On 9 September 2024, on the first day of the 57th UN Human Rights Council session, the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein organised a protest in front of the UN building against the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet under the Chinese government rule.
UN Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal from the Tibet Bureau, Geneva, addressed the gathering, stating that the UNHRC holds regular sessions three times a year. The 57th session, the final session of 2024, started on 9 September 2024 and will end on 11 October 2024. Like others, this session addresses various global human rights issues and provides a platform for member states, observer states, NGOs, and reports and recommendations.
In addition, he mentioned that 13 UN Special Rapporteurs took a significant step by sending a letter to both the United Nations and the Huadian Jinsha River Upstream Hydropower Development Co. Ltd. This letter addresses grave concerns about the construction of the Kamdok Hydroelectric Power Plant, a project that threatens to displace and relocate Tibetans living along the Drichu River forcibly. “This is not just a matter of human rights violations but also an impending environmental disaster that could ravage our sacred land, a land that has been nurtured and revered by generations of Tibetans”, said the UN Advocacy Officer
He also stressed the importance of remembering His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision and direction during these trying times, and said, “Our fight for freedom and justice has been based on his leadership and knowledge. We must keep following His Holiness’s guidance since he has always led us on the correct path. Taking a different route from him could result in a regretful future.”
“It’s possible that we didn’t expect immediate results when we started our protests. Justice is a distant and challenging goal, but we must realise that every small step we take contributes to the bigger picture. I have no doubt that even in the most remote areas of Beijing, people are listening to us. We cannot afford to stop protesting, as the suffering and misery caused by remaining silent will never be forgotten.”
Before concluding his remarks, he added, “We must keep fighting despite all the challenges we encounter. I think we will find the desired solution if we stay dedicated and work together. Our purpose is unwavering, and we have a good cause. Let us keep fighting for freedom and justice as a team.”
Jampa Samdho, a former member of the Tibetan Parliament in exile and co-president of GSTF, recalled a significant moment during the 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN. He highlighted that 24 countries made recommendations urging China to improve its human rights record in Tibet. These recommendations underscore the global concern and the urgent need for China to respect Tibetan rights, culture, and autonomy.
Jorden Wojotsang, representing the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe, urged the UN to address the human rights violations faced by Tibetans under China’s oppressive regime. He emphasised that Tibetans will persist in their fight for freedom and will continue to press the international community—especially the UN—to take prompt action and hold China accountable for its severe human rights abuses in Tibet.
Rikon Khen Rinpoche; UN Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal; Kalsang, Vice President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein; Nima Dolma, Members of the TCSL; Sangling Tsering Dorjee, Former member of the TPiE & Former Representative of His Holiness Dalai Lama; Jampa Samdho, Co-President of GSTF & Former TPiE; Gangshontsang Ngawang, Former TPiE; Monkar Sonam, Former TPiE; Jorden Wojotsang, TYAE; and more than fifty Tibetans attended the program.
