Representative Chhimey Rigzen of the Tibet Bureau addressing the gathering.
Geneva: Commemorating the 72nd International Human Rights Day, members of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein gathered in front of the United Nations building in Geneva against the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Tibet.
Given the federal’s guidelines for combating the spread of Wuhan originated COVID pandemic, the demonstration was organized in a significantly restricted manner including the restriction in a number of participants allowed to partake in the event.
The protestors, holding the Tibetan National flags and placards, raised slogans demanding United Nations to pay attention to the dismal human rights situation in Tibet. The demonstrators also called upon China to release all political prisoners and address the underlying grievances of Tibetans by entering into dialogues with the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Addressing the gathering, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration Mr.Chhimey Rigzen said “A year after the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the People’s Republic of China began annexation of Tibet. Since then, every single right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being violated in Tibet. Despite years and decades of China’s hardline policies and suppression in Tibet, with indomitable courage and determination, Tibetans inside Tibet continues to resist with dignity”. He continued, “No matter how many more times we may need to gather in front of the United Nations building, truth is on our side. Let’s keep our spirit strong, this will be our victory”.
René Longet, former Swiss Parliamentarian and representative of Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association addressing the gathering.
Special guest for the event, René Longet, former Swiss parliamentarian and representative of Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association, reaffirmed his continued support and attention for the cause of Tibet. While expressing concern over cases of Chinese infiltration and spies, he urged the Switzerland government to be more vigilant; protect and defend Tibetan rights, including that of Sans-Papiers (undocumented Tibetans).
Europe member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Jampa Samdho and Europe member-elect of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Wangpo Tethong, President of Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein Tsamda Norbu, President of Tibetan Youth Association in Europe Tashi Shitsetsang and Vice-President of the Tibetan Women’s Organisation in Switzerland Norzom Jordenkhangsar also addressed the gathering.
Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein also submitted an appeal letter addressed to Ms Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The appeal letter called “to break” the High Commissioner’s silence on Tibet and intervene to protect the basic human rights of Tibetans. The Community also urged High Commissioner to “press upon China” to invite the high commissioner’s office as well as special rapporteurs to visit Tibet and report on the gross human rights violations happening in Tibet under Chinese rule.
Newly elected President of Tibetan Youth Association in Europe Tashi Shitsetsang addressing the gathering.
Norzom Jordenkhangsar, Vice-President of the Tibetan Women’s Association in Switzerland
Europe Member-Elect of Tibetan Parliament in Exile Mr. Wangpo Tethong addressing the gathering.
Europe Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile Mr. Jampa Samdho briefing the cases of human rights violations in Tibet.
Mr.Tsamda Norbu presenting a book of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Quotes to Mr. René Longet, former Swiss Parliamentarian and Representative of Swiss-Tibetan Friendship.
Tibetans in Switzerland and Liechtenstein observed the 72nd International Human Rights Day despite concern over Wuhan originated COVID pandemic.