Tibetans in Switzerland and Liechtenstein Commemorate the 76th International Human Rights Day with Peaceful Demonstration
On the 76th International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2024, the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein organised a peaceful demonstration in front of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and the UN Human Rights Council. They called for human rights in Tibet and urged the Chinese government to stop permanent schools.
The event began with a gathering in front of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights office in Geneva, where they sang the Tibetan national anthem and then organised a peaceful march. Representative Thinley Chukki of the Tibet Bureau Geneva participated in the participated in the demonstration. After gathering in front of the international conference, they held a moment of silence to honour the Tibetan heroes and martyrs.
The President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngoedun Gyatso, delivered opening remarks, followed by a speech from abbot of Rikon Monastery, Geshe Tenzin Jangchub.
Representative Thinley Chukki, first thanked the participants and then provided a brief introduction about the human rights situation in Tibet. She emphasised that even 76 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the human rights situation in Tibet remains critically urgent, and called on the international community to intensify efforts to improve the conditions. Thomas Büchli, former President of the Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association read a press statement from the Swiss Parliamentary Tibet Support Group.
Over 200 people from various locations in Switzerland participated, including former officials, office staff, and others. Other speakers included Michel Lützenburger from the Swiss Tibet Friendship Association, Tsering Yudon, chairperson of the Swiss Tibetan Women’s Association, Karma Dechen, co-president of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe. Kanam Dewa, the PR Officer of the Switzerland and Liechtenstein Community presented the press statement. The press conference was concluded by the vice-president of the Tibetan Association, Karang Kelsang, with a vote of thanks.
