JUNE 2003
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Senior disciple of Trulku Tenzin Delek testifies upon defection
[ read ]
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Hydroelectric Dam project raises concern among Tibetans
[ read ]
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International outcry results in Tibetan detainees release
[ read ]
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Three Tibetans arrested prior to Dalai Lama's birthday
[ read ]
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UN International Day in support of victims of torture
[ read ]
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Five years sentence for supporting a social activist
[ read ]
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New Board Members
[ read ]
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New Senior Programme Officer
[ read ]
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TCHRD newsletter in Tibetan language
[ read ]
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Briefing to law students
[ read ]
Lochoe Drime
(lay name Lobsang Damchoe), 33, is a
senior monk at Kham Nalenda Thakchen Jangchup Choeling in
Nyagchuka County, Sichuan Province. It is one of the eight
monasteries that Trulku Tenzin Delek founded. Lochoe fled
to India when he learnt that Nyagchuka Public Security
Bureau officials (PSB) were trailing him.
Lochoe reported to TCHRD,
"I was born in Othok Village,
Nyakchukha County, Sichuan Province. My family was nomad
with four children in the family. I was the eldest. At the
age of eleven, I joined the local Othok Monastery. Kham
Nalenda Thakchen Janchup Choeling was founded in
1988. During my stay in the monastery I performed my duty
in the capacity of a monastery disciplinarian ( Tib: Geko)
for two years as well as Chant Master ( Tib: dbu mdzad)
for four years. During my 22 years stay at the monastery,
I went to Tashi Kyil Monastery in Gansu Province to study
scriptures."
"Our teacher Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was a champion of
people's cause. He was a great social activist. For his
social services he often clashed with local Chinese
authorities who view him as a challenge to their
authority. Trulku has often been a target of their
resentment. Trulku went into hiding in the mountains
twice because of imminent arrest on account of his social
services. Around August 2001, I along with Thupten Khenrab
wrote a petition appealing Trulku's innocence. The petition
voiced people's concern and absolute support for Trulku's
social work.
"It also requested the government authorities not to
intervene in Trulku's humanitarian works which is highly
beneficial for the poor and down trodden. 40,000 signatures
and thump prints by the people of Lithang County, Dartsedo
County and Nyakchuka County supported the petition. It
became a spontaneous mass movement and unanimous support
for Rinpoche's safety.
"A group of seven people (names withheld) went to Beijing
to submit the petition. It was successfully submitted
to several authorities including the United Work Front
Department and the Religious Affairs Bureau. But none of
the authorities showed any positive response. Another
group of five people (names withheld) went to submit the
petition to the Sichuan Provincial authorities but met
with the same response.
"In late March 2002, I with two other monks left our home
monastery to further our studies in Tibetan literature at
Tashi Kyil Monastery in the neighbouring Gansu Province. We
traveled through Chengdu, capital of Sichuan. On our
way, we met Lobsang Dhondup by chance. He was there on a
business trip. I have known him for a year. He was a very
gentle and kindhearted person."
"No sooner did we reach Tashi Kyil Monastery, we heard
the news of Trulku's arrest through the radio. I phoned
the home monastery to confirm the news."
Not long after Trulku's arrest, Lochoe received information
that Nyakchuka County PSB were searching for him and the
two other monks. All of them had become objects of suspect
in connection to Trulku's case. Lochoe recounts,
"As soon as we heard that the PSB officials were searching for the
three of us, we decided to run as we do not stand a chance
in convincing the officials of our innocence. There is no
room for reason and logic. PSB officials forced one of our
close friend, Tenzin Drime, to accompany them to search
for three of us in Gansu. Later Drime disappeared only to
surface after a month. He doesn't speak to anyone of what
happened to him. Probably the officials intimidated him.
"Even when we were on the run, we received information
that Nyakchuka County PSB ransacked my room at the
monastery. Later it was sealed and no one was allowed to
enter our block.
"From Tashi Kyil Monastery, I ran away to Sangkol about
10 km distance away. From there I went to Xiling, Golmud
and finally to Lhasa. In all, I was on the run for nine
months. During the time I faced lots of difficulties with
no proper food to eat and shelter to live under.
"In Lhasa, I paid 1500 Yuan to a guide to take me across
the border to Nepal. While we were heading towards
Shigatse, police stopped us and asked for Shenfenzheng
(Chinese citizenship card). There were six including me
who came from outside the 'TAR' and without Shenfenzheng.
As a result, I was detained for one month and 18 days in
Shigatse Detention Centre. During detention, the prison
guards at the slightest offence kicked, beat and pulled
my hair.
"When I was released from Shigatse Detention Centre, I
return to Lhasa. I made preparations for my second escape
attempt. I traveled with a group of 21 Tibetans and came
on foot for 14 days through the Nangpala Pass. On our
way we heard the arrest of the 21 Tibetans (18 were later
deported) by the Nepali police."
Lochoe reached TRRC, Nepal, on 4 May 2003 and subsequently
reached Dharamsala, India, in mid June. Lochoe's other
two aides remain to be missing after failed attempts to
flee to Tibet.
"It is totally false to say that the Trulku Tenzin Delek
was behind the series of bomb blast that occurred in
April 2002. It is a fabricated accusation against Trulku
and the other four arrested. Trulku is an icon of the
preserver of Tibetan culture and identity. He is an
embodiment of all the living Gods. He is highly revered
for his social works. With his continuous efforts to
preserve the Tibetan culture through every means, he
has achieved tremendous within a short period. People
loved and respected Trulku for his beneficial works. He
is savoir of the Tibetan people, and a baseless cruel
allegation meted out and subsequent sentencing is a direct
assault on the Tibetan people. Trulku takes no help from
outside China though they might be offers. Nor a penny is
taken from the Chinese government. He carries his social
work through the generous offering and donations from
his followers, devotees and supporters. All of that he
gets from the people is returned by building schools,
old age houses, orphanages, clinics (which offers free
medication). The poor are especially well looked after
by him. Trulku Tenzin Delek and Lobsang Dhondup are not
guilty by any means of law. The Chinese do not wish
to see the flourishing of Tibetan culture. They thought
Trulku was challenging their authority. That's why they
were targeted. Otherwise there is no other apperent reason
for the authorities to arrest him."
Two elderly devotees of Trulku Tenzin Delek, Urther, 77,
and Urgue were heart broken and became insane on learning
about Trulku's arrest. The sad news was too much for
them to bear. As a result they became mentally unstable
and lost.
The local public was full of sorrow, grief-stricken and
weeping daily by Chinese cruel treatment for Trulku.
Any show of allegiance to Trulku results in harsh treatment
by the Chinese authorities. People who expressed their true
sense of loss were beaten and tortured for that very fact.
The authorities said Tenzin Delek Ripoche and Dalai Lama
are the two greatest enemies of China. Those who show any
support for them will suffer.
At Kham Nalenda Monastery, the monks under patronage of
the local civilians organized a big long life prayer
ceremony for the safety of Trulku after a week of
his arrest. But then it was interrupted by the Chinese
officials who did not allow it to be carried out. Similarly
the PSB officials disrupted a community prayer ceremony
at Thankarma Jorkhang where about 400 people gathered.
[ top ]
According to reliable information received from Tibet,
Beijing's hydroelectric dam project in the region of Ngaba
"Tibet Autonomous Prefecture" ("TAP"), Sichuan Province,
has raised concern amongst the Tibetans. An official decree
was reportedly issued whereby approximately 17,000 local
inhabitants residing in the eight townships under Barkham
County and Chuchen County in Sichuan Province are to be
relocated within a period of three years.
The eight townships to be affected by the project are
Dzongbud, Tawei, Kokyap, Tsodun, Kyomkyo, Damba, Drakbar,
Chuchen. The Tibetan population of the areas are as
follows: Dzonbud, 2798 people, 579 families; Tawei,
1451 people, 288 families; Tsodun, 7112 people, 3040
families; Kyomkyo, 3716 people, 743 families; Drakbar,
2349, 485 families.
The implementation of the project would destroy the
livelihood of the inhabitants and secondly, holy shrines
and other age-old landmarks would submerge in dam water.
The concerned inhabitants appealed to the authorities
against this dam project but the petition fell on deaf
ears.
The hydroelectric power plant would be named as
Shuang-Jang Kou Dianzhan, literally meaning convergence
of two rivers. The construction site of the dam is two
kilometres away from where Kyomkyo River (Ch: Juiao-Muzu
He) in Barkham County and Kokyab River (Ch: Chuosi-Jia He)
in Chuchen County converge.
The construction of the hydroelectric power plant in Ngaba
"TAP" is the responsibility of Gyalrong Ngulchu Development
Committee. The local government authorities have commented
that the aforementioned hydroelectric power plant as "the
most important of all the dams to be constructed in the
surrounding areas of Gyalrong Ngulchu river".
At a meeting of Ngaba "TAP" officials in early April 2003,
Kren Sei Ji, Deputy Party Secretary, called for "officials
of the prefecture and county levels to immediately form
a committee to create a conducive environment for smooth
implementation of the project." In the same month, Chinese
Government officials arrived at Barkham County and Chuchen
County for inspection, and directed the project to be
completed before 2006.
According to Chinese government documents, the total
population of Barkham County for the year 1990 is
58,049. Tibetans form 63 % of the total population
whereas the Chinese forms 34%. There are 13 counties
and one autonomous county under the Ngaba "TAP". The
construction sites of the dams fall under Barkham County
and Chunchen County. Both the counties are rich in natural
resources. Many rivers originate from the two counties.
In another dam construction project, Radio Free Asia,
Tibetan news service, reported that a hydroelectric dam
would be constructed on Yeti Lake (Chinese: Kangding
Mugecuo) located in Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding) despite
concerns that it would harm the local environment.
It was reported, 'the local leaders in Karze "TAP" and
the Hua Neng Co. of Beijing, have drafted plans for a 2
billion Yuan (US$300 millions) hydroelectric dam on Yeti
Lake. Hua Neng Co. is owned by the son of former Chinese
premier Li Peng.'
"Under their plan, Hua Neng Co., owned by Li Xiaopeng, and
Karze Prefecture would share the cost of building the dam,
although how much each party would pay was unclear. They
would also share revenues generated by the dam, with
Hua Neng taking 60 percent and the prefecture taking
40 percent."
In May 2003, the local people protested in a letter to
Tibetan officials asking them to block the project. The
letter was passed on to Premier Wen Jiabao, who dispatched
a team to the region to investigate. Upon completion of
the investigation, the team reported that the planned
dam would boost local incomes and failed to detail any
environmental concerns.
Such hydroelectric dams have been the pet projects of
Beijing to meet the pressing need of electricity in the
Mainland Chinese cities and towns. The issue of Tibetan
livelihood and their right to development has always
been sidelined to implement government policies. The
Tibetan people have the right to freely participate in
every government development projects and raise their
concern when faced with their own rights and resources
being deprived. Yet, voices go unheeded and concerns run
into empty government promises.
[ top ]
Sobho, 28, a Tibetan detainee in Nepal's Central Bhadra
Jail was released on 17 June 2003, after the Office
of Tibet and Tibetan Refugee Reception Centre (TRRC)
based in Kathmandu paid the bail amount of USD 107 to
secure his release. He was placed in the custody of the
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and
is currently under the care of TRRC.
There are also reports of attempted efforts to hinder
release process of Sobho. According to Sobho, "On 17 June
2003 around 5 pm, I was released. While TRRC staff members
were processing my release, one Tibetan and two Nepali men
came to meet me twice in the prison. These people asked
me many questions like what TRRC is doing for me and when
I will be released etc. Above all, they asked me to sign a
document, which I refused. I have a impression that these
men have some ulterior motive behind interviewing me".
TCHRD considers this release as a conciliatory gesture
on the part of the Nepali authorities in the wake of
international outcry over the recent deportation of the
18 Tibetans. Various governments and non-governmental
organizations "deplored" and "condemned" His Majesty's
Government of Nepal over their compliance with the orders
of the Chinese Embassy officials in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile confirmed source indicates that Nepali
Immigration Department has not granted permission for the
three kids (among 21 arrested, of which 18 deported) to
leave for India. These three kids face risk of deportation
if the Chinese Embassy exerts adequate pressure on Nepali
Government. Currently, there are 10 Tibetan detainees in
Nepali jails who are serving a sentence of 10 years each
for lack of residential permits and visa.
Sobho expressed grave concern over the fate of the recent
deportees in Tibet. He lamented, " The deportation of 18
Tibetans is really shocking, I really empathize with their
plight. It is a worst nightmare that any refugee could
ever imagine. Now they face prospects of harsher treatment
and torture. I appeal to the international community and
to the concerned governments to stop deporting Tibetan
refugees. The refugees managed to escape from the jaws
of death and now they are pushed back to hell to suffer
Chinese prosecution and persecution. "
Sobho had earlier attempted to flee Tibet five years
ago but was met with failure. He was detained in Nyari
Detention Centre in Shigatse Prefecture, "TAR" for several
months. Although this time he managed to reach the Nepali
soil, Sobho was arrested at Barabise checkpoint on 7 May
2003 and held in detention for six days before being handed
over to Nepali Immigration Department. The Immigration
Department registered a case to the effect and imposed a
visa fee of USD 37.50 and a penalty of NRS 5000 (approx
USD 70). Unable to pay the fines, Sobho received a default
imprisonment sentence of ten months.
Sobho hails from Derge County, Karze "TAP", Sichuan
Province. Originally a monk at Serthar Buddhist Institute
for seven years since early 1995, Sobho was forced to
leave when the Chinese authorities expelled approximately
8,000 religious practitioners and destroyed their living
quarters in mid 2001. In order to pursue his religious
studies, Sobho decided to seek monastic education in exile
monasteries set up in south India. To seek an audience
with the Dalai Lama is another reason behind his escape
from Tibet.
19 Tibetans who were reported by the Kathmandu Post to
have been arrested on 24 June 2003 at the western district
of Acham, Nepal, have safely reached the Tibetan Refugee
Reception Centre (TRRC) on 1 July 2003. The United Nations
High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has been highly
instrumental in their release. It is reported that the
arrested Tibetans were first handed over to UNHCR office
in Dhangadhi in western Nepal. Officials from UNHCR and
TRRC staff, both based in Kathmandu, went to Dhangadhi
to assure the refugees safety and their smooth travel to
Kathmandu City.
The group consisting of 15 men and four women has made
their journey from the traditional area of Kham, which has
now been incorporated into Sichuan and Qinghai Provinces,
and "TAR". The oldest in the group was 40 years old and
the youngest was 8 years old.
[ top ]
Three Tibetans: Yeshi Gyatso, member of Lhasa City CPPCC ;
Dawa Tashi and Buchung, both third year students of Tibet
University, have been arrested on 16 June 2003. They were
alleged of "splittest activities".
Their arrest came amid tightening of control on the
residents of Lhasa for the commemoration of Dalai Lama's
birthday which falls on 6 July. Every year the Chinese
authorities take great caution on the day and view it as
inciting and reviving Tibetan nationalism. The Chinese
authorities have banned birthday celebration of the exiled
Tibetan spiritual leader.
On 26 May 2000, Lhasa City authorities have issued a
circular whereby commemoration of the birthday has been
outlawed and has cautioned the public of arrest if they
were found to be celebrating the day.
On 5 June 2001, a circular was issued to reinforce the
ban. The second point of circular bans the residents of
gathering together on the day, burning incense, toasting
'Tsampa' (barley flour), hanging prayer flags and reciting
prayers.
Any resident arrested in connection to celebrating the
day in any of the baned manners are labeled as 'splittist'
and face prison terms.
Detailed information of the three arrestees are immediately
not known. But it is likely that they may be placed
in Lhasa City Public Security Bureau Detention Centre.
The arrestees might be given lengthy prison sentences for
their alleged offence.
[ top ]
The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed
26 June as the UN International Day in support of Victims
of Torture in 1997. Every year, the day is commemorated
in support of victims of torture and to eliminate torture
throughout the world.
In 1986, the Chinese Government signed the UN Convention
Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment (CAT) and ratified it in October 1988. Despite
its ratification, China is responsible for innumerable acts
of abuse through its repressive system of surveillance,
intimidation, and persecution inside Tibet's prisons and
detention centres. The revised Chinese Criminal Procedure
Law, which came into effect in October 1997, outlaws
certain forms of torture.
TCHRD has documented a variety of torture techniques used
against Tibetan detainees and prisoners including hand
and foot cuffs, electric shocks, exposure to extreme
temperature, long period of solitary confinement, and
deprivation of food, water and sleep, forced labour
and forced exercises. Prisoners are denied timely and
effective medical attention.The function of torture in
Tibet seeks to break the physical and moral resistance
of an individual. Aside from the physical assault, it is
the mental trauma and harassment that a victim is highly
affected throughout their life.
According to TCHRD record, 84 known political prisoners
have died as a direct result of torture while in Chinese
custody or after release since 1987. Torture is used
as a means of intimidation, information gathering and
insult to detainees in Chinese administered prisons and
detention centres. In 2002, TCHRD recorded 208 known
political prisoners in a network of prisons, detention
centres and labour camps throughout Tibet.
To cite an example of torture-related death, Lobsang
Dhargyal died on 19 November 2002 in a "reform through
labour" camp in Machen County, Golog "TAP", Qinghai
Province, due to brain haemorrhage. His death is attributed
to prison torture and maltreatment.
On the occasion of the International Day in Support of
Victims of Torture, TCHRD calls upon the Peoples Republic
of China to ratify the optional protocol to the Convention
against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment, "which establishes a framework
that will allow visits by independent international and
national bodies to places where persons are deprived
of liberty." At the same time TCHRD urges the Chinese
authorities to release all political prisoners in Tibet
and to end all forms of torture and maltreatment of
prisoners. TCHRD demands China to adhere to its domestic
laws as well as its obligations with regard to UN treaties
particularly the CAT. TCHRD urge s Beijing Government
to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to visit
China and to provide him unlimited access to assess the
situation on the ground.
Mr. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, in his message
on the day, calls for "ratification by all States of
Convention against Torture and Optional Protocol as a
concrete step in the struggle to prevent torture in the
world". Mr. Annan condemns the torturers who "seek to
break the will and spirit of the victim" and reaffirmed
"our unbroken will and spirit to stamp out this vile
practice, bring the torturer to justice, and care for
his innocent victims." Torture is a barbaric violation of
human dignity and human rights. No political, military,
religious or other cause can justify it, he added further.¨
[ top ]
Tsering Dhondup,
74, was born in a nomadic family in Othok Village,
Nyakchuka County, Karze "TAP", Sichuan Province.
Tsering was a Communist Party member since
late 1960s and eventually became the head of Othok
Village. Although Tsering didn't receive any formal
education, he has the gift of glib with proficiency in
Tibetan and quite well-versed in Chinese.
Tsering was enormously respected in the village for his
sincerity and open nature as the village head. On numerous
occasions, he appealed to the senior party members for
the welfare of the villagers and often disagreed on party
policies. When Trulku Tenzin Delek was being targeted for
his social activities by the Chinese authorities, Tsering
supported Trulku's beneficial works. He was twice involved
in petition drives in support of Trulku Tenzin Delek. He
went to the Sichuan Provincial authorities and Beijing to
submit the petitions. The Party officials and the County
authorities objected his activities.
In June 2002, two months after Trulku Tenzin Delek's arrest
in early April, Nyakchuka County Public Security Bureau
(PSB), headed by Jigmey arrived in Othok Village with
several other officials in two police jeeps. Jigmey sent
in Arshi Kong, a senior village official into Tsering
Dhondup's house. As soon as Tsering showed up outside
the door, he was immediately whisked away by two armed
policemen. Tsering's wife appealed the policemen but was
hit and knocked down. Tsering's grandson, Tashi, 15, also
tried to stop the policemen but he was hit by a rifle butt
on the head and fell unconscious. The officials warned
the villagers against any show of solidarity.
Tsering was detained in Nyakchuka County Detention
Centre. He was denied visitation for 20 days. But later
his wife was allowed to see him. Dolchoe pleaded the
authorities to release Tsering on the ground of his old
age and ill health. But the authorities paid no heed.
After six days of Tsering's arrest, the head of People's
Armed Police (PAP) and Vice-Chairman of Nyakchuka
County, Shilong, called a village meeting. The meeting
denounced Tsering Dhondup and stripped him of his party
membership. He was accused of cheating the village people
and misguiding them against the Communist Party.
Nyakchuka County People's Court sentenced Tsering Dhondup
to Five years' imprisonment for his "separatist activities"
in connection with Trulku Tenzin Delek. After 4 months
at Nyakchuka County Detention Centre, he was transferred
to Ra- Nga-Khang prison. The prison supervisor initially
did not accept Tsering Dhondup as an inmate because of
his ill health and old age. But the police compelled the
jailer to take in Tsering.
Tsering had an eye surgery prior to his arrest and
wears glasses. But the prison officials disallowed him
to wear glasses, as prisoners are not allowed to possess
metal. Consequently Tsering's eyes got worse and he became
blind in one eye. Later he developed serious problems in
his left leg and was unable to walk. He is in critical
health conditions.
Tsering Dhondup will be released in 2007.
[ top ]
TCHRD welcomes the new members to its Board of Directors
("BOD"). During the ninth General Body Meeting of TCHRD
"BOD", Ms. Dolma Gyari, Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly
of Tibetan Peoples Deputies, Mr. Penpa Tsering, Executive
Director of Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research
Centre, Mr. Karma Yeshi, Director of the Voice of Tibet,
Ms. B Tsering, President of the Tibetan Women's Association
and Ms. Norzin Dolma, Senior Programme Officer of TCHRD,
were formally introduced as the new members to TCHRD
"BOD".
The new members have been appointed after the resignation
of Mr. Thupten Samphel, Secretary of DIIR, Mr. Sonam
Dagpo, Additional Secretary of DIIR, Mr. Tenpa Tsering
and Mrs. Jetsun Pema, President of Tibetan Children's
Village. TCHRD extends its heartiest thanks to the out
going Board members for their invaluable support and
guidance.
TCHRD, being a non governmental organisation, is governed
by its Board of Directors who supervises the workings
of the Centre. The Board of Directors meet twice a year
while the executive committee of the Board meets monthly
to review the work.
TCHRD welcomes Ms. Norzin Dolma as the new Senior Programme
Officer. Ms. Norzin has been unanimously decided to take
the post during the 8th General Body Meeting of the Board
of Directors held on 25 April 2003. The promotion came
into effect from June 2003 after a formal declaration
during the 9th Board meeting.
Ms. Norzin has been working at TCHRD since January 2000 in
the capacity of English Researcher. She had represented
the centre during the World Summit on Sustainable
Development held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in
September 2002. She also represented TCHRD at the 59th
United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva,
Switzerland, this year.
The staff and volunteers at TCHRD wishes her all the best in her new roles.
In an effort to empower the Tibetan community in exile
in the concept of human rights and democracy, TCHRD
will henceforth publish a monthly newsletter in Tibetan
language.
The newsletter will be sent to Tibetan settlements, schools
and monasteries throughout India and Nepal. It is hoped
that the educated Tibetan community will strive for their
rights equiped with the well - informed knowledge of their
rights under International Law.
TCHRD publishes its annual report in Tibetan language
and has translated important UN documents including the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR) , International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Convention on the Rights of
the Child (CRC) and Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR) into Tibetan.
TCHRD Director, Mrs. Tsewang Lhadon, was invited to talk on
the human rights situation in Tibet to a group of American
law students on a study tour to Dharamsala. Mrs. Tsewang
gave an overview of the human rights situation in Tibet,
explaining the systematic violation of Tibetan people's
human rights in Tibet. Mrs. Tsewang expressed the need
for the international governments, institutions and
multinational corporations to take into account seriously
the human rights violations committed by the Chinese
government when dealing with China and make Beijing
accountable to crimes committed.
Mrs. Tsewang also fielded pertinent questions with regard
to the recent Tibetan delegations' visit to Tibet and
the Indian Prime Minister's visit to China and commented
its impact.
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