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

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.

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HIGHLIGHTS ON TIBET

Highlights on Tibet

 

Human Rights Watch, an American-based organization, released its highly regarded annual human rights report on 12th January 2023. The report, covering over 100 countries, highlights Tibet’s position as the second least-free country, alongside South Sudan and Syria, based on the previous year’s Freedom House Global Report. The findings underscore the Chinese government’s alleged abysmal human rights violations, maltreatment, and systematic eradication of Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and the Tibetan language, which has historically served as the medium of education for Tibetan school students.

 

 

In 33rd annual global human rights report, Tibet, unlike any time before, got larger space to hue her infliction, both potent and latent under the Chinese fragrant system.  Human Rights Watch, this year, did not let economic interest outweigh human rights; and they courageously brought out Tibetan issue more practical, covering some urgent issues: environmental degradation, the primary education system in Chinese-designed boarding schools; and restrictions on religious activities. The report also emerged of the arrest and sentencing of Tibetan cultural figures, notably Go Sherab Gyatso and the popular young Tibetan pop singer Tswang Norbu attempted self-immolation in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet in 2022.

 

“Holistic View of Tibetan Human Rights Challenges in Human Rights Watch’s Annual Report”

 

In its 33rd annual global human rights report, Human Rights Watch shines a spotlight on Tibet, providing a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted challenges faced by the region under the Chinese governance. This year, the report demonstrates a commendable commitment to prioritizing human rights over economic interests, bringing crucial Tibetan issues to the forefront. The report addresses pressing concerns such as environmental degradation, shortcomings in the Chinese-designed boarding school system for primary education, and restrictions on religious activities. It also highlights the arrests and sentencing of Tibetan cultural figures, including Go Sherab Gyatso, as well as the attempted self-immolation of popular young Tibetan pop singer Tswang Norbu in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, during 2022.

 

 

 

 

“U.S. Department of State Launches Global Political Prisoner Campaign, Urging for the Release of 18 Prominent Political Prisoners”

 

 

On January 10, 2023, the U.S. Department of State unveiled its “Without Just Cause Political Prisoner Campaign,” urging the international community to take decisive action to secure the freedom of 18 prominent political prisoners. Among those highlighted are Go Sherab Gyatso, a Tibetan religious philosopher, and Mohamed El-Baqer, an Egyptian human rights lawyer, who have endured lengthy confinement under the Chinese government’s prosecution. Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, called for the immediate release of these international political prisoners without any preconditions. Stressing the urgency, Zeya emphasized that countless political prisoners worldwide face torture, suppression of fundamental freedoms, and enforced disappearances, impacting both their families and nations. The campaign aims to address these injustices and advocate for the rights and freedom of political prisoners globally.

 

“International Campaign for Tibet Reports Alarming Impact of China’s Policy Shift on COVID-19 in Tibet”

 

On January 19, 2023, the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) released a comprehensive report detailing China’s sudden abandonment of its “zero-COVID” policy and the dire consequences for elderly Tibetans in Tibet. The report draws on extensive research, including first-hand accounts from Japan and Brazil, as well as on-ground information from individual Tibetans.

 

According to ICT’s findings, since the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions in Tibet on December 7, 2022, a worst-case scenario predicts that over 220,000 Tibetans aged 60 and above could lose their lives following the end of the zero-COVID policy. Furthermore, considering the current case fatality rate during the COVID surge, it is estimated that over 45,000 Tibetans aged 80 and older may face mortality.

 

It is important to note that these estimates represent the most severe outcome based on current levels of vaccination and immunity, as well as China’s alleged mismanagement of the pandemic. However, without genuine transparency from the Chinese government, the true COVID death toll in Tibet remains uncertain.

The report highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability from the Chinese government regarding their handling of the pandemic in Tibet. Efforts to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are crucial to protect lives and ensure the well-being of Tibetan communities.

 

 

 

 

“Arrest of Tibetan Monk Rongwo Gangkar Raises Concerns over Intellectual Suppression”

 

Rongwo Gangkar, a 43-year-old Tibetan monk known for his deep appreciation of poetry and literature, was actively involved in book-related discussions and advocated for the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s birthday just before his arrest. However, he was arrested by local Chinese authorities in early 2022 in the Malho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Since his arrest, information regarding his whereabouts and well-being has been limited.

 

According to information compiled by Free Tibet.Org, released on January 21, 2023, Rongwo Gangkar’s arrest is part of a larger pattern wherein Chinese authorities have specifically targeted Tibetan intellectuals and individuals who promote Tibet’s language and culture. This alarming trend underscores the suppression of intellectual freedom and the stifling of Tibetan cultural expression.

 

The arrest of Rongwo Gangkar has raised concerns within the international community regarding the ongoing targeting of Tibetan intellectuals by Chinese authorities. It highlights the need for greater attention to the protection of human rights and freedom of expression in Tibet.

 

“Global Week of Action Highlights Concerns Over Thermo Fisher’s Involvement in China’s Surveillance and Attack on Tibetan Identity”

 

As part of the ‘HANDS OFF TIBETANS’ DNA’ Global Week of Action, an expert panel hosted by the Internal Tibet Network on February 1, 2023, focused on Thermo Fisher’s corporate responsibility and their alleged involvement in China’s latest assault on Tibetan identity and extensive surveillance measures. The event garnered support from 120 NGOs worldwide, as well as coalitions including the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students for a Free Tibet at Mcload Square in Dharamshala.

 

On February 3, 2023, participants united their voices through theatrical performances and signature campaigns to protest China’s mass DNA collection of Tibetans, including children as young as five. The event aimed to raise awareness and express concerns over the infringement of Tibetan rights and the potential misuse of genetic data for surveillance purposes.

 

The Global Week of Action serves as a platform for various organizations and individuals to come together in solidarity, advocating for the protection of unique identity, human rights, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of mounting challenges caused by the Chinese Communist government’s repressive policies.

 

 

“UN Receives Damning Report on China’s Colonial Boarding Schools in Tibet”

 

A comprehensive report exposing China’s extensive network of colonial boarding schools in Tibet, which garnered significant social media coverage upon its release in 2021, has reached the United Nations table on February 7, 2023. The report provides in-depth research, shedding light on the alarming situation of over 900,000 Tibetan children being forcibly enrolled in state-run boarding schools.

 

The report further condemns the emotional and psychological distress experienced by young Tibetan children in these boarding schools, emphasizing the unacceptable indoctrination and the heavy-handed torture inflicted by the forced separation of approximately 1 million Tibetan children from their families.

 

The findings presented in the report have ignited global concerns over the welfare and rights of Tibetan children, calling for urgent attention and action from the international community to address the severe consequences of this system.

 

 

“110th Anniversary Celebration of Tibet’s Independence Day Marked with International Webinar”

 

On February 13, 2023, Tibetans around the world commemorated the 110th anniversary of Tibet’s Independence Day, a historically significant event in Tibet’s political history. The 13th Dalai Lama’s resolute declaration of Tibetan independence on the same day in 1913 resonates deeply within the hearts of every Tibetan.

 

In recognition of this momentous occasion, the Tibetan Youth Congress along with the Centre for Himalayan Asia Studies and Engagement organized an international webinar titled “Tibetan has been an Independent Country in History.” The webinar featured esteemed keynote speakers including Bhuchung Tsering, Interim President of the International Campaign for Tibet; Dr. Uwe Meya, Board Member of Gesellschaft Scheweiz Tibetische Freundcha; Tenzin Zockeur, Executive Director of Tibet Initiative Deuschland, Berlin; and Tibetan parliamentarian Youdon Aukatsang dropped in her perspectives during the event.

 

The webinar provided a platform for insightful discussions and reflections on Tibet’s historical independence, reaffirming the Tibetan Youth Congress’s unwavering commitment to restore Tibet’s rightful independence.

 

“Tibet Watch and Free Tibet Organization Expose Human Rights Violations in Drago County”

 

 

Tibet Watch, in collaboration with the Free Tibet Organization, held a press conference at Norbu House’s auditorium hall on February 9, 2023, to shed light on the extensive human rights violations, environmental exploitation, and distressing desecration occurring in Drago County, Tibet, between 2012 and 2022. The conference presented compelling evidence and a comprehensive report that had been previously released in the United Kingdom Parliament earlier in 2023, gaining significant news coverage and international attention. The report drew on individual experiences, testimonial documents, and satellite images to provide a nuanced understanding of the situation.

 

During the press conference, an exiled Tibetan monk from Drago County shared his recollections, stating that the escalating repression imposed by the Chinese authorities in Kham Drago, as with other areas in Tibet, aims to eradicate Tibetan identity, culture, influential Tibetans, and Tibetan language and education centers.

 

The press conference served as a platform to bring attention to the plight of the Tibetan people in Drago County and to advocate for the protection of their human rights, preservation of their culture, and the restoration of their freedoms.

 

 

 

“Chinese Government Initiates Massive Railway Construction Project in Tibet”

 

 

On February 9, 2023, Tibet Times reported that the Chinese government has commenced a new railway construction project in Tibet, aiming to establish a comprehensive railway network connecting the Tibetan plateau with China. The ambitious project comprises 10 railway constructions and is projected to commence operations around 2035.

 

The planned railway lines strategically target crucial areas within Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, including Nagri, Shegatse, Lhokar, and Nytri. In a report released by the Central Tibetan Administration in August 2001, it highlighted the environmental concerns associated with China’s Railway Project. The report emphasized that the Railway Project Committee had allocated an estimated 100 billion yuan (US$12.1 billion) for the construction of large and medium-sized railways.

 

Critics express deep concerns over the potential environmental impact of these railways, including the degradation of permafrost, destruction of the ecosystem, and damage to the habitats of wildlife and river systems. The extensive construction and operation of the railways raise significant ecological and environmental challenges in the region.

 

“G20 Summit in New Delhi Marred by Tibetan Activist Protests”

 

Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, and National Democratic Party of Tibet activist staged a protest targeting Chinese Foreign Minister Qing Gang. On February 27, 2023, prior to Qing Gang’s arrival at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, our protesters confronted him, displaying banner posters and demanding his departure with slogans like “Qing Gang, Go Back” and “G20 Protect Tibetan Children”.

 

Despite their peaceful intentions, the protesters were met with opposition from Indian police constables who intervened, resulting in scuffles and the confiscation of torn banner posters. The activists’ attempts to raise awareness about the Tibetan cause and advocate for the protection of Tibetan children were silenced during the protest and detained for the rest of the day, and later released.

 

“Tibetan National Uprising Day Marked by Global Demonstrations and Detentions”

 

 

On March 10, 2023, Tibetans worldwide came together to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. In Dharamshala, a significant gathering of Tibetans from various states in India and overseas congregated to express their grievances against China’s policies. Five NGOs organized a nationalistic peace march denouncing China’s practices, including the mass collection of Tibetan DNA samples, the sinicization of Tibetan culture, the implementation of massive surveillance systems, the existence of colonial Chinese boarding schools, and the arbitrary imprisonment of Tibetan intellectuals.

 

The Tibetan community, both within India and abroad, united in peaceful demonstrations, petition campaigns, and street protests to draw attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, Delhi police intervened and detained all the TYC activist.

 

The Facebook livestream video of the protest receiving more than 11 million views and being shared by fourteen thousand Facebook users suggests that the protest event was successful in reaching a large audience and generating engagement on social media. This level of viewership and sharing indicates that the protest was able to capture people’s attention and generate interest in the advocacy campaign for freedom.

 

In 2023 again, Freedom House testified Tibet of a zero-free country from the entire worldwide countries and it has remained in the same category as it was in the last year 2022.  Tibet is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government based on its dictatorship system. The residents of both Han Chinese and Tibetan ethnicity are denied fundamental rights, but the authorities are especially rigorous in suppressing any signs of dissent among Tibetans, including manifestations of Tibetan religious beliefs and cultural identity and language.

DHONDUP WANGCHEN LA PUBLIC TALK AT DHARAMSHALA

On 10th July 2023, a public talk was organized by various Tibetan organizations:

Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet; and the International Tibet Network. The guest speaker for the event was Dhondup Wangchen, a former Tibetan political prisoner and filmmaker of The Leaving Fear Behind which unfolded the confined system of the Chinese Communist Regime over fundamental human rights of Tibetans inside Tibet.

The program was hosted by the general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, and it concluded successfully with an engagement of public question-and-answer session. Dhondup Wangchen elucidated his personal experiences and insights, addressing the audience on important issues related to Tibet. The event provided a platform for attendees to learn from his activism works and get involved in meaningful discussions about Tibet’s political situation and human rights.

TYC PRESIDENT AND JOINT SECRETARY MEETING WITH SHRI TASHI GYALSON (CHIEF EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORN

On 7th July 2023, TYC President and Joint Secretary met with Shri Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Counsellor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.  TYC president and colleague expressed gratitude for his unwavering support for Tibet and the well-being of the Ladakh Tibetan Community.  As they requested him to be the Chief Guest during the TYC 53rd annual meeting in Ladakh, he graciously accepted it.

HH THE DALAI LAMA 88TH BIRTHDAY AT DHARAMSALA

On the 88th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Youth Congress extends its warmest wishes to His Holiness. TYC executive members along with staffs offered prayers and sincere reverence for His Holiness’s continued good health, long life, and boundless wisdom.

In the afternoon, the Tibetan Youth Congress took the initiative to organize song and dance performances in Dharamshala, which involved various organizations and associations.

The general secretary Sonam Tsering hosted the program, which turned out to be a tremendous success. More than 20 song and dance performances were showcased, attracting a large audience on this special occasion. The event served as a platform for different groups to come together and express their gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

 

TYC CENTREX AND RTYC DHARAMSHALA WELCOMED DHONDUP WANGCHEN LA AT GAGAL AIRPORT

On 29th June 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress President Gonpo Dhundup, Vice President Tashi Targyal and RTYC Dhasa President Jampa Tendar rushed to the Gaga Airport, Dharamshala, and welcomed Dhondup Wangchen la, a former political prisoner and his family. It was their first visit to Dharamshala after getting imprisonment freedom in 2014.

“THEATER OF THE OPPRESSED” METHODOLOGY LEAD BY ANEC(ACTIVE NON-VIOLENCE EDUCATION CENTRE) AT TYC 20TH YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

The participants also had the opportunity to experience the transformative “Theater of the Oppressed” methodology led by ANEC (Active Non-violence Education Center). This session aimed to empower participants with tools to address social injustices and create positive change.

Additionally, the participants went on an educational tour of the Central Tibetan Administration offices, visited the Tibet Museum, and explored the TYC office. These visits provided first-hand insights into Tibetan history and the efforts of organizations dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and advocating for freedom.

DIGITAL SECURITY TRAINING AND SESSION LEAD BY LHAGYARI NAMGYAL DOLKAR LA(MP) AT TYC 20TH LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY-2

The second day focused on digital security, with training provided by Mr. Tenzin Gyal and Mr. Lobsang Tseten from the Tibet Action Institute. The afternoon session included training on effective leadership by Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar (Member of the Tibetan Parliament), accompanied by group activities aimed at enhancing leadership skills.

The day concluded with an informal session involving former and current TYC Centrex members, highlighting the significance of youth participation in the Tibetan freedom movement and acknowledging the contributions of the Tibetan Youth Congress.

 

 

TYC 20TH YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

The 20th Youth Leadership Training organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) commenced on June 12th, 2023. The opening ceremony was graced by TYC President Gonpo Dhondup and esteemed Tibetan dignitaries, including Kungo Karma Yeshi la, former Centrex member and the former finance minister of CTA, Kungo Lobsang Jinpa la, former TYC Centrex president and the secretary at the office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and other former Centrex members of the Tibetan Youth Congress.

A total of 28 Tibetan youths from various academic institutes and organizations participated in the five-day training program. On the first day, TYC President Mr. Gonpo Dhondup provided insights into the evolution and formation of the Tibetan Youth Congress and its political campaign activities. Kungo Karma Yeshi la, the former TYC Centrex member, shed light on the structure of the Central Tibetan Administration and the evolution of democracy in exile.

 

The day concluded with an informal discussion featuring Mr. Tashi Dhondup (President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet) and representatives from Students for a Free Tibet. They shared valuable information about the nature and working of their respective organizations in raising political awareness and strengthening the Tibetan freedom movement.

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