave women who havestruggled peacefully for freedom. Onthe 12th of March, 1959, a big women'sdemonstration took place in Lhasa andmany heroic activities happened. Sothere has been a great contributionmade".- His Holiness The Dalai Lama, as statedin an interview to TWA on July 20, 1995,Dharamsala H.P. India

Tibetans From Kham Bawa OfferTenshug to His Holiness

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

DHARAMSHALA: Tibetans, both inand outside Tibet representing Bawaregion of Tibet's traditional province ofKham, offered long life prayers(Tenshug) to His Holiness the DalaiLama in Dharamsala yesterday.Thanking the Bawa Tibetan communityfor organising the Tenshug ceremony,His Holiness the Dalai Lama said thesmall region of Bawa has producedmany learned Buddhist scholars,including renowned senior masters likePema Gyaltsen and Nyima Gyaltsen.His Holiness said he had theopportunity to receive many teachingsfrom these two masters.His Holiness the Dalai Lama continued

Tibetans from Kham Bawa hold Long Life Prayer Ceremony for His Holiness the DalaiLama at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, India, on 7 March 2012. Photo: TPI

to say that many important politicalfigures have also evolved from Khamprovince such as Bawa PhuntsokWangyal, Bawa Tashi Tsering andYangling Dorje. His Holinessrecounted his relationship with BawaPhuntsok Wangyal, a Tibetancommunist official, and described himas one of the great nationalists.His Holiness also mentioned about abook written by Tibetan communistofficial Yangling Dorje after the rise ofZhao Ziyang to the Chinese leadership."It was a remarkable book. Had theChinese government implemented therecommendations of Yangling Dorje,the current unrest in Tibet would nothave occurred at all. There was hopefor a positive outcome, but it wasthwarted by hardline stand of aChinese leader at that time. As a result,even today the Chinese governmentis unable to cope with the situation inTibet. As for Tibetans, we have beenundergoing suffering for many years,"His Holiness said.His Holiness lauded those Tibetansfrom Bawa who have made greatservice for both spiritual and politicalcause of Tibet.Similarly, His Holiness the Dalai Lamasaid, the present and futuregenerations of Bawa must make greatefforts in education, develop sincerityand courage to work for the cause ofTibet.

TPI TIBETThe Tibet Post 315 March, 2012 Dharamsala

Teenage Tibetan Self-Immolatesin Wake of Increasing Oppression

in Ngaba

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala- A press release from theexile base of Kirti Monastery hasreported that a teenager named Dorje,age 18, has become the third Tibetanto commit self-immolation this week,and the twenty-sixth to commit self-immolation since 2009.He allegedly immolated at 6.30 PM onMarch 5 while marching towards thelocal government building in ChaTownship. Sources say that heshouted slogans of protest against thesevere policies implemented in NgabaCounty.The locals did not put out the flames,nor did security forces arrive quicklyenough to extinguish Dorje. As aconsequence, he passed away duringthe protest.He belonged to the Garkyatsanghousehold and his father's name isChacha.Chinese Security Forces were slow toarrive at the scene, but forcibly tookthe remains of Dorje from the local

A Teenage Schoolgirl and a Mother ofFour Self-Immolate in Protest

Tibet: - A Teenage Schoolgirl in Amdoregion and a Mother of Four in NgabaCounty have become the two latestTibetans to commit self-immolation inprotest of the Chinese government.Tsering Kyi, 19, and Rinchen, 33, havebecome the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth Tibetans to commit acts of self-immolation since 2009.Tsering Kyi committed her act of protestin a busy market in Machu, located inthe traditional Amdo region of Tibet, at3.00 PM Tibetan time on March 3.According to sources, local vendorsthrew stones at Tsering while sheburned.Chinese Security Personnel arrived onthe scene and attempted to lock downthe market by confiscating cell phonesand issuing strict orders to locals notto discuss Tsering’s protest, whichalmost prompted a conflict betweenlocal Tibetans and Chinese SecurityForces. In addition, local websites inthe region have been shut down.Tsering’s body is currently in thecustody of Chinese Security Forces.Rinchen, mother of four children,performed her protest at 6.30 AM onMarch 4 in Ngaba County in front of aspecial security office located in frontof Kirti Monastery. She was confirmedto be dead at the scene, and her remainswere recovered by the monks of KirtiMonastery.The special security office was set upas a measure to prevent further protestsby the monks in Kirti Monastery, whohave been under increasing pressurefrom The Communist Party to ceaseprotesting the Chinese Government.Rinchen was the mother of four children,the youngest of whom is only a fewmonths old. Her self immolation protestfollows the passing of the children’sfather last year.During her protest, she shouteddemands that His Holiness the Dalai

By Dane Holding, Tibet Post

list of recent self-immolations in Tibet. Photo: TPI/File

people.Dorje is the third Tibetan to commit anact of self-immolation this week, thefirst being a teenage girl named TseringKyi on March 3, and the second beinga mother named Rinchen, in Ngaba onMarch 4.These protests have occurred not onlyin the wake of the Chinese imposingmore stringent policies in Tibet, but areoccurring with greater frequency asUprising Day approaches on March 10.As a consequence, many parts of Tibetare considered to be under undeclaredmartial-law, which has beenimplemented as a measure to reduce thenumber of self-immolations and protestsagainst Chinese rule.This is particularly true in NgabaCounty, where greater securitymeasures have been implemented dueto both the sheer number of self-immolations that have occurred thereand past resistance to the CommunistParty by the monks in Kirti Monastery.

Tibetans Demonstrate in Assam

By Nava Thakuria

Lama be allowed to return to Tibet andfor Tibetan Freedom.Ngaba County has been the site ofsixteen of the twenty-four self-immolation protests since 2009. Theseprotests have resulted in heavyregulations in the area, specifically onKirti Monastery, by Chinese SecurityForces.One reporter from The Guardian, whomanaged to sneak past ChineseSecurity Forces, described the area asreminiscent of conflict zones in Iraq andNorthern Ireland, and that the weaponsthat the Security Forces were using were“medieval.”Since Rinchen’s self-immolation protest,measures that Chinese Security Forcesemploy have allegedly become evenmore stringent.News regarding the condition of RigzinDorje and Lobsang Kunchok, two KirtiMonastery Monks who committed actsof self-immolation, has also surfaced.Rigzin Dorje, 19, who committed an actof self-immolation on February 8, passedaway in a Chinese military hospital onFebruary 21. He lived in Me’urumaTownship in Ngaba, and was theyoungest of six siblings.According to Kirti Monastery, the

Chinese government declined to returnthe remains to the family or to theMonastery, but rather cremated Rigzinwithout proper Buddhist Ceremony.In addition, the Chinese Government isstrongly discouraging locals in NgabaCounty from having prayer vigils orreligious ceremonies for Rigzin.Lobsang Kunchok - a monk in his lateteens who committed self-immolationon September 26, 2011, while shoutingprotests against the ChineseGovernment - has had all of his limbsamputated.Sources say that he is currently beingfed through a tube while suffering abusefrom hospital staff for aspiring to“destroy his country.”His family is currently being denied theright to visit him.The official stance of the ChineseGovernment is that any act of self-immolation is considered to be terrorism.They also assert that The Dalai Lamaand The Tibetan Government in Exilefully support all acts of self-immolation.Meanwhile, Tibetan authorities outsideof Tibet have expressed concern thatthese kinds of protests may increasewith Uprising Day fast approaching onMarch 10.

Guwahati: The people of Assam innortheast India had seen the Tibetanflag for the first time, as hundreds ofTibetans in the region observed 53rdTibetan National Uprising Day inGuwahati on March 10.Clad in traditional dress and holdingTibetan national flags along with theIndian tricolor, the nearly 300 Tibetanexiles moved through the streets ofGuwahati, the virtual capital northeastIndia. A rally was also organized at thebank of historic Dighalipukhuri in thecity, where Tibetan leaders and Assambased intellectuals delivered inspiringspeeches. The day long activitiesculminated with a candlelightprocession in the evening."We have organized the March 10

Uprising Day for the first time inGuwahati, commemorating Tibetansfirst massive uprising against theChinese occupation in 1959. Itrepresents an important day of nationalpride for Tibetans everywhere and hastraditionally been a day of protest insideand outside of Tibet", said DawaThakchoe, an activist-organizer, whobriefed the local media.March 10th also marks the 53rdanniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama's exitfrom Tibet (to India through ArunachalPradesh and Assam) after the uprisingagainst the Chinese authority failed. Itwas followed by the Chineseaggression towards India in 1962, whenthe Chinese troops arrived in Tezpur of

Assam, after capturing ArunchalPradesh. The Communist forces soonfled afterwards, as Beijing receivedwarnings from America and Francefollowing pleas from Jawaharlal Nehru.Organized by the Tibetan SolidarityCommunity of Northeast India, theSaturday protest march was joined byTibetans living in various States ofMeghalaya, Nagaland, ArunachalPradesh and Assam.A statement from Tibetan exilegovernment head, Dr. Lobsang Sangay,was read aloud both in Tibetan andEnglish.Dr. Lobsang, to whom the Dalai Lamaceded political power last year, urgedthe UN to live up to its objective andaddress the crisis in Tibet throughsending a delegation to Tibet.The international community andmedia must send a fact-findingdelegation into Tibet to remove the veilof censorship and disinformationcampaign, he insisted.The prime minister of Tibetan exilegovernment also appealed to theofficials and member states of ASEANand SAARC to include the issue ofTibet on their agendas. However, heclarified that the Tibetan struggle isnot against the Chinese people orChina as a nation. It is against the PRCgovernments politics. China must

acknowledge the depth of the problemsin Tibet and understand that theycannot be solved through violence, headded."To address the tragedy in Tibet, I callon Beijing to accept our Middle WayPolicy, which seeks genuine autonomyfor Tibetans within the framework ofthe Chinese constitution, as proposedin the Memorandum and Note of 2008

and 2010 respectively". Hong Kongand Macau have been granted a highdegree of autonomy. Despiteresistance from Taiwan, China hasoffered them a high degree ofautonomy towards re-unification."Why are Tibetans still not grantedgenuine autonomy, as stipulated in theChinese constitutions?", questionedthe prime minister.

Hyderabad House, where the meetingbetween Krishna and Yang was takingplace, draped in Tibetan flags anddisplaying anti-Chinese signs. Theprotesters shouted slogans like the"Communist Chinese regime has nobusiness talking about a border whichdoes not belong to them." Shortlythereafter, they were detained by policeforces.Yang is visiting India in order to laythe groundwork for Chinese PresidentHu Jintao's trip to India in March.While visiting, Hu will participate inthe BRICS summit with

representatives of the emerging worldpowers of Brazil, Russia, India, andSouth Africa. There, a host of issueswill be discussed.Additionally, tensions were raised overthe issue of northern ArunachalPradesh, which China claims to be apart of Tibet, and by extension withinits borders. Tibetan protesters wereupset that The People's Republic ofChina was exploiting historic Tibetanborders to exert pressure on India.The students are currently in thecustody of police forces at TheParliament Street Police Station.

TYC Members Detained for ProtestingChinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Delhi ......... Continues From front Page

The Tibet Post4 15 March, 2012 Dharamsala

Hundreds of Tibetans and TaiwaneseCommemorate Uprising of 1959

Taipei: Tibetan community members andsupporters in Taipei, the capital ofTaiwan have joined the worldwidecommemorations of the March 10 TibetanNational Uprising that occurred in 1959in Tibetan capital Lhasa, after a halfcentury of the Chinese invasion of Tibetand to remember the Tibetans who haveset themselves on fire to protest China'sviolation of their freedoms of religion andexpression.An ocean of Tibetan flags, banners andsupporters marched through the busystreets of Taipei amid a head-turningoutpouring of solidarity as 53rdAnniversary of Tibetan national uprisingwas marked in Taiwan.Here in Taipei, carrying model coffinscovered with Tibetan flags and withpictures of the 28 Tibetans who haveself-immolated in protest at Chinese rulein Tibet since March last year, 18 of whomhave died, and following banners thatread "Burned for Tibet" and "Immolatedfor freedom," nearly 1000 Tibetans andsupporters chanting slogans marchedfrom the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT stationto Taipei 101. Fifiteen members ofvarious Tibetan NGOs from India whoare currently visiting Taiwan also haveparticipated Taipei March.Tibet was an independent country untilthe Chinese invasion in 1950, whichturned us into refugees," RegionalTibetan Youth Congress Taiwanpresident Tenzin Chompel tolddemonstrators before they began theirmarch. "Since 1950, we Tibetans havebeen fighting for our freedom, andrecently 28 people set themselves on firefor our freedom and religion."Tibetans have never ceased theirresistance to Chinese occupation sincethe invasion in 1950. In 1959, a large-scale uprising occurred, leading to abrutal crackdown by the Chinese, andthe escape of the 14th Dalai Lama acrossthe Himalayas into Tibet."For [exiled Tibetans'] right to go homeand for the independence of our country,we will continue the struggle," TenzinChompel said.Taiwan Friends of Tibet president ChowMei-li called on Taiwanese to show theirsupport for the Tibetans' struggle,because the majority of Taiwanese, likeTibetans, are Buddhists.She also urged President Ma Ying-jeou'sgovernment to speak out on Tibet andcurrent Chinese crackdowns in theHimalayan region."When President Ma keeps silent asTibetans suffer, he is an accomplice," shesaid. "Ma should stop all cross-straitreligious exchanges until Chinawithdraws armed forces from Tibetantemples and monasteries."

By The Tibet Post International

DPP legislator Chen Chiech is amongst the protesters during the 10th March Uprsing inTaipei, Taiwan, 10th March 2012. Photo: TPI

TPI TIBET’S UPRISING DAY

...... Continues From front Page

this award with deep humility on behalfof the Tibetan people, inside and outsideTibet. Thank you for giving thisrecognition to the Tibetan struggle. Anysuch recognition of support is very muchappreciated and gives voice to thevoiceless inside Tibet."After giving an amusing and wellreceived account of his upbringing inIndia, his 16 years spent in the UnitedStates of America, and his election lastyear as the Kalon Tripa, he summarisedit all with: "From my parents selling oneof their three cows for 500 rupees to sendme to school to my becoming Kalon Tripahas been my destiny, my karma, and Iwill do the best I can. Ultimately, it will bethe Tibetan spirit, the Tibetan pride thatwill carry our struggle forward, and it is aprivilege and honour to serve theTibetan people."Self-ImmolationsReferring to the recent and growingnumber of self-immolations by Tibetansinside Tibet, he said: "Since 2009, 24Tibetans have self-immolated - including12 already in 2012 - and 14 have died,others have been badly injured and somehave disappeared. Given a choice,anyone would live rather than die, tospend time with their parents, family andfriends. But Tibetans are doing sobecause they have no other means ofcalling for freedom and for the return ofthe Dalai Lama. When you cannot havea peaceful demonstration, or paste upposters, or have a rally - when there isno possibility for protest without thelikelihood of being arrested or shot, thentheir only way is self-immolation.""In Tunisia, one led to the Arab Spring.Our biggest worry is that self-immolatorswill become numbers, rather than human

beings with lives and families, just likeus.""His Holiness the Dalai Lama has alwaysdiscouraged them and I also haveappealed for them to refrain - but theycontinue to choose this method to senda message to the world: ‘We want ourdignity'. The Chinese government,instead of responding positively andpeacefully, has sent hundreds oftruckloads of armed forces with guns intoTibet, journalists have been banned, andeven Chinese people have beenforbidden from visiting Tibet."We are concerned that many Tibetanswill gather on the forthcoming 10thMarch and that they will be shot at. Butwe are still, after 50 years, committed tonon-violence. This is one of our fourprinciples. We seek genuine autonomywith the People's Republic of China inaccordance with the ChineseConstitution. Yet still the hard-liners inBeijing respond with guns and violence.""Tibet is also of global environmentalimportance - Asia's rivers begin in Tibet,which also has the world's third largestsupply if ice - Tibet is the Earth's ThirdPole. Already half of our pristine forestshave been cut down and are lost for ever."The Tibetan struggle is real, it is tragic,and we are fighting against all odds. Myjob description is extremely difficult, butfor thousands of year Tibetans havesurvived at the highest part of the world.Genetically we are strong and our identityis strong and we will remain strong untilour Dalai Lama returns to Tibet."In many ways our struggle is similar tothe Irish experience. When the GoodFriday Agreement was signed it was aninspiration to us. It proves that, step bystep, reconciliation is possible where

many people think it is impossible. In thatsense it is fitting that I am beingrecognised here in Ireland as arepresentative of the Tibetan people."Universal Human RightsAsked to comment on Ireland'sdeveloping trade links with China, DrSangay said: "It is for the leaders of anindividual country to decide how youwant to define and determine your identity.We do not want a negative relationshipwith any country, including China. Ifdeveloping trade between Ireland andChina helps people get out of povertythat is a good thing."But Ireland is also an example that humanrights are universal. Ireland is foundedon the principle of freedom and manyfought and died for that principle. Thequestion for Irish people is: how much doyou treasure that principle?"Human rights should be equallyimportant to economic rights and profits.Bread, butter and shelter are not all weask for as human beings - because beinghuman is more than that. What did Irishpeople fight and die for? Tibetans havethe same aspirations as you."Then asked: "What is the ChineseGovernment afraid of?" Dr Sangayreplied: "That is a good question for XiJinping! There is nothing for them to beafraid of - the Chinese authorities have2.5 million soldiers in Tibet, 3.0 millionincluding paramilitary forces withautomatic machine guns, for 6.0 millionTibetans, or one to every two Tibetans."We Tibetans are absolutely confidentthat our day will come - just as Irelandhad its day, and Northern Ireland had itsday."Report by Tibet Support Group Ireland

Kalon Tripa Awarded Gold Medal at Trinity College, Dublin...

A number of Democratic ProgressiveParty (DPP) politicians - includinglegislators Tuan Yi-kang, Yu Mei-nu,Chen Chieh-ju, Taipei City CouncilorChien Yu-yen, former Tainan Countycommissioner Su Huan-chih and DPPdeputy secretary-general Kao Chien-chih- took part in the march."I'm ashamed to be the citizen of acountry where government officials haveclose ties with Chinese officials andpretend they do not see what ishappening in Tibet - I apologize to you[Tibetans] for it," Tuan said. "But I assureyou that not all Taiwanese are cowardslike our government officials."Once the parade reached Sun Yat-senMemorial Hall, all of the marchers laydown on the road in silence for three

minutes in memory of Tibetans who hadsacrificed their lives for the Tibetancause."When you lie on the street, think of theTibetans who fell on the soil of Tibetbecause they were shot by Chinesetroops as they took to the streets callingfor freedom, just as we are doing now,"one parade organizer said.In addition to Tibetans and theirTaiwanese supporters, there wereparticipants from many countries."The Tibetan situation is getting moreand more severe, and it's unacceptableto anyone in the world. That's whypeople in many countries around theworld are taking to the streets today toexpress their support for Tibet," said JulieCouderc, a French national and doctoralstudent at National Taiwan University'sGraduate Institute of NationalDevelopment. "This is also why I feelthat I must come here to stay with theTibetans - human rights is the mostfundamental thing."Amnesty International Taiwan boardmember Tashi Tsering, an Indian-bornTibetan-Taiwanese, thanked theTaiwanese for their support, which, hesaid, made them proud of telling exiledTibetans in India that they are fromTaiwan."I've been in Taiwan for 14 years. Tenyears ago, we felt ashamed to tell otherTibetans that we're from Taiwan, becauseat the time, no one knew about theTibetan issue, and that the governmentconsidered Tibet an inseparable part ofthe Republic of China," Tashi said."Now we're proud to tell other Tibetanswhere we're from, because all Tibetansliving in exile or within Tibet can see howsupportive the Taiwanese are of ourstruggle for freedom," Tashi said.

Hundreds of People CommemorateTibet's Uprising of 1959 in London

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

Hundreds of Tibetans and ‘Free Tibet’ supporters in London marching on 10th March2012. Photo: TPI

London: An ocean of Tibetan flags,banners and supporters marchedthrough the busy streets of London amida head-turning outpouring of solidarityas 53rd Anniversary of Tibetan nationaluprising was marked in Britain. Around700 marched from 10 Downing Streetthrough the busy streets of the capital,raising their voices, urgency andmessage of solidarity amid gainingsupport on the way to the Chineseembassy.Amplifying the urgent message fromTibet into the hearts and minds of theBritish public and politicians, a peacefulmarch of solidarity marking the March10th 1959 uprising, supporters sent aclear message: the world needs to act,Tibetans in Tibet will not be forgotten.

A coalition of UK Tibet groups beganoutside Downing Street, where anofficial letter was handed over whichcalled upon Prime Minister DavidCameron to make a public statement onthe rapidly deteriorating human rightssituation in Tibet. The letter urges Chinato ease tensions in Tibet by immediatelywithdrawing its armed forces fromTibetan regions, and for Prime MinisterCameron to personally ask President HuJintao to allow international observers,world media and humanitarian agenciesinto Tibet.Traffic stopped and shoppers stared, asthe peaceful march led its way past theiconic Trafalgar Square, through thebusy shopping centre of Oxford Street,and finally to the Chinese Embassy atPortland Place.A minute of silence was held for thosesuffering under Chinese rule in Tibet,and the revered Geshe Tashi sung aprayer (tse may yonten) written by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama.The performance of a Tibetan song ofunity, which was originally written by aTibetan songwriter and has sincebecome an anthem both in and outsidethe Land of Snows, was performed tothe awestruck audience of protestersand passers-by.A statement by Kalon Tripa (PrimeMinister) Lobsang Sangay was read tothose gathered, which emphasised hownon-violence and democracy are two ofthe constant principles of the Tibetanstruggle. It stated:‘I also call on old and new friends aliketo re-invigorate the Tibet support groupsaround the world, we need you more thanever at this critical time. To our dearbrothers and sisters in Tibet, you arealways in our hearts. In our hearts wewill walk side by side with you untilfreedom is restored, and when HisHoliness Dalai Lama returns to Tibet.'A passionate speech was led by TseringPasang, who last month convened agroup of UK based Tibetans, meetingwith representatives of the Foreign andCommonwealth office and the Londonbased European Council in the UK. Inhis rallying speech, he stated:"Tibetan freedom! Tibetan justice! Moreand more Tibetans and Tibet supportersare informing the public about thesituation in Tibet. We are calling forinternational intervention; such actionshave had a positive effect. Today, on the53rd anniversary of the national uprising,outside the Chinese embassy, I wish tosay to those in Beijing: your Chineseeconomy sucks! Your attempt to wipeout the nomadic and peaceful Tibetanculture is not only sickening, it is

Continues on Page 5 ...

The Tibet Post 515 March, 2012 Dharamsala

Taiwanese Lawmakers To Honor March UprisingDay of Tibet

By The Tibet Post International

Taipei: Two Taiwanese DPP LegislatorsChen Chiech-Ju and Wu Yi-chen speaksout for Tibet in Taiwan's congress, on 9March 2012. Taiwanese Minister LuoYing-shay came under fire Saturday forturning down an invitation fromlawmakers to take part in a paradetomorrow to mark the 53rd anniversaryof the 1959 Tibetan uprising againstChinese rule.Will you join me in the parade to showyour support for Tibetans' struggle forfreedom?" Democratic ProgressiveParty (DPP) Legislator Tuan Yi-kangasked Luo during a question-and-answer session at a meeting of thelegislature's Internal AdministrationCommittee. Finally four Taiwanlawmakers will join in the parade to mark53rd Tibetan National Uprising Day inthe capital on Sunday.According to a report by Taipei Times,Luo said Saturday that she fullyunderstood the situation in Tibet andsympathized with the Tibetans in theirstruggle, but declined to join the parade."I will not take part in it. I am agovernment official, and I have to takeeverything into consideration. I will nottake part in such a politically orientedevent," she said, adding that despiteher decision, she would not intervene ifother commission staff wanted to jointhe march. Her response drew criticismnot only from Tuan, but also from otherDPP and Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU)lawmakers.DPP and TSU lawmakers alsocondemned Taiwanese government fornot wanting to take part in Sunday'sparade and for not making an officialstatement condemning human rights

Taiwanese DPP Legislators Chen Chiech visiting Tibetans protesters in Taipei, Taiwan.Photo: TPI

here. On the 16th of December, 2011police entered the monastery toinvestigate a similar incident, with onemonk under suspicion.That same monk, Kelsang Tsultrim age19, disappeared one month later, on the15th of January 2012. Inititally, Kelsang'sfather, Ang Juk, friends, and familysuspected that he had escaped.However, they have not heard from himsince then and now believe he had beenarrested by Chinese authorities.On the same day, January 15th, the

Chinese also arrested four other monks,Choeying Jampa and Choeying Lobga,who were detained and interrogated forten days; and Choeying Lojam andChoepel, who were given a sentence ofundetermined duration a the beginningof February. Choeying Lojam andChoepel were initially arrested forhaving contraband images on theirlaptops, namely pictures of the selfimmolations at Ngaba Kirti Monastery.They are being held in the Nagchoecounty prison.

Monks Arrested ........... Continues From front Page

protests which have occurred since2009.During their detention, the studentsstaged an unsuccessful hunger strikein order to appeal for their release.The Office of the High Commissionerfor Human Rights has expressedconcern for ongoing denial of humanrights to Tibetans in Nepal who attendpro-Tibetan or anti-Chinese rallies. TheUN body monitoring human rights in

Nepal was closed December 8, 2011.The United Nations Council on HumanRights has chided Nepal for its ongoingdenial of human rights to Tibetanrefugees, particularly their denial of theright to gather to Tibetans and Nepalisof Tibetan origin.The Nepal government, who has strongeconomic ties with the Chinese,officially recognizes that Tibet is a partof China.

Students Arrested in Kathmandu

...... Continues From front Page

unsustainable! Your attempt to silencethe voices of the Tibetan people, whocall for freedom, democracy and thereturn of the Dalai Lama have notsucceeded, and these will never succeedin the future. You can kill and tortureTibetans but you will never break ourspirit. We will uncover your lies. We willtear down your great firewalls. We willsee the end of communism in Tibet. Wewill resist. And we will rise'.‘Tibetans in Tibet, we are with you!'Director of Students for a free Tibet UK,Pema Yoko inspirationally called uponTibetans and supports in exile, urgingthe public to:‘Pick up your phones, lobby your MPs:Put pressure on China.' She added:‘Tibetans in Tibet have seen what'shappened in Libya, and Syria, they wantto be there today, people around theworld are saying the time is up for thedictators: Tibetans in Tibet are sayingtime is up for China. Every time they lightthat flame and immolating, they arehoping that this time, their suffering willspeak out to the world. Tibet will be free,we will gain our independence, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama will return tothe Potala Palace. Bhoe gyalo!'The day of solidarity concluded inLondon with the Tibetan nationalanthem. Tenzin Tsephel of Students fora Free Tibet UK highlighted the successof the event:‘Tibetans inside Tibet instead of takingon arms, they are making the ultimatesacrifice they can make, to use

themselves: to set themselves on fire andoffer their lives for freedom. It's been 53years since Tibetan since Tibetans roseup against Chinese rule, we are reallypleased with how many came to showtheir support, not just Tibetans but ahuge variety of supporters'.Across Britain growing support waspursued for Tibet, amid a week oflobbying Members of Parliament. The53rd anniversary was observed inEdinburgh with a peace walk, to markthe Tibetan National Uprising, andflowers were laid along with pictures ofTibetans that have been killed or self-immolated outside the EdinburghChinese embassy.Since January this year 13 Tibetans haveset themselves alight amid a worseningcrisis; 11 have been known to have died.

...... Continues From Page 4

TPI TIBET’S UPRISING DAY

Australians Support TibetanMarch 10th National Uprising

Day

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Mr. Thupten Dhondup is among the Austrian supporters and Tibetans in Melbourne, 10thMarch 2012. Photo: TPI

Melbourne: Across Australia todayTibetan community members andsupporters have joined the worldwidecommemorations of the March 10Uprising that occurred in 1959, adecade after the Chinese invasion ofTibet. Today marks the 53rdanniversary of the Uprising and theensuing deadly crackdown by Chineseauthorities, as well as the 4thanniversary of similarly suppresseduprisings in 2008 in the lead-up to thecontroversial Beijing Olympics.Here in Melbourne, the large groupcongregated on the steps of Parliamentto hear several key speeches byCommunity leader Thupten Dhondup,Federal MP Kelvin Thomson, as wellas a representative for AustralianGreens MP Michael Danby, and GeorgeWoo and Frank Ruanjie of the ChineseDemocratic Party. Safeguarded by

members of the Federal Police andProtective Services, they marched fromParliament through the busy streets tothe Chinese Consulate to continue thedemonstration.Mr Thomson acknowledged theimmense suffering of the people inTibet and noted that the recent stringof tragic self-immolations was a signof desperation and a cause for concern,adding that "China is becoming verypowerful, but with power comesresponsibility". His address wasfollowed by a message of solidarity onbehalf of Greens MP Michael Danby,Chair of the All-Party ParliamentaryGroup for Tibet. Mr Danby'srepresentative spoke of the Greens'continuing support for Tibet and thehope of future meetings with H.H. theDalai Lama, regardless of the feelingsof the Liberal and Labor parties on the

matter.From the Chinese Democratic Party, MrGeorge Woo addressed his "Tibetanbrothers and sisters", telling them "Itis not only Tibetans who are suffering,but also the Chinese. We need to showthe world that Chinese and Tibetansare suffering, and who's to blame- theCPC [or CCP]". Others who attendedthe demonstration included AlisonRibush of the Australia-Tibet Council,and Sonam Dolkar, President of theMelbourne branch of the TibetanWomen's Association.Commemorative demonstrations werealso held at the Chinese Embassy inCanberra, the nation's capital,Sydney's Martin Place, Chinatown inBrisbane, and Perth. A silent vigil wasalso held in front of Parliament Housein Hobart. The demonstration inSydney drew particular attention, andappeared on the national televisionprogramme SBS World News Australialater in the evening.

violations committed by the Chinesegovernment in Tibet.Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)Legislator Tuan Yi-kang strongly urgedother congress members to join fourlawmakers in the parade to show theirsupport for Tibetans' struggle for

freedom. DPP and TSU lawmakers alsocondemned Taiwanese government fornot wanting to take part in Sunday'sparade and for not making an officialstatement condemning human rightsviolations committed by the Chinesegovernment in Tibet.

Tibetan Supporters in HongKong to Honor Uprising DayBy Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Hong Kong: - Supporters of the Tibetancause intend to hold a candlelight vigilin the cultural center of Tsim Sha Tsui onMarch 10 to honor the 53rd Uprising Daysince thousands of Tibetans chose torise up against the Chinese Invasion ofTibet, according to a press release byThe United Nations for a Free Tibet.These supporters in Hong Kong joinhuman rights activists in over 30countries to stand in solidarity againstthe increasingly dire situation inside ofTibet instigated by the oppressivepolicies of the Chinese Government.They intend to hold a candlelight vigilto honor Tibetans who have given theultimate sacrifice in order to protestagainst Chinese rule."As Tibetans in Tibet continue to resistChina's violent regime to the point oftaking their own lives in protest, we goto the streets to ensure that their callsfor freedom echo around the world." saidDorothy Hui, one of the Candlelight Vigilorganizers in Hong Kong, " We sharethe pain of the self-immolated Tibetanmartyrs and condemn the PRC'ssuppression in Tibet.""On 10 March 2012, We commemorateTibet Uprising day. The history ofresistance of Tibet is rich with the storiesof heroes, inside and outside of Tibet.All of them deserve to be rememberedand become an inspiration for continuingstruggles against China's occupation."said Brigitte von Bulow, chair of United

Nations for a Free Tibet."We vow tointensify our efforts in support ofTibetans who are engaging in resistanceto take back their freedom. We call onworld governments to intensify theirefforts to create multilateral pressure onChina and immediately end its siege onthe Tibetan nation before more lives arelost."China has recently announced that it'sintending to prepare for "war" against"Tibetan Saboteurs" who are aspiringto destroy their nation from within.A recent document released by the UNexpressed concerns about ChineseHuman rights abuses, and recommendedthat a fact-finding delegation be sent intoTibet. Additionally, it concluded thatChinese policies "Not only curtails theright to freedom of religion or belief, butfurther exacerbate the existing tensions,and are counterproductive."Since 2009, twenty-six Tibetans havecommitted self-immolation protestsagainst the Chinese government. Theirfrustration echoes the same sentimentsof those who partook in the originalUprising Day.

6 15 March, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet Post

US Under Secretary of Stateraises Tibetan issue at UN

GENEVA: Ms Maria Otero, US UnderSecretary of State for Civilian Security,Democracy, and Human Rightsaddressed the 19th Session of theHuman Rights Council in Geneva thismorning.Expressing US Government's graveconcern at the current situation in Tibet,Ms Otero said, "Lastly, the UnitedStates remains gravely concerned aboutrecent violence and continuing tensionsin Tibetan areas of China. We call on allgovernments including China to respectthe fundamental freedoms of religion

By Tibetan Administration Media:Tibet Net

UN Special Rapporteur challengesChina's forced resettlement policy

in Tibet

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Mr. Olivier De Schutter. Photo: AP

GENEVA, 6 March: The UN SpecialRapporteur right to food Mr. Olivier DeSchutter this afternoon challengedChina's forced resettlement policy inTibet during the interactive debate atthe UN Human Rights Council 19thSession in Geneva."I believe there are many seriousproblems in China and not least thesituation of herders in Tibet," he said.The Special Rapporteur's China reportwas released on 20 January 2012. Itcalled for the suspension of the non-voluntary resettlement of Tibetannomadic herders from their traditionallands. And said China must improveemployment opportunities, educationand health services in "new socialist"villages, in order to enable therealization of the right to adequate foodof all resettled rural habitants. He visitedChina in December 2010. (Read report)The report urged China to "allow for

At the UN Human Rights Council, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security,Democracy and Human Rights, Maria Otero, expressed that the US is concerned over Sri

Lanka as “time is slipping away” and requested that the LLRC recommendations beimplemented.

TPI INTERNATIONAL

meaningful consultations to take placewith the affected communities,permitting parties to examine allavailable options, including recentstrategies of sustainable managementof marginal pastures."During the interactive debate theEuropean Union said, "We areconcerned about the impact of theseresettlements on Tibetan nomads,herders and other rural residents, andwould like to hear more about whetherthe SR has been able to engage theChinese authorities with the view to theimplementation of theserecommendations."The Chinese delegation expressedconcerns about the content of thereport. China rejected the allegationsmade by the Human Rights Watch andHelsinki Foundation for Human Rightsin their oral statements.The delegation said that the nomadic

herders were resettled to improve thesustainable economic and socialdevelopments in the region and hasbeen widely supported by farmers andherders. The resettlement of nomadsand herders in China's Westernprovinces including Tibet were "verypopular polices".In response, the Special Rapporteurmade references to a September 2011Xinhua news report which said, "Mostof the new migrants still miss theirnomadic lives, yearning to listen to theyaks and tread the grasslands of theirancestral home."He said the Xinhua news report quoteda Tibetan saying that his family nowlives on an annual governmentalsubsidies that is "less than the price oftwo yaks. Everything is so expensivehere in town."The Special Rapporteur said the figureshe had given - 200,000 nomads inQinghai resettlement program alone,64,000 families since 2009. And the planis to move 50,000 Tibetan nomads to beresettlement by end of 2012 were datafrom China's official News AgencyXinhua."This policy of forcible resettlementdemonstrating that this is very large-scale development," he said.Mr. Schutter said that the resettlementpolicies were failing because sinceMarch 2011, 25 Tibetans self-immolatedin protest against the policies that areimplemented in this region. He said 18of the 25 who burned themselves wereactually herders forcibility resettled inthe new socialist villages. "This I haveto say is not compatible with the ideathat these would be I quote "verypopular polices", he said.Responding to Chinese delegationstatement that the Special Rapporteurhadn't been to Tibet, he said, "I am toldthat I can't comment on this because Icannot travel to Tibet."In his final remark he said "regularly thecommunication system, internet,

and expression of all of its citizensincluding members of ethnic minorities."She said human rights have universalapplication. All governments mustrespect the human rights of individuals,protect the ability of individuals toexercise their rights, and createmechanisms for transparent andaccountable governance.Ms Otero also serves as the SpecialCoordinator for Tibetan Issues at theUS Statement Department. Mr. Tenzin SKayta, Tibet Bureau in Geneva's HumanRights Officer thanked Ms. Otero forher statement on Tibet at the UN.His Holiness the Dalai Lama in GenevaRepresentative Mr. Tseten SChhoekyapa and Mr. Kayta briefed theUS Mission in Geneva's Human Rightsofficials the present situation in Tibetin run up to the UN Human RightsCouncil's 19th session - 27 February to23 March 2012.

phones, sms are blocked and that Tibetis currently completely closed toindependent observes including themedia, in fact BBC journalist wasthreatened with expulsion if he reportedon Tibet.

Taiwan Free Tibet Festival Highlights Day of International Protest

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibetpost

Taipei: - The Free Tibet culturalfestival in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, hasbeen running since the end ofFebruary and is due to conclude onMarch 11, following an internationalday of protest about the Tibetsituation on March 10.The Tibet Post International's Editor,YC. Dhardhowa, interviewed four ofthe festival's organizer and Tibetanparticipants.Chow Mei-li, Chair of Taiwan Friendsof Tibet"I'm Taiwanese. I've been working onTibetan issues in Taiwan for fouryears. Taiwan Friends of Tibet wasthe first Tibet support group in

Taiwan. Our members are allTaiwanese people who are concernedabout the freedom and struggle ofTibet."The 2012 Free Tibet Festival wasorganized with Dark Eyes PerformanceLab. My idea was to bring manydifferent types of Tibetan culture toTaiwanese people at the same time.The festival started at the end ofFebruary and goes on till March 11,highlighting the March 10 rally."We intend to introduce moreTaiwanese people to Tibetan culture,through films, dancing, performance,drama, singing and many differenttalks.

"The response from Taiwanese peoplehas been quite good. ManyTaiwanese friends came to our eventsfrequently -like they became oldfriends and really showed interest andsupport. Hopefully we want to collectmore people for the March 10 rally thisyear."This is the first time we have invitedso many people from the exilecommunity in India. It's really a toughjob for us and very difficult to arrangeso many things, especially at the sametime. Even when we were applying forthe visas, there were so manydifficulties but we are glad that weconquered all the problems, wentthrough all the obstacles anddifficulties, and the event waspresented to Taiwanese people well."The concert, more than 500 peopleattended. They were all enjoying theshow. For many, it was their first timeto hear Tibetan songs. We were quitehappy with the result."We are very happy because thefestival was designed to reach out tomany different audiences - people wholove music, people who love dancing,people who love reading - whatever. Ithink this is a good way to presentthe Tibet issue."Before, we always collected peoplewho were more politically oriented -Taiwanese advocates who are alsoconcerned about human rights in

Tibet. At this event, we tried to reachout to different kinds of people,though many different forms ofculture. That was one of the mostimportant successes. "Dorje Tseten, President of All-IndiaStudents for a Free Tibet"I met Taiwanese students here andother members of the youngergeneration. We talked about theresponsibilities of the Tibet strugglefor Tibetans all over the world. Ivisited three Taiwanese universitiesand plan to visit some more."Three or four days ago, we met sevenTaiwanese members of parliament. Theywere very concerned about the Tibetissue and we talked about the recentself-immolations. We displayed theTibetan flag in the Taiwaneseparliament. Tomorrow, March 10, weplan to stage a big demonstration inTaipei."We are particularly concerned toexplain the Tibet situation to Taiwaneseuniversity students and to buildongoing relationships with them."Ngawang Wober, Ex-president Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet"I came to discuss environmental issuesin Tibet. On March 8, we presented adrama. We also met the nominated chairof the Taiwan Democratic Progressiveparty and discussed the 26 Tibetanpeople who have self-immolated, andthe many Tibetans who are being held

in Chinese prisons. Tomorrow, March10, I will be joining the demonstrationin Taipei."A member of Taiwan's Green Partyattended my talk on Tibet'senvironment. He said that responsibilityfor Tibet's environmental problemsshould be taken by the whole world,and that he will attend the InternationalEnvironment Conference 2012 and raisethese issues."He asked me to providedocumentation, so I gave himinformation on the melting of theglaciers and on mining."Gang Lhamo, General Secretary of Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet."I have visited four universities,including two visits each to the twomost famous universities in Taiwan.When I spoke on the Tibet issue, moststudents didn't show much concernbecause they had not received muchinformation about it."On Saturday, Democratic ProgressiveParty (DPP) Legislator Tuan Yi-kangatrongly urged Taiwan congressmembers to join her in the parade toshow support for Tibetans' struggle forfreedom. DPP and TSU lawmakers alsocondemned Taiwanese goverment fornot wanting to take part in Sunday'sparade and for not making an officialstatement condemning human rightsviolations committed by the Chinesegovernment in Tibet.

Tibetans from Tibetan NGOs and Media in exile seen meeting with general secretary ofTaiwan Solidarity Union, Taipei, 9th March 2012. Photo: TPI

The Tibet Post 715 March, 2012 Dharamsala

Tibet: Rights Violations- UN interventionis Necessary: Andrikiene MEP

By The Tibet Post International

Brussels: - "The human rights situationin Tibet is becoming critical. SinceFebruary 2011, twenty-six Tibetans -monks, students, and women - have setthemselves on fire in protest of the on-going repressions and denial of thebasic rights of the Tibetan peopleincluding freedom of religion", saidLaima Andrikiene. MEP who has beenattending the 19th session of the UNHuman Rights Council in Geneva.Ms Andrikiene pointed out the latestthree cases of self-immolation including18-year-old Dorjee, who set fire tohimself and died on 5 March in EasternTibet. This was the third self-immolationin a row in March 2012. On 3 March,Tsering Kyi, a 20-year-old student, set

Tibetan Political LeaderMeets Presidents of South

Tyrol and Trento

Milan, 28 February: There is a deepand strong friendship between ourpeople, said President Luis Durnwalderof South Tyrol Autonomous Region inItaly to Kalon Tripa Dr. LobsangSangay this morning. "It is good toknow that a young and dynamic leaderwill continue this friendship," he said.South Tyrol has three ethnic groupsand the autonomy status had boughtpeace and security in the province.China can learn from the South Tyrolmodel of autonomy said PresidentDurnwalder.Kalon Tripa said that the uniqueautonomous status that South Tyrolenjoys is well known amongst the exileTibetan Community.The Tibetan political leader met withSouth Tyrol Provincial CouncilPresident Mauro Minniti. CouncilPresident Minniti said the visit of theKalon Tripa is very important inhighlighting the suffering of theTibetan people. South Tyrol knows thesuffering of the Tibetan people anddemocracy cannot be denied toanyone.In the afternoon, Kalon Tripa called onPresident Lorenzo Dellai of theAutonomous Region of Trento. ThePresident congratulated Kalon Tripaon his successful election and said hehas been monitoring the tragicsituation in Tibet. He further said hehave supported the Tibetans in the pastand will continue to do so in the future.

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

TPI INTERNATIONAL

Tibetan national flags set up at European Parliament. Photo: TPI

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay MeetsPresidents of South Tyrol and Trento,

28th Feb 2012. Photo: TPI

herself on fire in Nyima Town. On 4March, Rinchen, aged 32, a widowedmother of four children, set herself onfire in front of the police station, whichhas been established by the main gateinto Kirti Monastery, Ngaba."We are raising our voices in supportof the fundamental rights of Tibetanpeople at this critical time. The ChineseGovernment must immediately andunconditionally release all Tibetanpolitical prisoners. The persecution ofTibetans for their legitimate demandsof freedom of religion and theirfundamental rights is not only incontradiction with the principles ofhumanity, but is a clear infringement ofthe Universal Declaration of HumanRights", stated Laima Andrikiene who

is a long-serving Member of theSubcommittee on Human Rights of theEuropean Parliament.Tibetans, especially in Eastern Tibet,are increasingly, but peacefully,showing their resistance to thecontinued brutal suppression by theChinese authorities. According to theTibetan Centre for Human Rights andDemocracy based in Dharamsala, India,there are over 830 known politicalprisoners in Tibet. On 23, 24 and 26January 2012 the Chinese police firedon hundreds of Tibetans who hadgathered peacefully to protest againstthe deteriorating situation and seriousviolations of their basic rights. At leastfive Tibetans were killed by the Chinesepolice gunfire, over sixty were injuredand many more were arrested."It is unacceptable and deplorable thatthe Chinese Government is hinderingthe access of six UN SpecialRapporteurs to visit the affected Tibetanareas, which are under Chinese rule,following the March 2008 uprisings. TheUnited Nations should make the visitof these people possible, including thevisit of the Special Rapporteur onreligious freedom or belief, seeing asChina invited him in 2004. The UN HighCommissioner for Human Rights, Hon.Navanethem Pillay, should also have thedeteriorating situation in Tibet high onher agenda, and we look forward tohearing her voice in defence of theinnocent people of Tibet", stressedLaima Andrikiene.

UNHRC Publishes Statement on DiscriminationFaced by Tibetans in Tibet

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Geneva: - The Secretary-General of theUnited Nations Human Rights council haspublished a written statement regardingChinese Human Rights abuses inside ofTibet and issued a recommendation thata fact-finding delegation be sent toinvestigate discriminatory practicescommitted against Uyghurs, Tibetans,and Mongolians inside of China.The published document details manydifferent kinds of discriminationexperienced by Tibetans inside of Tibet,and criticizes The People's Republic ofChina for using increasinglydiscriminatory practices against both theTibetan population and those whopractice the Buddhist faith since 2008.It not only gives numerous examples oflegal discrimination, it places great criticismon China's attempts to vilify The DalaiLama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, whomonks and nuns are legally required todenounce in order to continue practicingtheir faith.

It also attacks China's legal attempt toregulate the reincarnation of the DalaiLama.The Chinese Government's restrictivepolicies, "not only curtail the right ofreligion or belief, but further exacerbateexisting tensions, and arecounterproductive," said Mr. HeinerBielefeldt, the Special Rapporteur on theFreedom of Religion and BeliefThe document claims that all of the self-immolation protests have been directlyrelated to oppressive Chinese policies,and that The People's Republic of Chinahas continuously ignoredrecommendations made by the UN'sHuman Rights Council.It criticizes the Chinese authorities fordisregarding laws on Regional EthnicAutonomy by ignoring clauses thatrequire areas within Tibet to beadministrated by native Tibetans.Additionally, it critiques China's policiesregarding restrictions on teaching the

Tibetan language in schools.The document continues by detailingdiscriminatory law enforcement againstthe Tibetan people, particularly citing the"excessive use of force following the 2008demonstrations that swept across theTibetan Plateau," which saw a"disproportionate use of force againstethnic Tibetans." The document also citesthe maltreatment of Tibetans detained forparticipation in the uprising.It continues on to describe discriminatorylaw practices against protesting monksat Labrang Monasteries, one of whom arecurrently serving a fifteen year prisonsentence, another of whom is spendinglife in prison. Family members of thesemonks were denied the right to visit themduring the pre-trial period.At Kirti monastery, two monks were givenlong jail terms for attempting to protect amonk who had self-immolated. They werecharged with "intentional homicide" anddenied the right to choose their lawyer,and information regarding theirwhereabouts is being denied from theirfamily.The document also states that, like thesemonks, many Tibetans are denied the rightto choose their lawyer, including twoTibetans who were executed. It also claimsthat many lawyers are actually threatenedwith disbarment if they choose torepresent Tibetans.The declaration also cites unfair use offorce by Chinese police in a number ofsituations in which they fired into crowdsof unarmed protesters. Several towns arecurrently being placed under undeclaredmartial law.Finally, the document describes economicdiscrimination against Tibetans, who are

often the victims of discriminatory hiringpractices and wage gaps with HanChinese. It also cites the resettlement ofnomads who practice sustainablelifestyles into sedentary communities.A recommendation has been issued bythe Council to the Special Rapporteur onContemporary forms of racism, racialdiscrimination, xenophobia and relatedintolerance to both closely monitor thesituation faced by Tibetans, Uyghurs, andMongolians and to seek a fact findingmission to China.

Kalon Tripa also met President BrunoDorigatti of Trento Provincial Council.Then Kalon Tripa inaugurated a photoexhibition "The resistance of Tibet" inthe lobby of the Provincial Council.During his meetings with the leadersof South Tyrol and Trento, Kalon Tripasaid that the continued repression inTibet by the Chinese authorities hadresulted in more protest from theTibetans. The situation in Tibet is verygrim with increasing number of self-immolations. Total of 23 self-immolations have taken place sinceFebruary 2009 of which 15 have died.Before leaving for Milan, Kalon Tripaspoke at the around table discussionorganized by the University of Trentoon "The autonomy and Tibet".The Tibetan political leader said thatTibetans are seeking a genuineautonomy within the People¹s Republicof China. He said China had givenautonomy to Hong Kong and Macao.China is ready to give autonomy toTaiwan. Why isn¹t China willing to giveautonomy to the Tibetans?On his arrival in Milan around 9pm,over 50 Tibetans welcomed KalonTripa at the Ghe Pel Ling CenterTibetan Buddhist Centre. After dinner,Kalon Tripa addressed the members ofthe Tibetan community.Kalon Tripa thanked the Tibetancommunity for taking part in variousglobal joint initiatives on Tibet andasked the community members tocontinue their active participation inthe Tibetan issue.Report sent by Office of Tibet, Geneva

The Tibet Post InternationalHimalayan Literacy Trust(Head Office)1st Floor, Exile HouseRoad, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.Kangra H.P 176219 India

Advicer Mr. Thomas KeimelAdvicer Dr. Vincent BrucelEditor in Chief Mr. YC. DhardhowaChinese Editor Ms. Keary HuangProject Manager Mathew Singh ToorTibetan Editor Mr. Sangay DorjeeAssistant Editor Ms. Pema TsoCircular Ven Phuntsok DhondupPublisher Mr. Sonam SangayEditor, Tibet Post Europe Mr. James DunnDesigner Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Tele: 0091-1892-224641Moble:+91-9882423566

E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.comwww.thetibetpost.com

Contributors for this Editon

Keary Huang TaiwanMathew Singh Toor IndiaDane Holding USACarly Selby-James AustraliaSamuel Ivo UKLiz Delehant USDennis Barbion BelguimRajeshwari K IndiaGillian stewart USYC. Dhardhowa IndiaSangay Dorjee IndiaPema Tso India

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

8 15 March, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet Post

Tibetans Protest at UNInformation Centre, Delhi

By Elizabeth Delehant, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: Yesterday, under theleadership of RTYC Rohini and RTYCSamyeling Delhi, approximately 200Tibetans staged a protest at UNInformation Centre.

Dalai Lama: India CanMake Significant Spiritual

Contribution

DHARAMSHALA: His Holiness theDalai Lama today visited Dr. RajendraPrasad Government Medical College asthe Chief Guest of IAPSMCON 2012,39th Annual National Conference ofIndian Association of Preventive andSocial Medicine 2012 in Tanda atKangra, Himachal Pradesh.The Conference with the title of"Epidemiological Transition: Are WeUp to the Challenge" is organized bythe Department of CommunityMedicine of Dr. Rajendra PrasadGovernment Medical College from 27-29 February 2012. More than 900medical delegates from all over India,consisting of 24 States and 3 UnionTerritories of India, and Nepal, areparticipating in the conference.His Holiness began his speech bystating that, when he first arrived inDharamshala in 1960, there were onlytwo shops in Mcleod Ganj. But nowafter five decades, there is hugedevelopment with restaurants andhotels. Along with such development,"Education centres are very important,particularly Medical Centres".His Holiness stated that medicalservice, if done with warm heartednessand sense of responsibility, "is one ofthe best spiritual practice in helpingothers cure pain and problems".His Holiness the Dalai Lama eulogized"in terms of cultural and philosophicalprospect, India is the most advancedcountry...thousand years of religiousharmony and Ahimsa in India is verymuch relevant in today'sworld...Indians brothers and sisters,you should feel proud of your richcultural heritage".Audience listening to His Holiness theDalai Lama at the program (Photo:Sangye Kyap)Wherever he goes, His Holinessconsiders himself as a messenger ofIndian thoughts and spirit, that isAhimsa.On His Holiness' earlier claim of Son ofIndia, some Chinese interpret it as

By Tibetan Administration Media:Tibet Net

Tsultrim Dorjee Rangzen, a Tibetan student from Delhi University injured himself byhitting a stone on his head. Photo: RTYC

His Holiness gestures during the 39thAnnual National Conference of IndianAssociation of Preventive and SocialMedicine 2012 at Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Government Medical College in Tanda.Photo: Tenzin Choejor/ OHHDL

TPI EXLIE

Their protest was in solidarity with thepeople in Tibet and in support of thethree Tibetans who are on indefinitehunger strike at UN headquarters inNew York.

The crowd gathered at the main gatein Delhi and shouted "UN: Tibet isburning! UN: we need your response!and UN: we need justice!".A number of University studentsattempted to jump over the policebarricades placed in front of the gatewhile many protesters were in tearsout of frustration and desperation attheir situation.Tsultrim Dorjee Rangzen, a Tibetanstudent from Delhi University, harmedhimself in protest, casting a stoneonto his own head. The result was asevere head wound, yet it did not stopTsultrim from continuing to loudlyprotest against the Chineseoccupation of Tibet.This, among many other examples ofself sacrifice, is a clear sign of"growing frustration and increasingimpatience among many Tibetans,especially among the youngergeneration".Three members of RTYC Delhipresented a petition to the chairmanof the UN Information Centre to begiven to the general secretary of theUN. The crowd dispersed after almosttwo hours of protest, concluding withthe singing of the Tibetan nationalanthem.

TWA Mourns the Self-Immolationof Two Women

By The Tibetpost International

Dharamsala, March 05, 2011: TheTibetan Women's Association, and itsglobal network of regional chapters,called for a candlelight vigil thisevening to mourn the deaths of twoTibetan women over the weekend:Rinchen (33), and Tsering Kyi (19), inAmdo, Eastern Tibet.Yesterday, Richen, a widowed motherof 4 children from Ngaba, died aftersetting herself alight in front of aChinese police surveillance station atthe main gate of the Kirti monastery.She called for the return of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and forfreedom in Tibet. On Saturday, March3, Tsering Kyi, a student from theTibetan middle School in Machu, setherself ablaze at the vegetable marketin Tro Kho Menma Shang village.Dolkar Kyab, a Machu native andmember of Tibetan Parliament in exile,said that there is tightened securityand communications blackoutthroughout Machu. Every Tibetanhousehold is being checked and theTibetan middle school is under strictsurveillance.The subsequent incidences mark the

Tibetans and supporters take out a candle light vigil in Dharamshala in solidarity withTibetan self-immolators inside Tibet on March 5, 2012. Photo: TPI

first self-immolations by laywomen inTibet's history. On October 17, 2011,nun Tenzin Wangmo (20) from DechenChokorling, near Ngaba town, calledfor religious freedom in Tibet and thereturn of the Dalai Lama as she setherself on fire and died outside of thenunnery.On November 3, 2011, in Tawu,Kardze, 35-year-old Palden Choetsoof Gaden Choeling Nunnery died aftershe self-immolated and shouted"Tibetans will reunite soon" and"long life for His Holiness the DalaiLama," and called for basic humanrights in Tibet. On February 11 of thisyear, a nun from Dechen Chokorling,Tenzin Choedron (18), died aftersetting light to her self near thenunnery while shouting slogans ofprotest against the Chinesegovernment.Since Tapey's self immolation onFebruary 27, 2009, 24 additional self-immolations have been carried out.TWA mourns the death of 18 martyrswho died in self-immolation protests,and continues to express graveconcern regarding the conditions of

the 7 martyrs whose status is eitherunknown or involves hospitalizationand the denial of family visitationrights.TWA remains grossly worried overthe fact that since last year, Tibet hasremained under lockdown with aheavy military presence. We fear forthose living under the constant threatof arbitrary detentions,disappearances, and the ruthlessmilitary control of Tibetan areas.The two self-immolations took placeon the eve of the annual session ofthe National People's Congress (NPC)parliamentary meeting commencingtoday, where Tibetan unrest isexpected to reach the debate table.TWA urges the Chinese governmentto address the genuine aspirationsand demands of the 25 martyrs whoburnt their bodies in the name of‘freedom for Tibet' and for the ‘returnof the Dalai Lama to Tibet'.TWA requests global intervention tosave Tibetan lives: "We ask worldgovernments to apply multilateralpressure and take action against Chinato end the crackdown and allow freepress inside Tibet. We call on thehonorable Navanethem Pillay, UnitedNations High Commissioner forHuman Rights, to visit the troubledareas in Tibet and assess the situationwith a fact-finding mission".TWA sends a message to Tibetansand supporters to commemorate theupcoming 53rd anniversary of theNational Tibetan Women's Uprisingon March 12 and partake in TWAglobal actions on the day, honoringfemale martyrdom and lending a voiceto the growing female resistance inTibet against Chinese oppression.TWA believes that the steadfast,undeterred presence of Tibetanwomen and their resilience in the faceof oppression encourages this self-sustaining struggle to rise againstinjustices and a repressive regime.

political. But His Holiness says, "Everyparticle of my brain is filled by Nalandathoughts," and "still I consider myselfas a student of Buddhist Philosophy."Physically, His Holiness said that hehas survived by Indian dal, rice andchapati for the last 50 years. So, HisHoliness claims that it was not a merepolitical statement.Regarding corruption, India being areligious minded nation, where "youbelieve in spirituality, worshiping godsalmost every day, but in real life, notconcern about corruption. It is quite apity and a big contradiction." says HisHoliness.His Holiness stressed that "corruptionis also a form of violence. If you trulybelieve in Ahimsa, then you will live ahonest and truthful life". On thecontrary, "If you are hypocrite andcorrupted, then the individual can notlive a honest life.""With rich tradition and philosophy asa strong backbone, youngergeneration of India must build thiscountry." His Holiness acknowledgesthat with high moral values and hardworks, India can make a significantcontribution on this planet. In Future,India can become a good model for therest of the world.Dr. Tsering Wangchuk, Kalon of theDepartment of Health, Dr. TsetanDorjee, Chief Medical Officer of DelekHospital and Mr. Dawa Phunkyi,member of Parliament attended theprogram.

Tibetans Detained in KathmanduStage Hunger Strike

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Kathmandu: - Reuters has reported thatThirteen Tibetans who were detainedearlier this week for protesting againstthe Chinese occupation of Tibet in frontof The United Nations building havebegun a hunger strike in protest of theirarrest.The detainees claim that their detentionis a violation of fundamental humanrights, and have begun their hungerstrike in order to procure their release.The protesters were demanding thatThe United Nations send a fact-findingcommittee into Tibet to investigateChinese human rights abuses.In addition, the protesters sought toraise awareness about the increasinglydire situation inside of Tibet, which hasresulted in the self-immolation protestsof roughly twenty-four Tibetans since2009, a great number of which have

occurred in recent.Nepal, which is home to 20,000documented Tibetans, has come underincreasing pressure from China to crackdown on pro-Tibetan and anti-Chineseprotests, which have increased in recentmonths in the wake of numerous self-immolation protests within Tibet.Nepal, which trades heavily with andreceives a great deal of aid from China,officially recognizes Tibet as a part ofChina.

The Tibet Post 715 March, 2012 DharamsalaTPITibet In the spotlight:

Tibetan Culture Day inBrussels

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

New Enemies of the Internet – The fight forfreedom of speech continues

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

Brussel: On Sunday 4th of March2012, the Tibetan Cultural Center inBelgium has organised a verysuccessful Tibetan Culture Day inBrussels. About 100 peopleparticipated in this interesting culturalevent at "Le Cercle" in Etterbeek,among them several representatives ofTibet organisations and quite a lotBelgian Tibet supporters.Everyone was welcomed warmly witha cup of Tibetan butter tea, andmeanwhile a video was shown withtraditional Tibetan dancing andsinging. Before the programme started,the participants enjoyed the butter teaand took a look at the small exhibitionin the hall and some craft stalls. Thedifferent kinds of Tibetan hand writingwere exposed on a wall, and at one ofthe stands people could buy a Tibetancalender of the New Tibetan WaterDragon Year 2139 or a poster withvegetables and fruits with the Tibetannames.Mrs. Kelsang of the Tibetan CulturalCenter gave a welcoming speech andasked the participants to go to thegarden of the hall together, for the fireoffering and prayers led by two Tibetanmonks. According to a very oldtradition, everyone took a little bittsampa, roasted barley flour, to throwin the air, an expression of good wishesfor your own and others happinessand the overcoming of all obstacles.Back inside the hall, a picture of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama was placedby the monks on a beautiful throne.Khatas, silk scarves, were offered tohonour the spiritual leader of theTibetan people.Afterwards, everyone was asked tostand up for the Tibetan NationalAnthem. Earlier, a paper with thephonetic lyrics of the National Anthemwas given to the westerners, to singalong. Afterwards one symbolic minuteof silence was asked, to commemorateall the Tibetan victims who have died.After this, Mrs. Kelsang explained whythis Tibetan Culture Day wasorganised: "This cultural event is notorganised for fun or our amusement.The situation in Tibet is very difficultnow, so it's not the time to have a party.The Tibetan Cultural Center wants topresent the rich Tibetan culture andtoday we want to show differentaspects of our precious culture, that'sthe reason why this event isorganised."More prayers were done by the twomonks, throat singing, prayers with avery deep voice that is so typical in

To mark ‘World Day Against Cyber-Censorship', Reporters Without Bordersis releasing an updated 2012 list of"Enemies of the Internet" and "countriesunder surveillance." Two countries,Bahrain and Belarus, have passed fromthe "countries under surveillance" to the"Enemies of the Internet" category.Venezuela and Libya have been droppedfrom the "under surveillance" categorywhile India and Kazakhstan have beenadded to it."The changes in this list reflect recentdevelopments in online freedom ofinformation," states Reporters WithoutBorders. ‘Netizens' (i.e. people who arefrequent or habitual users of theInternet), have been particularlyprevalent concerning political changesin the Arab world in 2011. Like journalists,they have tried to resist censorship butin doing so have paid a high price."Last year will be remembered as one ofunprecedented violence againstnetizens. Five were killed while engagedin reporting activity. There were nearly200 arrests of bloggers and netizensreported in 2011 alone, a 30 % increasefrom 2010. In turn, more than 120 netizensare currently detained. Theseunprecedented figures risk beingexceeded in 2012 as a result of theindiscriminate violence exerted by Syrianauthorities in particular.Reporters Without Borders latest report,released in March 2011, highlighted the

Tibetan rituals, and Tibetan chanting.Mr. Lhakpa Tsering announced a videoabout the activities of the TibetanCultural Center (TCC) in Belgium, anassociation that is established inNovember 2008. The TCC has set upthree Tibetan schools, in three differentcities in Belgium. For several yearsalready, the Tibetan children who areliving in Belgium attend weekly classesin which the Tibetan culture andhistory is taught, but also the Tibetanlanguage, singing and dancing anddharma classes, lessons aboutbuddhism and compassion. At presentthere are 60 students. All the peopleinvolved in the TCC are volunteers,even the teachers of the Tibetanschools. Once a month around 40students between 15-20 years attendthe dharma classes, each time atanother place, for example at theTibetan buddhist temple in Brussels orthe library in Antwerpen via Skype withKhenpo Yugyal from Esukhia inDharamsala. Each year, a one weeksummer camp is organised for thechildren. During this week, the childrenalso get lessons, but of course there'salso enough time for recreation, games,music and sport activities. The parentsof the children are closely involvedwith the TCC, because the associationalso organises meetings with theparents on a regular base, to discussone and another.After a short speech in Tibetan by therepresentative of the Office of Tibet inBrussels, a part of the children of theTibetan schools performed a nice song,"Om mani padme hum". On a posterthey all showed one syllable of "Ommani padme hum" in Tibetan. Thechildren wore a very colourful andbeautiful chupa, a Tibetan dress.Then lunch was served, it was adelicious Tibetan-Indian buffet, withrice, noodles, vegetables, chickentandoori and of course also Tibetanmomos.After the lunch it was time for music.Traditional Tibetan songs wereperformed by several members of theTibetan community in Belgium. Mr.Tenzin Norbu played the dranyen, astringed instrument, like a small guitar.Mr. Lhakpa Tsering gave twodemonstrations, how to make pake(with tsampa) and how to prepareTibetan butter tea. Mr. Lhakpa Tseringexplained everything very carefullywhile showing it step by step. Mrs.Kelsang translated in French.Everything was filmed, so the visitorscould follow the details of the

demonstrations on a big screen. Mr.Lhakpa Tsering also talked abouttsampa, and how good it is for thehealth.Another aspect of the Tibetan cultureare the philosophical debates by theTibetan monks. Such discussions area part of the training of the Tibetanmonks, in all the monasteries. Twomonks debate about one subject, andon the Tibetan Culture Day the monksdiscussed bodhicitta, the awakeningmind or the mind of enlightenment. Onemonk was sitting down, the other onestood in front of him, and clapped onetime in his left hand after finishing anopinion or question. The hand clappingis so typical in these debates.Afterwards the popular bingo gamewas played. The person who got allthe numbers on his paper first, won.The numbers were said in Tibetan,French and English, so it was a way tobecome a little bit more familiar withthe numbers in Tibetan.At the end of the afternoon, a shortbut very beautiful documentary wasshown, about a Tibetan nomad family.At 5 pm the Tibetan Culture Day wasended. Several Belgian participants ofthis event were asked for a reaction,and they all found it "very good andinteresting", "enrichting" and "wellorganised". The Tibetan CulturalCenter in Belgium has done a verygood job indeed. In one afternoon somuch different aspects of the richTibetan culture were presented, thepublic was also involved to participatein things, and everything waspresented in a modest way, restrainedand not exhuberant at all.For more information about the TibetanCultural Center: http://www.tibetcultur.be/. Donations for theTCC are always welcome. Theassociation is financed by privatesponsoring.

fact that the Internet and online socialnetworks had been conclusivelyestablished as tools for organizingprotests and circulating information inthe course of the Arab world's massuprisings. In the months that followed,repressive regimes have responded withtougher measures to what they regardas unacceptable attempts to destabilizetheir authority.At the same time, supposedly democraticcountries continue to set a bad exampleby putting ‘security' above otherconcerns and by adoptingdisproportionate measures to protectcopyright. Technical service providersare under increasing pressure to act asInternet cops, with companiesspecializing in online surveillancebecoming the new mercenaries in anonline arms race. More than ever before,online freedom of expression is now amajor foreign and domestic policy issue.The intention of ‘World Day AgainstCyber-Censorship' is, according toReporters Without Borders, to paytribute to the ordinary citizens who oftenrisk their lives and/or their freedom tokeep the public informed about the brutalcrackdowns that often occur without theoutside world's awareness. ReportersWithout Borders added: "As onlinecensorship and content filtering continueto increase, solidarity among those whodefend a free and openly accessibleInternet becomes even more essential forthe spread of information."Two new Enemies of the Internet -Bahrain and Belarus.Bahrain and Belarus have joined Burma,China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, SaudiArabia, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistanand Vietnam in the "Enemies of theInternet" category. These countriescombine often drastic content filteringwith access restrictions, tracking ofcyber-dissidents and onlinepropaganda.Bahrain offers an example of an effectivenews blackout based upon a remarkablearray of repressive measures: keeping theinternational media away, harassinghuman rights activists, arrestingbloggers and netizens (one of whom diedin detention), smearing and prosecutingfree speech activists, and disruptingcommunications, especially during majordemonstrations.In addition, Belarus sinks further intopolitical isolation and economicstagnation with President Lukashenko'sregime lashing out at the Internet inresponse to an attempted "revolutionvia the social media." In Belarus, theInternet has been blocked during aseries of "silent protests" and the listof inaccessible websites continues togrow. Internet users and bloggers havebeen arrested or invited to "preventive

conversations" with the police in a bidto get them to stop demonstrating orcovering demonstrations. Law No. 317-3, which took effect on 6 January 2012,has given the regime additional Internetsurveillance and control powers.India and Kazakhstan added to "undersurveillance" listSince the Mumbai bombings of 2008,the Indian authorities have stepped upInternet surveillance and pressure ontechnical service providers, whilepublicly rejecting accusations ofcensorship. It would appear that eventhe national security policy of theworld's biggest democracy isundermining online freedom ofexpression and the protection ofInternet users' personal data.Kazakhstan, which likes to think of itselfas a regional model after holding therotating presidency of the Organizationfor Security and Cooperation in Europein 2010, appears too to be taking theroad of cyber-censorship. This has beenon the increase since an unprecedentedoil workers strike which served toincrease government tension in 2011.The authorities responded by blockingnews websites, cutting communicationsaround the city of Zhanaozen duringthe unrest and imposing new, repressiveInternet regulations.Venezuela and Libya dropped from"under surveillance" listBefore his removal and death, Col.Gaddafi had tried to impose a newsblackout by cutting access to theInternet. Whilst many challengesremain in Libya, the overthrow of theGaddafi regime has thankfully ended anera of censorship.In Venezuela, access to the Internetcontinues to be unrestricted. The levelof self-censorship is hard to evaluatebut the adoption in 2011 of a legislationthat could potentially limit Internetfreedom has yet to have any damagingeffect in practice.Thailand and Burma may be about tochange placesIf Thailand continues further down theslope of content filtering and jailingnetizens on lèse-majesté charges, itcould soon find itself transferred fromthe "under surveillance" category to theclub of the world's most repressivecountries as regards online freedom.Burma, on the other hand, couldpotentially soon leave the "Enemies ofthe Internet" list. This is due to its recentreforms that have included freeingjournalists and bloggers and restoringaccess to blocked websites. Time willtell it this will result in the abandoningof censorship altogether, however, anddepends on the dismantling of theInternet surveillance apparatus and arepeal of the Electronics Act.

8 15 March, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet Post

The effects of Nuclear Testingin East Turkestan

UN Hunger Strikers are Joinedby Tiananmen Survivor

TPI EXLIE

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

By Gulian, The Tibet Post

Dr. Yang Jianli joins the hunger strike for the day to show his solidarity. Photo: TYC

BRUSSELS: On Wednesday 29thFebruary 2012, an important issuewas discussed at the EuropeanParliament in Brussels, a topic that isso unknown and that is kept silentby the Chinese authorities already fordecades.The People's Republic of Chinabegan to develop i ts nuclearweapons programme in 1951following a secret agreement withMoscow which exchanged Sovietassistance for Tibetan uranium.Although this coorperation ended inthe 1960s, China made rapid progressand detonated its first nucelar bomb,codenamed ‘596' in October 1964 inEast Turkestan. From 1964-1996, 46confirmed nuclear detonations havetaken place at Lop Nor in EastTurkestan, and 22 underground testswere undertaken, includingthermonuclear blasts, neutron bombsand an atomic bomb. Urumqi, Turpan,Qumul and Korla are cities in EastTurkestan with Uyghur populationsthat reside within 320 km from the testsite. It is believed that 200,000 peoplehave died and at least 1.5 millionpeople have been affected byradioactive material during the 32years of nuclear tests at Lop Nor. Thetotal amount of plutonium releasedin the atmosphere in East Turkestanis estimated to be 6 million times morethan the Chernobyl accident, whichaffected one mill ion peopleworldwide.Several Members of the EuropeanParliament, Mr. László Tökés, Mrs.Kristiina Ojuland and Mr. VytautasLandsbergis, organised a conference"50 years after test 596 - China'snuclear programme in East Turkestanand its impact today" in cooperationwith the World Uyghur Congress(WUC), the Unrepresented Nationsand People's Organisation (UNPO)and the Belgian Uyghur Association.Moderator of the very interestingconference was Mr. Andrew Swan(UNPO Programme Manager), andguest speakers were Dr. Enver Tohti(Uyghur surgeon and independentresearcher), Mr. Vincent Metten(International Campaign for Tibet),Antoinette de Jong (journalist andauthor), Mr. Martin Schulthes (UNPOProject Coordinator), Mr. HannoSchedler (Society for ThreatenedPeoples), Mr. Jean-Marie Rogue (EULiaison Officer of the InternationalFederation for Human Rights) and

Dharamsala: On day ten of theIndefinite Hunger Strike in New York,Tibetan protesters were joined by Dr.Yang Jianli, Research Fellow andPresident of Initiative for China atHarvard University.Dr. Jianli is a survivor of the 1989Tiananmen Square massacre and haspreviously spent five years in a Chineseprison. He is widely recognized as amajor leader in China's pro-democracymovement.Dr. Jianli believes that continued US

Mr. Dominique Lalanne (Chair of theArmes Nucléaires STOP and expertfor Observatoire des Armements inFrance).Member of the European ParliamentMrs. Kristiina Ojuland from Estoniastated that the nuclear tests at LopNor in East Turkestan are not knownmuch at all, so it was time to raisethis issue at the European Parliament.She has been Member of theEstonian Parliament and served asEstonia's Foreign Minister from 2002-2005. Estonia has been a part of theformer Soviet Union and isindependent since 1991.Dr. Enver Tohti worked as a cancersurgeon in Urumqi in East Turkestan.Secretly and systematically herecorded details of cancer cases afterhe became alarmed of high rates ofthe disease amongst Uyghurpatients. In 1997 Dr. Tohti leaked hisfindings to a team of westernjournalists and an undercoverdocumentary film about the nucleartests was made in 1998: "Death onthe Silk Road". The documentary wasbroadcast in over 80 TV channelsincluding Japan and the UK (Channel4). As a result, Dr. Tohti was forcedto leave East Turkestan and wasgranted refugee status in the UK in1999.Dr. Tohti: "In the past I was the leaderof demonstrations in East Turkestan.China called me ‘one of the topterrorists'. In that time, almost 30years ago, no one got arrested aftera demonstration, the students whoparticipated in the protest werekicked out of the University. DuringXi Jinping's visit in the US recently,Hu Jintao's successor mentioned thathuman rights in China have improvedmuch. The reality is very different.After the demonstration in Urumqion 5th July 2009, several thousandsof people were killed and lots ofpeople are still missing."Dr. Tohti stated that the nuclear testsin East Turkestan have affectedmill ions of people and anindependent investigation and acompensation for the victims isneeded. "The Uyghur people live infear, constantly. We have to thinkabout the nuclear victims and theenvironmental effects. Today wespeak for these victims.""Lop Nor is a tourist area now. TheChinese say that there is no problem.However, the human cost is immense.I have worked at the hospital at

Urumqi and I have done undercoverresearch. In 2008 the hospital wasexpanded with two new and very bigbuildings and it became the biggestcancer hospital in whole China. In1997, there were 500 beds in the tumorhospital in Henan and 500 in Xinjiang.In 2008 there were still 500 beds inHenan but 2000 in Xinjian. Manycountries also have paid lots ofmoney to dump their nuclear wastein East Turkestan. This nuclear wastehas to stop and victims should get acompensation.""Making the documentary ‘Death onthe Silk Road' was very risky. I havedone undercover research and thedocumentary was made in 6 weekstime. In order to visit certain placeswe had to pretend that we weretourists. We also met disabled people,victims of the nuclear tests, I broughtthe film makers in contact with them.We also had a doctor in our team thatcould talk with the victims. I also havediscovered secret medical documentsat the hospital in Urumqi, and a nursesecrectly told me that 90% of thepatients in Xinjiang had blood cancer.From 1993 till 2000 double as manypeople have died of cancer. Since1976 the cases of cancer haveincreased a lot.""After making the documentary, theChinese kept everything silent.Nothing has happened."Mr. Vincent Metten of the office ofInternational Campaign for Tibet(ICT) in Brussels explained thesituation in Tibet, and the impact ofthe nuclear tests on the Tibetanplateau. "In 1993, ICT has publishedthe report ‘Nuclear Tibet'. The NinthAcademy was responsible fordesigning all of China's nuclearbombs in the 1970s, and set up thefirst nuclear bases in China. In 1971the first nuclear weapon was broughtto Tibet, in Amdo. There are 3 nuclearbases in Tibet. Prisoners in labourcamps were forced to do dangerouswork in test sites. Tibet holds theworld 's most important knownuranium reserves. The largesturanium deposits are in Tibet, nearLhasa. There are 9 uranium mines inTibet now. The Lop Nor nuclear testshave affected the Uyghur people inEast Turkestan and also Tibet."Journalist, photographer and writerMrs. Antoinette De Jong from TheNetherlands and freelancephotographer Robert Knoth havebeen working on various books andexhibitions. "Certificate no. 000358"is a project about the impact ofseveral nuclear disasters in theformer Soviet Union. Between 1999and 2005 they have visited 4 placesin the former Soviet Union:Kazakhstan, the Urals, Chernobyland Siberia. Their pictures areexamples of what has also happenedin Lop Nor. "There is no proper healthcare, the victims had to pay the costsfor health care themselves. Inhospitals, the effects of radiationwere studied, cases of leukaemia,bone cancer, skin cancer, breastcancer, brain tumors, bone diseasesetc. The Techa river is a water supplyfor many people, but as the waterwas affected by radiation, this also

had a big impact."During a question and answersession, human rights defender Dr.Gaudi-Nagy Tamás who is a Memberof the Hungarian Parliament, statedthat the nuclear tests disasters inEast Turkestan is very sad. "It's agenocide, and the EuropeanParliament is a good floor to raise thisissue. It's also important to raise thisissue to the United Nations. This is atop human rights issue, justice isneeded for the Uyghur people."Mr. Hassan T. Aydinli of the IraqiTurkmen Front in Belgium asked Dr.Tohti about the compensations forthe Uyghur victims. Dr. Enver Tohtianswered that this is a very difficultthing. "In order to establish a systemof compensation, the Chinese firsthave to admit their fault, and whenthey do they have to give money tothe victims, so this is extremelydifficult. I have no idea how thiscould be possible." Dr. Tohti haswritten lots of letters and e-mails tomany people and organisations, evenhundreds, but with no answer. "Forme it's also difficult as I can not goback to East Turkestan, so there is notmuch I can do."The UNPO, the WUC and theNonviolent Radical Party,Transnational and Transparty of Italyare going to raise this issue to theUnited Nations.After the speeches by Mr. MartinSchulthes who is the UNPO ProjectCoordinator and Mr. Hanno Schedlerof the Society for Threatened People,Member of the European ParliamentMr. László Tökés gave a statement."We have to emphasize the moralaspect of this issue. Ignoring thissubject would be totally immoral. TheUyghur people suffer so much of theoppression. The basic, fundamentalhuman rights are so much moreimportant than the economicprosperity of China."

Mr. Jean Marie Rogue, EU LiaisonOfficer of the International Federationfor Human Rights, stated: "We haveto break the wall of secrecy. The EUand China should have a constructivedialogue, also about human rights, theprotection of the minorities, the releaseof the political prisoners etc. Thisdialogue should have effect on theground in China, this is most importantof all."Mr. Dominique Lalanne, Chair of theArmes Nucléaires STOP and expert forObservatoire des Armements inFrance, referred to other cases in whichvictims of nuclear tests gotcompensations. He also mentioned thefact that his country France has donenuclear tests in the Sahara desert inthe past as well.At the end of the conference, Mr.Dolkun Isa, General Secretary of theWUC, was handed over severalpresents as an appreciation for hiswork. He expressed his gratitude to allthe participants of the conference.Mr. Dolkun Isa: "200,000 people havedied because of those nuclear tests andmillions of people were affected. Thishappened 30 years ago. We should notforget this and raise this issue at theUN. China has to ratify theComprehensive Test Ban Treaty thatthey have signed in 1996 but neverratify. China has to allow anindependent research to find out theextent to which the Uyghurs have beeneffected by nuclear testing. They alsohave to implement the necessarymeasures to provide compensation tothe victims. This would bring China inline with current policy developmentsin the US, Russia and France. Chinahas to recognise their responsibilityfor the continuing suffering andprovide appropriate medical care. Theinternational community, including theEU, the UN and environmental NGOsmust continue to draw attention to thisneglected issue."

human rights pressure on China is acritical component for world stabilityand the peaceful transition to ademocratic China.His act of solidarity not only offersencouragement to the three patriots onhunger strike, but also gives publicityto the cause. Dr. Yang is considered oneof the most important internationaladvocates for China's peacefuldemocratic transition, and hisparticipation is an invaluablecontribution the to Free Tibetmovement.