Human Rights Update and Archives

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NOVEMBER 2003

Anti-Dalai Lama Campaign intensifies in Kardze and Lithang County  [ read ]

Six years’ sentence for Yeshi Gyatso  [ read ]

China to halt flow of “illegal immigrants” to Nepal  [ read ]

Nepal releases nine Tibetan prisoners  [ read ]

Chinese army stages “anti terror” exercise drills in Tibet  [ read ]

Villagers in Meldrogungkar County fear flood in Lhasa  [ read ]

Exile returnee sentenced to four years for literature on Dalai Lama  [ read ]

Testimony of a former political prisoner  [ read ]

Obituary to A-Bum  [ read ]

EU asks China to receive UN Special Rapporteur on Torture as soon as possible  [ read ]

Harry Wu calls on EU to appoint a special representative on Tibet  [ read ]

Profile of a current political prisoner:

Sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for providing information to the outside world  [ read ]

TCHRD Activities Bulletin:

Free Trulku Tenzin Delek” Postcard  [ read ]

Special report on Trulku Tenzin Delek in Tibetan language  [ read ]

Re-exam of two Researcher’s post  [ read ]

TCHRD 2004 Desk Calendar  [ read ]

Four monks receive lengthy imprisonment terms

TCHRD received confirmed information that the authorities in Kardze County, and Lithang County in Kardze Tibet Autonomous Prefecture (“TAP”), Sichuan Province, have threatened the local populace with confiscation of their land if they do not hand over portraits of the Dalai Lama within a month.

According to reliable sources, on 11 and 12 November 2003, Chinese “work teams” held meetings in all the villages and townships in Kardze and Lithang Counties. On 11 November, the local authorities and “work team” officials commanded a blanket end to activities calling for Tibet’s independence and an instant end to expressing reverence to the Dalai Lama by all means. Accordingly, the community was ordered to hand over portraits of the Dalai Lama displayed in their homes. Unable to achieve a response, the authorities forwarded an assurance that no action would be taken against those who willingly surrenders the portraits. Another meeting was called the next day for the same reason but no one handed over the portraits. The authorities threatened the masses with land confiscation for failing to comply the official order within a month.

“At the end of the deadline, if portraits of the Dalai Lama are found in any house, the family will lose its land”, the authorities threatened.

It is believed that the authorities summoned the meetings after a five feet Tibetan national flag was found hoisted on a 72 -metre radio tower in Kardze County in August 2003. The flag was hoisted to coincide with consecration of a Buddhist monument which attracted hundreds of people. Reportedly, Chinese army officers attempted to bring down the flag for two hours but did not succeed. Later a team of professional climbers were called to pull off the flag. By the time the flag was brought down, hundreds of residents had already seen it. “The flag was hanging faced to Kardze Monastery and I could see the white snow lions on it from a distance. The flag was about three metres long,” a refugee told Radio Free Asia upon arriving in Nepal.

The authorities tried to find out the “culprit” but to no avail. In a move to avoid similar incidents in the future, stern measures were taken. Construction of a new People’s Armed Police (“PAP”)barrack has been completed in Ser-ngok Township which houses over one hundred “PAP” officers.

The residents of Kardze and Lithang County, who are mostly farmers, have for generations sustained themselves by farming their land. With the land under threat of confiscation, the community is now anxious about its livelihood.

Background to the latest this latest development: At the Third Tibet Work Forum held in Beijing in 1994, the Chinese authorities identified the Dalai Lama as a “serpent’s head that must be chopped off”. Anti-Dalai Lama campaigns under the aegis of “Patriotic Education Campaign” were initially implemented in 1996 with monasteries and nunneries as initial targets. Monks and nuns in Tibet are subjected to political indoctrination wherein they have to denounce the Dalai Lama. The campaign later spread into the lay community as well.

In June 2000, “work teams” ransacked every house in Toelung Dechen County for portraits of the Dalai Lama. A bonfire was made of the confiscated portraits. Since the implementation of the anti-Dalai Lama campaign, numerous arrests have taken place in Tibet for either displaying portraits of the Dalai Lama, possessing video or audiotapes of the Dalai Lama, or for chanting, “Long live the Dalai Lama”.

Since 2001, the focus of religious repression seems to have shifted towards Sichuan Province, which in the past enjoyed relative religious freedom. Three of the most prominent religious figures- Geshe Sonam Phuntsok (currently serving his five years’ prison term), Trulku Tenzin Delek (under death sentence with two years’ reprieve) and Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok (who was earlier held in incommunicado detention and his Serthar institute faced mass expulsion and demolition)-were targeted by the Chinese authorities for their allegiance to the Dalai Lama. The pattern of arrest this year seems to indicate intensification of the anti-Dalai Lama drive.¨

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Six years’ sentence for Yeshi Gyatso

According to London based Tibet Information Network (TIN) and Tibetan Government-in- Exile website, Tibet.net, Yeshi Gyatso, 70, who was arrested in June 2003 has been sentenced to six years’ imprisonment term. Yeshi Gyatso is a senior member of Lhasa Municipality’s Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and was reportedly arrested on alleged charges of “separatist activities” amid tightening of control on the residents of Lhasa during the commemoration of Dalai Lama’s birthday which falls on 6 July. Every year the Chinese authorities take great caution on the day to avert any incidents that indicates incitement and revival of Tibetan nationalism. The Chinese authorities have banned birthday celebration of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.

It is believed that Yeshi Gyatso along with two third year students of Tibet University, Dawa Tashi and Buchung, were arrested in connection with the commemoration of Dalai Lama’s birthday. The three were arrested on 16 June and placed in Gutsa Detention Centre though Dawa Tashi was released after a month’s detention.

Yeshi Gyatso was earlier imprisoned in 1959 for ten years at Drapchi Prison and later spent ten years in Sangyip labour through re-education prison. At the end of his current six-year term, he would have spent a total of 26 years in Chinese prison.

Yeshi Gyatso was a civil sevant in the pre-1959 Tibetan Government. He is popularly known as Kyamtoe Yeshi Gyatso and is also known as Tingshar Yeshi Gyatso. In the eighties, when members of the aristocracy were rehabilitated, he was given a position in Lhasa Municipality Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The position was mere nominal than functional since he did not had the decision-making power within the state establishment.

China to halt flow of "illegal immigrants" to Nepal

Agence France Presse (AFP) reported on 14 November 2003 that China is working to end the unauthorised movement of Tibetans to Nepal. Sun Heping, Chinese ambassador in Nepal was quoted as saying “We are going to make necessary arrangements to stop illegal immigrants”.

The ambassador denied the Tibetans as being refugees and instead labelled the fleeing Tibetans as “illegal immigrants”. He further told that there was no tension between Nepal and his country and instead said that the illegal immigrants crossing over to Nepal from Tibet have been creating problems.

Nepal in May 2003 deported eighteen Tibetan refugees under Chinese pressure despite a massive international appeal. The United States, European Union and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees later condemned the deportation.

Last month Chinese border patrol fired on a group of 34 fleeing refugees. 17 people were arrested while the rest managed to escape. It is believed that some of the arrestees have been shot.

Nepal is a transit point for the fleeing Tibetan refugees. Every year thousands of Tibetans flee through Nepal to India. Many die during the trek across the treacherous passes of the Himalaya. With the tightening of control along the border, fewer refugees would be able to flee persecution.

Nepal releases nine Tibetan prisoners

Nepalese authorities released nine Tibetan prisoners on 19 November 2003. The Tibetans who were arrested on different dates in previous years had been languishing in jail for not possessing legal documents during their transit in Nepal.

The released who were all serving ten years’ term comprised of five monks and four students. Gendun Samten alias Heruka, monk, had already served four years and five months in Bhadra Central Jail when his release could be finally secured. The rest had been in jail since August 2001.

The prisoners were set free after San Francisco based Himalaya Foundation paid their bail amounts. The release of the Tibetans were earlier attempted through legal litigation but did not yeild any result. Earlier, seven Tibetans were released after their bail amounts were paid by generous individuals.

Nepal, earlier this year in May deported 18 Tibetan refugees despite huge international appeal.

List of released prisoners

Chinese army stages "anti terror" exercise drills in Tibet

Citing www.Chinatibetnews.com, Reuters reported on 17 November that Chinese troops staged a day of counter-terrorism exercises in Tibet to practise fighting “terrorist” aligned with exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. The exercise dubbed “Himalaya 03”included drills in suppressing riots, seizing kidnappers, freeing hostages and handling explosions and bio-chemical attacks.

Senior officials from the “Tibet Autonomous Region” (“TAR”) government and Communist Party, and the deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security’s anti-terrorism bureau, watched the exercises

An official at Tibet’s foreign affairs office was quoted as saying the exercises were designed “to show the firm determination of the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Party committee, government and all ethnic people in fighting terrorism and their ability to fight terrorism”.

In the aftermath of September 11, the Chinese government is hell bent on branding political and religious activities with acts of terrorism. Amendments to the Chinese Criminal Law adopted in December 2001 places severe punishments for those who “organise or lead a terrorist organisation” from three years to ten years’ imprisonment to between ten years and life (article 120 of the Criminal Law). However, the term “terrorist organisation” is vaguely defined and allows a broad and ambiguous range of interpretation including non-violent political and religious activities.

China tightens its repression by labelling popular leaders as “terrorist”. Popular figures are considered a threat to the party authority in Tibet and removed after branding them “terrorist”. Trulku Tenzin Delek who is a respected Buddhist teacher in Lithang County, Karze Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, was convicted on alleged charges of “bomb explosion” incidents and trying to “split the country” and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve. Lobsang Dhondup, his co-accused was summarily executed on 26 January 2003 on same charges despite huge internatinal appeal.

Villagers in Meldrogungkar County fear flood in Lhasa

Gyakloe, 22, a monk from Meldrogungkar County, “TAR”, told TCHRD about a power station being built in his village.

According to Gyakloe, “The Chinese government started constructing a power station in our village in year 2002. In conjunction with building of the power station, the government had planned to block the river that runs through our village. Few years back, a group of researchers arrived at our village to study the feasibility of blocking the river. In their report they had clearly pointed out the environmental hazard that could follow on blocking the river. They strongly expressed concern over increasing flood problem around the region.”

“Regardless of what the report has suggested, the government carried on with their plan to build a power station and block the river. The river at the later course joins Kyichu River that flows through Lhasa. It is feared that any technical problem over the construction of the dam could create flood in Lhasa.”

“The government has already issued a directive to relocate the residents of Chang ra, Tin Ghang, Rong Do, Cha Ga Dong, Gyang Gang, Dzong Shuel, Ngoru and Pang Da town. All these towns fall in the premises of the dam under construction. The relocation of the villager is expected to be complete in two years time. The plan is to move a section of people to higher grounds around Nyima Chang Ra Town and the rest of the people to a place called Bae Pa Chu Lae Pe Thang in Kongpo Prefecture.”

“The residents are now worried about their future. The project is entirely undertaken by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The power station is expected to complete by year 2008. Since the start of the project, they have already constructed three new bridges over the river. While one is meant for public convenience, the other two is specifically build for the dam. It is feared that one bridge is even used to transport mines extracted from a nearby town. This has raised concern among the residents of the town. They believe these activities will deprive the land of its rich natural resource and harm the fragile environment. It is a known issue among the villagers about the drawbacks of such a project.

Many people told me that the project will benefit only the Chinese government and the local populace is to face its disastrous environmental consequences. This is already evident from the conversion of long stretch of farmland into concrete road for logistic purpose. I learned that the farmers were either forced to hand over their land or lured with monetary exchange. The result of all these has shattered the lives of the residents around the site of the project. The inhabitants are so much worried about their future.

Exile returnee sentenced to four years for literature on Dalai Lama

TCHRD received confirmed information that Yeshi Dorjee has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment term.

In 2001, Yeshi returned to Tibet after studying for about six months in Namdroling Monastery, South India. He returned through the Dram border (Friendship bridge). While in Nepal, his friend warned him against carrying any Dalai Lama related literature, but Yeshi didn’t heed the advice and went forward carrying speeches of the Dalai Lama.

However, Yeshi was arrested in Dingri (Ch: Tingri) County. He was severely beaten by the “PSB” officials which resulted in the fracture of his arm. He was charged of “splittism” and consequently sentenced to four years’ imprisonment term. His place of detention is not known as of now.

Testimony of a former political prisoner

Bukhog, 27, was born in Tsashol Township, Meldrogungkar County, “TAR”. He attended the village school till fourth grade but dropped afterwards due to family financial constraints. In 1995, Bukhog and his friend Jigme Gyalpo were arrested for pro-independence activities. Lhasa Intermediate People’s Court sentenced both of them to six years’ imprisonment term. Upon completing his sentence, Bukhog was released on 19 April 2001. Unable to lead a normal live after release from prison, Bukhog fled Tibet and reached Kathmandu, Nepal, in November 2003. Bukhog recounted to TCHRD,

“In late 1994, my friend Jigme Gyalpo (b 1972) and I worked out a plan to protest against China’s continuing campaign aimed at thwarting any support to the Dalai Lama. Jigme and I prepared posters with slogans like ‘free Tibet’ and ‘Tibet belongs to Tibetans’. Jigme also painted a Tibetan national flag on a piece of paper. Late one night, under the cover of darkness we put up the posters on the doors of the main administrative building of the town. We also broke down a door of the building and pulled down a Chinese flag and tore it into pieces.”

“After few days of the incident, I went to Kongpo (Ch: Nyingtri) to stay with one of my relatives. During that time the officials back home had started investigations and by studying the handwritings on the posters had come to know about my involvement in the event. On 20 May 1995, four PSB officials from my hometown and two from Nyingtri Prefecture arrived at my relatives place to arrest me. The officials took me back to my hometown and detained me in the County PSB Detention Centre. On the same evening the officials began their interrogations coupled with constant beating and torture. I was beaten indiscriminately with the butt of a rifle, electric prod and wire strings. My fingers were tightened with two wires connected to a small generator, which had to be activated manually. Every time, the security personnels turned the handles, I felt the unbearable pain of the electric shock. They also lashed me with their leather belts and struck me hard with their heavy boots. I was left unconscious throughout the night.”

“After about one and half months of detention at the Meldo Gongkar Detention Centre, on 4 June 1995, we were both taken to Gutsa Detention Centre in Lhasa. The police officers interrogated us once and later officials from the Lhasa Procutorate arrived to conduct further interrogations. Our case was subsequently put up at Lhasa Intermediate People’s Court and investigations went on for few more months. In November 1995, I was sentenced to six years’ prison term and deprivation of political rights for three years. Jigme also received a six years’ prison sentence. Following the court verdict, we were then shifted to Drapchi Prison on 4 January 1996.”

“At the time when I was imprisoned, I think there were about 300 Tibetan political prisoners serving various prison terms at the old and new Unit 5 of the Prison. The prisoners did not have to do any work but they were also not allowed to go out of their cells. The situation of the political prisoners became more strict and controlled after a protest broke out on the 1 and 4 May 1998. They did not allow the prisoners to step out of the prison except when they had to visit the toilet, which was allowed twice a day. We also had to learn prison rules regularly.”

“There would be routine questioning by the prison officials. The interrogation is carried out to check if we had reformed in our way of thinking. When the prisoners fail to give a satisfactory answer, the officials did not hesitate to physically abuse the prisoners. There were strict rules to follow during visitations by our relatives. The visitations were allowed only once a month. The prisoners were allowed to accept only three gyamas (one gyama is equivalent to 500 grams) of fruit from their relatives.”

“The prisoners have to assess their standing in the eyes of prison disciplinarians with coloured slips issued every now and then. Those with the best standing were given a green slip while the ones with poor record is given a red slip.”

“In terms of medical facilities the prison has virtually no proper facilities to treat the ailing prisoners. Due to poor facilities, the prison had to transfer many prisoners who were seriously ill to larger hospitals. The situation is still the same. The entire condition of the prison has actually deteriorated considerably through the years. “

“My friend and I were duly released on 19 April 2001. I went back to my village to start my life again. But life outside the prison continued to remain restricted and controlled more so than ever. The Public Security Bureau constantly watched me. I had to get permission from the County office every time I travel out of town. And also the PSB officials would make frequent visits to our house to check on me. I was therefore feeling bound by the invisible chain under the watchful eyes of Chinese security personnels. This life was becoming cumbersome and unbearable and I therefore decided to escape.”¨

According to a report on Drapchi Prison published in a recent issue of a journal called China’s Tibet, they have not mentioned about the strict control imposed during the visitations. Instead the journal has made false claims of allowing a wide range of items being allowed to keep by the prisoners after a visit by their relative. According to the journal, the list of items allowed into the prison includes five to ten bundles of dried noodles, five cans of packed meat, five gyamas of Tsampa (roasted barley), one gyama of white sugar, three gyama of butter, five packets of milk powder and fifty yuans.

Obituary to A-Bum

A-Bum was born in a nomadic family in 1941 in Nagchu region of traditional Tibet. In the early period of Chinese invasion through eastern Tibet, he took part in the resistance against Chinese invasion.

In 1968, he encouraged twenty one families from his region to join the resistance. They redistributed the foodgrains to the community which was confiscated by the Chinese army.

In 1969, when communist China was repressing the bourgeois class of Tibetans, A-Bum provided security to five Tibetans by hiding them. In November 1969, A-Bum was arrested during a protest. He was imprisoned in the County Detention Centre. But he escaped and rejoined the resistance. He was arrested again and sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment on charges of “counter revolution”.

During a brief period of relaxation in 1979, he was released before completing his sentence. Even after his release, he continued to remain politically active.

In 1989, A-Bum and some of friends spoke to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on the atrocities beign committed by China. He became a target of the Chinese police again which led to his flight from Tibet. A-Bum came into exile in 1989.

He served in the Tibetan-Government -in-Exile in various capacities.

On the morning of 14 November 2003, A-Bum passed away in Kathmandu, Nepal.

EU asks China to receive UN Special Rapporteur on Torture as soon as possible

According to www.tibet.net report on 10 November 2003, the European Union (EU) asked the People’s Republic of China to receive a UN human rights expert and to produce concrete results to maintain its human rights dialogue with Beijing. Ms. Margherita Boniver, the deputy Foreign Minister of Italy, delivered the statement to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in UN headquarters on 6 November 2003.

The statement read, “We therefore urge all states parties strictly to comply with their obligations under article 19 of the convention against torture and those governments which dismissed the Special Rapporteur on torture’s request to visit their country to respond positively and to fully cooperate with him. In this regard the EU expresses its wish that the visit to China by the UN Special Rapporteur on torture could take place as soon as possible.”

The EU statement was referring to the invitation received from China by Mr. Theo van Boven (Holland), the Special Rapporteur on Torture of the UN Commission on Human Rights. Mr. Van Boven’s predecessor Sir Nigel Rodley (UK) although invited by Beijing in 1999, was unable to make an official visit when his “terms of reference” for the mission was never accepted by China. European Union while calling for the eradication of torture in this world said: “

While mentioning China as one of the countries with whom the EU raises its concern on the question of the death penalty, the EU statement said: “Our aspiration is to see the death penalty abolished in law and in practice in every country of the world, in times of peace and war. In the meantime, the European Union makes a solemn appeal to all states who have not yet done so, including those which have suspended existing moratoria, to establish a moratorium on executions and to sustain it with strong political will. The European Union believes that a moratorium is a first minimum step leading in the rights direction, which no state should deny.”

Harry Wu calls on EU to appoint a special representative on Tibet

Prominent Chinese human rights activist Harry Wu has called on the European Union to appoint a special representative on Tibet stating such a position will reflect the EU’s sincerity in dealing with the Tibet issue, reported International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).

Participating in the “European Parliament Forum on Tibet: EU Response to Sino-Tibetan Dialogue” in Brussels on 12 November 2003, Wu said, “The State Department of the United States government has appointed an Under Secretary of State, Ms. Paula Dobriansky, as US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. This is a high level appointment, which highlights that the United States Government is paying serious attention to the non-violent struggle of Tibet. It is time for the European Union to also appoint a senior official to push China to the negotiation table. This is an important and concrete step that the European Union could take. It would show the European Union does in fact actively defend the rights of the downtrodden and repressed.”

PROFILE OF A CURRENT POLITICAL PRISONER

Sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for providing information to the outside world

Lobsang Tenphen was born in 1965 in Zhampa Township, Lithang County, Sichuan Province. Early in life he assisted in family farm works and didn’t receive any education. When he was 19 years old, he started a small business trading Yartsa Gunbu (a Tibetan medicinal plant, botanical name: cordyceps sinensis) and animal hides. At 25, he married Sonam Dolma, niece of Trulku Tenzin Delek and lived in his wife’s home. The family consisted of nine members.

In 1995, Tenphen’s brother, Dhak Lobsang, was detained in County Public Security Bureau (“PSB”) Detention Centre on suspicion of pamphleteering and posting pro-independence slogans. Tenphen had a hot verbal argument with the PSB officials when he defended his brother’s non-involvement and innocence. In fury, he spat outside the gate of the detention centre. The authorities later warned Tenphen’s family to take care of him otherwise they threatened to “take care of him”.

Trulku Tenzin Delek was arrested on 7 April 2002 on alleged charges of “causing bomb explosions” and with this started a series of arrests. Unconfirmed reports indicated arrests of eighty Tibetans though TCHRD documented 13 known arrests. Lobsang Tenphen was among the last to be arrested in connection to Trulku Tenzin Delek’s case. On 12 Febuary 2003, six PSB officers came to arrest Tenphen at his house on suspicion of providing information about Trulku Tenzin Delek and Lobsang Dhondup to the outside world. Tenphen’s wife and her father strongly objected to his arrest and enquired for reasons of arrest. The officers assured the family that they have “some questions to ask and nothing would happen to him”. The officers further assured that “he will return very soon”. But Tenphen never returned home even after months passed. The family started to feel anxious about his well-being and whereabouts. The family approached Lithang County Security Department (Chinese: An-tsan-tsue), Karze Prefecture National Security Department and several other relevant offices, inquiring about Tenphen’s health and whereabouts, but to no avail.

In September 2003, after seven months, Lobsang Tenphen was seen again when he was produced before the Kardze Intermediate People’s Court. It was learnt that he was arbitrarily detained in Yakra Phuk Prison (Tib translit: gyag ra phuk). This was in direct contravention of International law and Chinese national law. In both the laws, it has been specifically stipulated that an arrestee shall not be arbitrarily detained and the family of the arrestee shall be informed of his charges and whereabouts. But in Lobsang’s case, he was detained without anyone’s notice. Article 9, subsection I, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) stipulates, “…No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention…”

Following a summary trial, Kardze Intermediate People’s Court sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment sentence for providing information regarding Trulku Tenzin Delek and Lobsang Dhondup to the outside world. He was transfered him to Ngaba (Ch: Aba) Prison in Sichuan Province.

Just weeks after the court sentence, five of his relatives including his wife paid a visit to Ngaba Prison. The relatives were granted half an hour to see him. It is reported that Lobsang had become weak and frail. Bruise and other marks were also visible on his arms. It is feared that he was tortured in the prison.

TCHRD ACTIVITIES BULLETIN

"Free Trulku Tenzin Delek" Postcard

2 December 2003 marks the elapse of one year since Trulku Tenzin Delek was sentenced to death by the Kardze Intermediate People's Court, Sichuan Province. Trulku faces death sentence with a two year reprieve. His co-accused Lobsang Dhondup was summarily executed on 26 January 2003.

With only a year left for Trulku’s execution, Join TCHRD in its campaign to free Trulku Tenzin Delek by signing this postcard addressed to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial killings, Summary and Arbitrary Executions and also to Mr.Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China.¨

Special report on Trulku Tenzin Delek in Tibetan language

Marking 2 December 2003, as the first anniversary since Trulku Tenzin Delek was sentenced to death, TCHRD releases a special report in Tibetan language entitiled “drang bden min p’i khrims ched” (Unjustified Sentence). The report details the life of Trulku Tenzin Delek and his coviction under the Chinese legal system. The report pays special attention on Trulku’s case in the light of International law and Chinese domestic law.

The english publication of the same will soon follow.

To avail a copy of the publication, please write to us at or write to us on our mailing address.

Re-exam of two Researcher's post

TCHRD announces the re-exam of two researchers post held in July 2003. The Board of Directors of the Centre reached the decision after observing certain anomalies in the selection process. The decision in no way casts a doubt on the moral integrity of the Executive Director, Mrs. Tsewang Lhadon nor is it the fault of the two candidates, Mr. Tsering Topgyal and Ms. Tashi Yangzom, whose selection result now stands annulled. The decision was reached for the sake of the credibility of the Centre.

TCHRD will shortly release the advertisement for the two researchers' posts.

TCHRD 2004 Desk Calendar

TCHRD 2004 Calendar is a collection of twelve images of Tibet that is most striking from a human rights perspective. Each month of the Calendar provides an account of specific human rights violation committed in Tibet in the year 2003. For the benefit of everyone, Tibetans and westerners, the calendar will have English dates on one side and Tibetan lunar calendar dates on the other.

Order your TCHRD 2004 desk Calendar now at just US $ 15 + p&p. US $ 5 overseas per calendar. To order, please contact dsala@tchrd.org or tsewangl@tchrd.org or write a cheque in favor of Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and send to :

Ms. Phurbu Dolma (Accountant)
Tibetan Centre for Human Rights
and Democracy (TCHRD)
Top Floor, Narthang Building
Gangchen Kyishong
Dharamsala, H.P.-176215, INDIA