


Official Statement of Tibetan Youth Congress on December 10, 2018 International Human Rights Day.
Tibetan Youth Congress to carry out Social Services Campaign during the upcoming teachings of HH the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya this Dec-Jan.
The 31st Session of the United Nation Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review started on the 5th of November and will go on till the 16th of this month. Yesterday marked China’s third human rights situation review by the United Nations whereby the issue of Tibet witnessed an increased number of diplomatic support from the UN Member States in the UNHRC. 13 States criticized China’s abuses in Tibet, 9 countries raised 12 recommendations regarding China’s Human Rights abuses in Tibet. During China’s second UPR in 2013, 7 States made recommendations relating to Tibet.
Cease restrictions on Uyghur’s and Tibetans freedom of movement and allow media, UN and foreign official’s access to Xinjiang and Tibet.
End prosecution and persecution on basis of religion or belief for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong
Denmark recommends the Government to facilitate full access to Xinjiang and Tibet for all relevant UN special procedures.
Recommend guaranteeing Freedom of religion and belief including in Tibet and Xinjiang
Respect rights of freedom of freedom of religion and belief, opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and culture also for Tibetans, Uyghurs and other minorities
Respect, protect and fulfill the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion in accordance with general comment 22 of the HRC (HR Committee). To this end, New Zealand recommends that China resume the two-way dialogue on Tibet
Take urgent steps to respect the rights of persons belonging to ethnic minorities including the rights to peaceful assembly, to manifest religion and culture, in particular in Xinjiang and Tibet
China should respect all HR of the Tibetan people and other minorities including the importance of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment which is vital for the enjoyment of a number of these rights
Release those imprisoned for rights and defense work, including Tashi Wangchuk, Ilham Tohti, Huang Qi and Wang Quangzhang.
Cease interference in the selection and education of religious leaders – including the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist lamas.
In addition to the recommendations, Austria, UK and Japan raised Tibet critically in their statement to China. Advanced written questions on Tibet had been raised prior to the review by Belgium, UK, Sweden, USA, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Non-Governmental Organization in exile has submitted a report on Human Rights Violations in Tibet in collaboration with the Human Rights Network for Taiwan and Tibet (HRNTT). The Joint Report highlighted issues regarding the lack of basic human rights and freedom inside Tibet and how China taking steps to Sinicize whole Tibet. The report also flagged lists of recommendations for the member states and UN Human Rights mandate holders.
As China’s UPR was being held in the UNHRC, Geneva on the 6th November, TYC President Tenzing Jigme with other hundreds of Tibetans, Ughyurs, Southern Mongolians, Taiwanese and Vietnamese protested at the United Nations in Geneva to urge the UN to hold China accountable for their actions in these countries. TYC President Tenzing Jigme spoke at the rally and made two main points;
Third China’s UPR left the Tibetans, Uyghurs, and others with a sense of greater hope to see more numbers of the member state coming up and raising their voice against China for Human Rights Violations and to holding China accountable as a member of the United Nations.
Lodi Gyari Gyaltsen was one of the co-founders of Tibetan Youth Congress. He served as the Joint Secretary from 1970-74, Vice President from 1974-76 and the President of the organization from 1976-77. Born in 1949 in Nyarong Eastern Tibet, he later came into exile and studied at Mt. Hermon School Darjeeling.
He was one of the special envoys, appointed by HH the Dalai Lama in the nine rounds of negotiations with China. He was also an executive board member and President of International Campaign for Tibet, Washington DC. Prior to that he led the Information Office (now DIIR) for many years as Kalon. He served the Central Tibetan Administration in various other capacities also, as director of Research & Analysis Department and Chairman of the 7th ATPD. He also helped launch and edit the Sheja magazine. Gyari Rinpoche dedicated his entire adult life to the Tibetan people and the cause. The movement has lost a visionary and dedicated leader.
We are deeply saddened to hear that he passed away on Oct 29, 2018 in San Francisco. On behalf of the entire Tibetan Youth Congress family we send our thoughts and prayers for the departed soul and condolences to the Gyari family.
All Tibetan Youth Congress chapters are requested to organize prayer vigils to remember and honor Gyari Rinpoche’s life and legacy.
TYC Executives Tash Lamsang (General Secretary) and Tashi Dhondup (Culture Secretary) will be visiting North America from Nov-Dec 2018. They will be meeting Rtyc Chapters, community members, youth and engage in public speaking events/discussion on our struggle. Please spread the word.