Geneva: The five Tibetan peace marchers holding the peace march from Zurich since 8 September 2020 reached Geneva and joined the peaceful demonstration organized by the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Lichtenstein (TCSL) on 18 September 2020 before the UN Building, Geneva.
The five Tibetan peace marchers Tenam Phuntsok, Pempa Tsering, Tashi Namgyal, Gelek Namgyal and Lobsang Tsangmada joined around 150 Tibetan demonstrators who had assembled in front of the United Nations building in Geneva side-lining the ongoing 45th UN Human Rights Council session to draw the attention of the UN and the member states to the worsening situation of human rights in Tibet.
Following strict physical distancing and safety-related norms due to Wuhan originated COVID-19 pandemic, members of the community assembled at the Place des Nation in protest against China’s continued violation of human rights in Tibet and other regions under China’s control. The ongoing 45th UN Human Rights Council session is being held in much restricted manner similar to the last session.
Representative at Tibet Bureau Geneva Chhimey Rigzen, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Jampa Samdo, President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Lichtenstein Norbu Tsamda, Vice- President of Tibetan Women’s Association of Switzerland Norzom Jordenkhangsar and Media Officer of Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association Dr. Uwe Meya commended the peace marchers and honoured them with traditional Tibetan scarf Khatag. The earlier peace marchers who had carried out similar marches and cycle rallies were also honored.
Speaking on the worsening human rights situation in Tibet, Representative Chhimey Rigzen highlighted that, “the Wuhan originated COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in the world over. But it has made the situation much worse for Tibetans inside Tibet. China is continuing to suppress the Tibetans and its policies are aimed at Sinicization of Tibetan youth depriving them of learning the Tibetan language and practicing the Tibetan Buddhists which are important markers of Tibetan culture.”
The peace marchers as well as President of TCSL submitted petitions to the UN addressed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.