END TORTURE IN TIBET: JUSTICE FOR TRULKU TENZIN DELEK RINPOCHEY AND ALL TIBETAN POLITICAL PRISONER

End Torture in Tibet: Justice for Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and all Tibetan political prisoners

On this solemn occasion, marking the 37th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Torture, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for Free Tibet and Tibetan Women’s Association stand in solidarity with the Tibetan human rights defenders, dissidents, and activists who have endured and continue to endure torture in and outside detention centres and prisons across Tibet.

In Tibet, torture remains a pervasive tool employed by Chinese authorities inside prisons and detention centres with electric shocks, beatings, prolonged solitary confinement, and more used not just to inflict physical pain but also to break the spirit of Tibetan political prisoners. The scars, both physical and psychological, leave a lasting impact even after their release, with a ripple effect on their families and communities.

Through this signature petition campaign, the four CSOs aim to shed light on the case of Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a revered Tibetan religious and community leader who suffered wrongful imprisonment, beatings and torture, ultimately leading to his untimely death in Chinese custody. His case illustrates China’s blatant disregard for international human rights standards, including the right to be free from torture as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention Against Torture.

Your action is crucial now more than ever. By signing this petition, you join us in urging the Chinese government to uphold its commitments under the Convention Against Torture, conduct transparent investigations into custodial deaths like that of Trulku Tenzin Delek, and hold accountable those responsible for such egregious human rights violations. Your signature is a voice for justice and a stand against impunity.

Together, let us honour the memory of those who have suffered and demand an end to the systemic use of torture in Tibet. Sign the petition to ensure their voices are heard and their stories remembered.

Why it is important:

This petition serves as a critical call to action for governments, civil society organisations, and individuals worldwide to hold China accountable for its systematic use of torture and other forms of inhuman treatment in Tibet.

By demanding accountability and transparency, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, alongside the Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for Free Tibet, and Tibetan Women’s Association, strives to seek justice for victims like Trulku Tenzin Delek, prevent future atrocities, and uphold the fundamental principles of human rights for all. Every signature represents a powerful statement supporting justice, dignity, and the rule of law.

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE

June 26, 2024July 3, 2024 Tenzin Lobsang Advocacy For Tibet, Annual Activities, Campaigns, Latest News, Media, News, Press Release, Statements, Tibet News Leave a comment

The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

On June 26, 2024, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Students for a Free Tibet, and the Tibetan Women’s Association, commemorated the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The event featured a panel discussion with former political prisoners, commencing with an introductory address by Miss Tenzin Dawa la, the director of TCHRD, followed by insights from Miss Phurbu Dolma, a researcher at the Centre, who presented 20 case studies of former Tibetan political prisoners. The discussion then shifted to a panel comprising five former political prisoners moderated by TYC General Secretary, Mr. Sonam Tsering la. The panel commenced with a video message from Nyima Lhamo la, the niece of the late Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.

The five invited political prisoners included Geshi Tsering Dorji, a student of the late Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche; Lobsang Yonten, who endured over 17 years in prison; Gedhun Rinchen; Sherab Gyatso; and Geshe Ngawang Delek. Each shared their harrowing experiences of inhumane torture endured in prison. Following a Q&A session with attendees, the event concluded with words of gratitude from Mrs. Tsering Dolma la, the President of the Tibetan Women’s Association.

ALL INDIA – MARTYRS MEMORIAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

April 30, 2024June 5, 2024 Tenzin Lobsang Annual Activities, Campaigns, Latest News, Media, News, Tibet News Leave a comment

All India- Martyrs Memorial Basketball Tournament

In 1998, in conjunction with the 10th March, the Tibetan Youth Congress organized a unto death hunger strike in New Delhi with three demands. Among the participants in the second batch was Pawo Thupten Ngodup la, who self-immolated, becoming the first Tibetan to do so. On the 29th of March, Pawo Thupten Ngodup la passed away, and since then, the Tibetan Youth Congress observes this day annually as Martyrs’ Day, organizing various activities.

The RTYC Dharamshala has organized a basketball tournament for many years, and this year marked the 21st edition, which was also the first all-India tournament. The event had three primary aims:

To raise awareness about the contributions made by Tibetan martyrs and instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the youth participants.
To foster closer engagement of Tibetan youth with the Tibetan Youth Congress and involve them in activities related to the Tibetan cause.
To promote and preserve unity and integrity among Tibetans.

The organizing committee arranged accommodations for the participating teams in the Tibetan Children’s Village, Lower Dharamshala. On the afternoon of April 24, a meeting was held with the players, where TYC General Secretary Mr. Sonam Tsering welcomed them and discussed the tournament’s objectives and the significance of TYC activities in the exile community, followed by team introduction by the respective team captains. RTYC Dharamshala President Jampa Tendar briefed the players on the rules and regulations, and team shuffling was led by Mr. Gawa, the sports secretary of RTYC Dharamshala.

The tournament began on April 25, coinciding with the 35th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Thinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. The opening ceremony featured TYC Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal la as the chief guest, alongside Mr. Karma Sichoe la and Mr. Yungdung la, participants of the 1998 TYC hunger strike. Mr. Sonam Tsering la highlighted the tournament’s aims, and Mr. Tashi Targyal la spoke about the importance of youth participation in the movement and the critical situation inside Tibet. After which, the participants from different parts of India were presented with traditional Tibetan scarves.

RTYC Dharamshala Secretary Mr. Tenzin Lobsang la read a Tibetan statement, and RTYC member Tenzin Choekyi hosted the ceremony. The event included a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the 11th Panchen Lama’s birthday and a minute of silence to honor Tibetan martyrs.

For the first time in exile basketball history, live streaming was provided from the quarter-finals onward, allowing interested viewers worldwide to follow the tournament. The final match was scheduled for April 29, Martyrs’ Day, but was postponed due to heavy rain in Dharamshala.

The final match was held on April 30. The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel la, attended as the chief guest, with TYC Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal la as the special guest. Amongst the guest standing committee members of the Tibetan Parliament, TYC former centrex members and the representatives of the other organizations were present. The chief guest and the guest of honour addressed the gathering by emphasizing on the needs of unity and youth participation in the freedom movement. The Gangkyi basketball ground was filled with spectators in huge number and the final match was between the Red Devils and the Dharamshala Thuboe team, while the girls’ match featured the Munsel Team against the Sarah Team. The Munsel Team and the Red Devils emerged victorious.

The chief guest and the guest of honor presented trophies and prizes to the winners and mementos to the officials. The event was a huge success, with participation from various regions, including North-East, South, North, and Central India. A representative team from the Tibetan Transit School, newly arrived from Tibet, made a memorable appearance in traditional Tibetan dress (Chupa) at the opening ceremony.

NHK the Popular Japanese public broadcaster visit TYC Office

March 27, 2024April 17, 2024 admin Advocacy For Tibet, Campaigns, Latest News, Media, News Leave a comment

The president Gonpo Dhundup and the Information Secretary Tenzin Lhamo of the Tibetan Youth Congress met with media personnel from NHK, the popular Japanese public broadcaster, to discuss a wide range of topics related to Tibet.

COMMEMORATION OF 65TH TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY

March 27, 2024 admin Annual Activities, Campaigns, Latest News, Media, News, Press Release, Statements Leave a comment

Commemoration of the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamshala

In Dharamshala, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with the Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students for Free Tibet, united to honor the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day. Preparatory meetings were diligently conducted to draft a joint statement in English, Tibetan, and Hindi, outlining campaign actions to be undertaken on March 10th.

Posters were distributed across Dharamshala to raise awareness among tourists and to remind Tibetans of the significance of this historic date.

On March 3rd, volunteers from Dharamshala congregated at TYC office to inscribe slogans and demands on placards and banners. Hand-written banners symbolized our collective commitment to the cause, fostering a sense of solidarity and activism against Chinese repression.

After a month of meticulous planning and placard preparations, we marked the 10th March Tibetan National Uprising Day by distributing flags, slogan pamphlets, and the joint statement. Participants’ faces were adorned with Tibetan flags and symbols, reflecting the struggles endured during our years in exile. The atmosphere surrounding the Temple area on March 10th was charged with inspiration, as flags fluttered and slogans reverberated among Tibetans.

Following the official program at the Dalai Lama Temple, we embarked on a march to Kacheri, with thousands of Tibetans chanting slogans in unison. The peace march witnessed participation from the broader Tibetan community, including nuns, students, and monks from nearby institutions.

Upon arrival at Kacheri, after an arduous hour-long march under the blazing sun, we commenced the program by honoring the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a minute of silence to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Tibetan martyrs.

Subsequently, commemorative songs were sung, and the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress delivered a poignant speech on behalf of the four NGOs. He conveyed greetings and voiced grievances over the ongoing suffering of Tibetans under Chinese repression, emphasizing the necessity for continued protests to denounce Chinese occupation and amplify the voices of Tibetans inside Tibet. Gratitude was expressed to the government and Tibet support groups for their unwavering support to the Tibetan cause.

The President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet, Mr. Tashi Dhondup, then read the Tibetan statement, followed by Miss Tenzin Passang, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet India, who read the English statement. The event, hosted by the President of the Tibetan Women’s Association, was a resounding success, attracting a large public turnout and reaffirming our collective commitment to the cause of Tibet.

65th Tibetan National Uprising Day Commemoration in Delhi

The 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day was commemorated in Delhi with a peaceful rally from Janpath Metro Station to Jantar Mantar. The event was jointly organized by TYC Centrex, along with RTYC Rohini, RTYC Delhi Samyeling, and RTYC Chandigarh, SFT Delhi, RTWA, BTSM, ITCO, and VTag members.

During the rally, participants raised slogans highlighting the critical situation inside Tibet and demanded the Chinese communist regime to halt its forced relocation policies and damming projects in Tibet. The gathering was marked by passionate speeches, with Mr. Yeshi Chomphel la, the Organizational Secretary of Tibetan Youth Congress, emphasizing the significance of commemorating this important date and the importance of our collective efforts in fulfilling the aspirations of Tibetans inside Tibet through organized campaign activities.

Mr. Pankaj Goyal, the General Secretary of BTSM, along with Professor Anand from JNU, Mr. Vijay Kranti, and Venerable Archaya Yeshi Phuntsok, former Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, also addressed the gathering, condemning the Chinese regime’s continued repression in Tibet.

A significant number of Tibetans participated in the protest rally to honor the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day.

On March 11th, more than 40 activists from the Tibetan Youth Congress staged a protest in front of the Chinese Embassy, demanding an end to the forced relocation and damming projects in Tibet, and calling for an end to Chinese repression in the region. Amidst the bustling traffic, our activists raced towards the embassy, holding placards condemning Chinese oppression in Tibet and advocating for freedom in the region. They were subsequently detained but later released in the late afternoon.

In recognition of their dedication, a Khatak was offered to them by the organizations and associations in front of the Samyeling Monastery, where the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress emphasized the importance of such protest campaigns in demonstrating solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and amplifying their voices on the international stage.

Meeting with US Delegation In Dharamshala

March 27, 2024April 17, 2024 admin Advocacy For Tibet, Campaigns, Latest News, Media, News Leave a comment

TYC President Gonpo Dhundup and Media Manager Tenzin Lobsang had a meeting with Mr. William J. O’Connor and Mr. Robin Bansel of the US Embassy, along with representatives from other NGOs. They discussed TYC’s campaign initiatives, explored future collaboration opportunities, and expressed gratitude for the US’s constant support for Tibet’s just cause.

GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION OBSERVANCE – OCTOBER 1, 2023

October 5, 2023 admin Advocacy For Tibet, Annual Activities, Campaigns Leave a comment

On October 1, 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with the National Democratic Party of Tibet and Students for a Free Tibet-India, observed the Global Day of Action with a photo action event in McLeod Ganj. The primary purpose of this event was to protest against the Chinese Communist Government’s decades-long oppression and illegal occupation of Tibet, as well as to condemn their actions in other colonized regions, including Tibet, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

The photo action was the centerpiece of this observance, featuring five activists representing oppressed regions: Uyghurs, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tibet. They were symbolically chained by a figure resembling Xi Jinping, to signify the suppression and subjugation these regions have endured under the Chinese regime.

A blood-stained statue with the number “74” was placed nearby to symbolize the countless lives lost and the bloodshed caused by the People’s Republic of China since its establishment.

The event commenced with a speech in Tibetan by the General Secretary of Tibetan Youth Congress, addressing the atrocities committed by the Chinese government in Tibet and expressing solidarity with other oppressed regions. The speech aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles and injustices faced by these communities.

Following this, an activist from Students for a Free Tibet-India read a statement in English, emphasizing the need for global solidarity in addressing China’s oppressive policies. The statement highlighted the importance of advocating for human rights and freedom for Tibet and other colonized regions.

The event drew the attention of various news media outlets, both domestic and international, who covered the photo action and speeches. This media coverage was instrumental in spreading the message of the observance to a wider audience.

The event also attracted the interest of foreign tourists and local residents in McLeod Ganj, leading to a diverse audience. The engagement and support from those present contributed to the success of the event.

The Global Day of Action observance on October 1, 2023, organized by Tibetan Youth Congress, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students for a Free Tibet, was a successful event in condemning the Chinese Communist Government’s oppressive actions and advocating for the rights and freedoms of oppressed regions. The photo action and speeches effectively conveyed the message, and media coverage ensured that the event reached a broader audience. The engagement of diverse attendees, including tourists and locals, underscored the importance of raising awareness about these critical issues on a global scale.

TYC PROTEST IN NEW-DELHI (G-20 MEETING)

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 admin Annual Activities, Campaigns, Latest News, Mass Protest, Press Release Leave a comment

On August 8, 2023, just before the G20 meeting hosted by the Government of India, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with RTYC Delhi Samyeling and RTYC Rohini, organized a protest event in New Delhi.

The protest was primarily attended by college students and residents of Delhi Samyeling. The intention of the protest was not to disrupt or protest against India hosting the prestigious G20 meeting but to voice concerns about the Chinese government’s continuous implementation of repressive and oppressive policies in Tibet.

The primary objectives of the protest were as follows:

To appeal to the Prime Minister of India and world leaders to prioritize the Sino-Tibet issue during the G20 summit.

To demand that China address human rights abuses in Tibet and cease practices that erode Tibetan cultural identity.

To seek global solidarity in resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict and promote unity in addressing the challenges facing Tibet and its people.

The protest began at 11:00 AM, with a presence of news media and police barricades around Majnu ka Tilla. Police presence was substantial, and the barricade were set up to ensure security.

Protestors marched and chanted slogans, carrying handwritten banners with our demands and messages to the G20 leaders. The protest took place within the barricade compound and succeeded in making our demands and voices heard by prominent Indian and international media outlets.

The TYC president also addressed the protest rally, emphasizing that our protest aimed to expose Chinese expansionist policies and atrocities in Tibet. He congratulated the host country for organizing the prestigious meeting and wished for its success.

Media Coverage:

The protest campaign successfully gained global attention on Tibet amid the G20 meeting. It received extensive coverage from more than 100 news outlets worldwide, making it a significant success in terms of raising awareness.

Overall, the protest organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress, RTYC Delhi Samyeling, and RTYC Rohini effectively achieved its objectives of raising awareness about the Tibet issue and garnered extensive media coverage during the G20 meeting in New Delhi. It was organized peacefully and helped to amplify concerns about Tibet’s situation on the international stage.

“TIBET MATTERS MARCH” CONCLUSION

July 28, 2023August 3, 2023 admin Advocacy For Tibet, Annual Activities, Campaigns, Latest News Leave a comment

On 23^rd May 2023, Tibetan Youth Congress concluded Tibet Matters March successfully with a press briefing and conclusion ceremony. As Tibetan Youth Congress’s month-long “Tibet Matters March” volunteers reached Tezpur, they unfurled a 130ft long and 20ft height banner on the Kolia Bhomora Setu Bridge of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. With a huge banner dangling, it’s a concrete message to the world that Tibet matters to the survival of 2 billion people in Asia. “Free Tibet, Save Brahmaputra”

11TH PANCHEN LAMA ABDUCTION DAY

July 28, 2023August 3, 2023 admin Advocacy For Tibet, Annual Activities, Campaigns, Latest News Leave a comment

On May 17th, 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) observed the 28th anniversary of the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Thinley (also known as Gendhun Choekyi Nyima), by the Communist Chinese regime. The TYC marked this significant occasion by holding peace rally and a prayer session with participation of all the “Tibet Matters March” volunteers.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the prolonged disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama and to demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Tibet.

By organizing this march and holding prayers and a peace rally, the TYC sought to highlight the ongoing human rights violations and political repression faced by Tibetans under the Chinese regime. The abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama symbolizes the larger issue of the suppression of Tibetan culture, religion, and freedom.

The demand for the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Tibet signifies the TYC’s commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of Tibetans, including those who have been unjustly detained or imprisoned for their political beliefs or activism.