Other Press Releases

Welcome Buddhist Fair: An Opportunity for Outreach and Awareness-raising for Tibet

Hong Kong – Tibet supporters in Hong Kong will be attending the 1st “Hong Kong International Buddhist Fair” held in HK Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) from 8 – 10 May, in a concerted effort to reach out to the thousands of Buddhists expected to attend and to educate them about the situation in Tibet.

This Buddhist Fair, with many suppliers from the Asian region showcasing hundreds of Buddhist and Asian items, is an ideal meeting place for a spiritual exchange, and mutual-referencing of different Buddhist cultures.

Tibetans and Tibet supporters welcome this Fair as a ground-breaking and unique platform for spiritual and culture exchange between Tibet, China, Asia and the rest of the world. In a recent appeal to Chinese Buddhists, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said “What I am seeking is a meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people that would ensure the long-term survival of our Buddhist culture, our language and our distinct identity as a people. The rich Tibetan Buddhist culture is part of the larger cultural heritage of the People’s Republic of China and has the potential to benefit our Chinese brothers and sisters.” (Note 1)

“The Buddhist Fair provides an important opportunity for followers of Buddhism in Hong Kong to meet and learn more about the threats to their faith. As supporters of Tibet, we wish to raise awareness of how the survival of Buddhist culture in Tibet is under severe pressure from official government policies, and to inform Buddhists that His Holiness the Dalai Lama always has maintained that he is not seeking separation from China, but an assurance that his people’s unique religious culture endures,” said Brigitte von Bulow, Chair of United Nations for a Free Tibet.

To raise awareness for Tibet in this important region next to mainland China, Tibet supporters in Honk Kong are handing out thousands of postcards (Note 2) summarizing these messages to Buddhists and Hong Kong citizens attending the Fair, and to engage Chinese Buddhists in discussions about Tibet.

Please visit us at:

http://unitednations4freetibet.com/

http://facebook.com/unfft

Note 1.
http://www.dalailama.com/messages/tibet/appeal-to-all-chinese

Note 2.
Postcards Described as below

Friends:
We hope you enjoy the beautiful picture on the other side of this postcard. It comes to you from people in this country who care about Tibet and also care about the relationship between the Tibetan and Chinese people, a relationship that is now sadly marked by anger and unhappiness. We hope you will take a moment to read this message and think about what we can do together to bring more friendship and understanding between the Chinese and Tibetan peoples.

As a small step forward, we would like to clarify three points.
Tibetans and Tibet supporters are not anti-Chinese. We admire China’s rich, traditional culture and the amazing economic and social progress China has made in recent years. But we oppose any government’s policies that limit its citizens’ rights or make them afraid to speak freely.
The Tibetan people are not ungrateful for Chinese investment in Tibet. Everyone can see the changes. But these are changes with Chinese characteristics, and the Tibetan people would like to see their own culture and environment reflected more in the style and pace of development.
The Dalai Lama does not want to split China. Since 1988, the Dalai Lama has repeatedly called for autonomy, not independence for Tibet. He has assured the Chinese government of his desire to find a way to meet the long-term needs of both Chinese and Tibetans. We do not understand why the Chinese government refuses to believe him and continues to insult him in shocking and hurtful language.
With goodwill, tolerance and respect, a peaceful and harmonious relationship between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples is achievable.

The thoughts of those working toward that better relationship – including scholars in China – can be found at www.chinatibetfriendship.org. If you are interested in interacting with Chinese and Tibetans in a dedicated social networking space, visit www.commongroundsproject.org.
———————————————————————————————————–

Statement of United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) on the 16th Anniversary of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama’s Disappearance

Oakland, April 25th, 2011 – April 25 is the 22nd birthday of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. United Nations for a Free Tibet along with all Tibetans in and outside Tibet and supporters all over the world will celebrate His Holiness birthday with wishes for his wellbeing and innumerable prostrations of devotion between his birthday on 25 April and the day of his disappearance, 17 May, now 16 years ago. Meanwhile, we express our deep concern over his where-about and urge the Chinese Government to allow access to the Panchen Lama and his immediate release.

Having a mutually significant relationship with His Holiness Dalai Lama, the 11th Panchen Rinpoche, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is also a figure of utmost religious and political importance in Tibet. The Panchen Lama is involved in selecting the next Dalai Lama and vice-versa. Sadly ever since the abduction of the young Panchen Lama in 1995, the Chinese Government has not given any positive response to genuine requests by the Tibetan government in Exile, Tibetans and the International Society that the young Panchen be given due freedom to carry on with his religious trainings like all his predecessors. Furthermore, the phrase “As far as I know, his family and he [Gedhun Choekyi Nyima] are now living a very good life in Tibet” by the Governor of the TAR, Padma Choling, in march, is unacceptable to Tibetans and Tibet supporters without any evidence this to be the truth.

With strong emphasis to the case of the 11th Panchen Lama, an UN press statement issued April 8 by its Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances pointed out that China had refused to cooperate with a number of UN rights mechanisms that had sought information on the whereabouts of the Panchen Lama ever since he was recognized as such at six years of age by the HH the Dalai Lama in 1995. We hereby clearly express our deep concern over the fate of the His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama and his family and ask just a simple question ‘Where is the Panchen Lama?’.

When celebrating the birthday of His Holiness, we at UNFFT together with millions of Tibetans and our supporters, respectfully appeal to all Governments worldwide and Rights’ leaders to ask and demand China’s Communist Regime to respond immediately to the following urgent questions:

a) Where is the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima? Why, if he is in such good condition of health and his family the same, can we not visit him? why the secrecy?

b) How is Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s health?

c) When shall international Human Right groups, Tibet supporters and Tibetan Government officials be given entry to Tibet and be allowed to visit the Panchen Lama?

 

d) When shall the Panchen Lama be freed?

———————————————————————————————————

Statement of United Nations for a Free Tibet on Chinas crackdown on Tibetan Monastery in Ngaba Kirti

Oakland, April 24th, 2011 – Together with groups of global Tibet movements, United Nations for a Free Tibet with members world wide condemns China’s continuing crackdown on the monks of Kirti Monastery and Tibetans living in Ngaba, Amdo in Eastern Tibet (Ch: Sichuan Province). This crackdown has resulted in at least 400 detentions of monks, deaths, beatings, restrictions of movement, food shortages and an intensive “patriotic re-education” campaign following the death of a 20-year old monk named Phuntsok from self-immolation on 16 March. We here together call on governments around the world to issue a public statement of concern about the crisis and to immediately convey to China’s leaders the message that its security forces must withdraw from Ngaba, all detainees must be unconditionally released and unfettered access must be granted to international observers and media.

On 15 April His Holiness the Dalai Lama appealed for restraint, saying, “The current situation prevailing at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba in northeastern Tibet is extremely grim because of the stand-off between the Chinese military forces and the local Tibetans. The monastery, housing approximately 2500 monks, is completely surrounded by Chinese armed forces, who at one point prevented vital food and other supplies from entering the monastic compound. […] I am very concerned that this situation if allowed to go on may become explosive with catastrophic consequences for the Tibetans in Ngaba.”

Human Rights Dialogues between the US and China, later EU and China are expected to take place. Tibetans and Tibet supporters worldwide urge all those involved in these diplomatic exchanges to robustly express their concern for the safety of monks and Tibetan lay people in Ngaba and to call for an end to the human rights abuses being inflicted by Chinese security forces.

Please visit us at:

http://unitednations4freetibet.com/

http://facebook.com/unfft

There you can find information about upcoming news and events.
If you would like any more information, please contact unfft@gmx.com.

United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a nonprofit organization based in California, with board members worldwide. Our role is to umbrella all Tibet support groups and individual Tibet supporters, then combine our knowledge thereby using our strength in numbers to work towards a common goal: one powerful voice to speak up for Tibetans.

————————————————————————————–

Statement on Calling for global demonstrations to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day

Oakland, March 1st, 2011 – More than six decades after Communist China’s invasion of Tibet the sad reality remains that Tibet still is not free but continues to be terrorized by its invaders. United Nations for a Free Tibet, along with Tibetan exiles, many other Free Tibet groups/organizations and their supporters in dozens of countries, shall once again march on March 10th to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising of 1959 and to show solidarity with the nonviolent and democratic movement of Tibetans in Exile. This is the most politically significant day in the Tibetan calendar.

About 86,000 Tibetan men, women and children were slaughtered by Communist Chinese troops after an uprising in 1959 against Communist China’s illegal occupation of Tibet, and the total figures are well in excess of 1.2 million Tibetans who have lost their lives over the years against the Communist Chinese regime. However, as said by Jigme Norbu, Nephew of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, “We have nothing against the Chinese people. They’re human beings just like us. It’s the Communist policies we are totally against.” Tragically, Norbu was killed by a car accident during his most recent *Walk for Tibet* in Florida.

Tibetans and Tibet supporters in the USA, Belgium, Germany, India, Australia, and many other countries of the world are uniting for a day of peaceful demonstrations to draw attention to the dire Tibetan situation. To this date, Governments of the world still do not speak against the increasing acts of violence by the Communist Chinese army against defenseless Tibetans inside their own country. Freedom of speech, press, association, jobs, and religion have all been taken away from a nation which was never a part of China.

The destruction of Tibet’s culture and oppression of its people was brutal during the 20 years following the uprising. 1.2 million Tibetans, one-fifth of the country’s population, died as a result of Communist China’s policies, according to an estimate by the Tibetan government in exile. Many more languished in prisons and labor camps, and more than 6000 monasteries, temples and other cultural and historic buildings were destroyed and their contents were pillaged. Tibetan political prisoners endure harsh prison conditions, including torture, deprivation of food and sleep, and long periods in isolation cells. Reading an autobiography of the Dalai Lama or talking about freedom to friends in Tibet can be classified as ‘endangering state security’.

“March 10 is Tibet Uprising Day and everywhere this shall be a day to raise awareness for Tibet. Sadly, we need to add, again. Everyone longs for the day that no more marches of protest shall be necessary, but only marches of celebration for a Tibet that has regained its freedom from great oppression” said Brigitte von Bulow, Chair of United Nations for a Free Tibet. Not with violence but with peaceful demonstrations, we encourage everyone to join, to raise the Tibetan flag, wear a Free Tibet shirt and become part of an ever faster connected world via FB and internet to get the world involved in helping Tibet.

Please visit us at:

http://unitednations4freetibet.com/

http://facebook.com/unfft

There you can find information about upcoming news and events.
If you would like any more information, please contact unfft@gmx.com.

United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a nonprofit organization based in California, with board members worldwide. Our role is to umbrella all Tibet support groups and individual Tibet supporters, then combine our knowledge thereby using our strength in numbers to work towards a common goal: one powerful voice to speak up for Tibetans.

————————————————————————————————–

Jigme Norbu struck by vehicle during ‘Tibetan Freedom’ walk in US

We are in a shock reporting the tragic death of Jigme K. Norbu, the nephew of the Dalai Lama, on Feb. 14.
Only few days ago UNFFT was discussing with him about organizing a *walk for Tibet* in Australia.

In life and in death, Jigme Norbu fought to restore Tibet’s independence. His walks will be remembered, his sacfice will be honored, and his dream of a free Tibet will be realized.

Please pray for Jigme Norbu la. who lived and died for Tibet. He shall be remembered by us and his wishes shall be fulfilled.

————————————————————————————————————

Protests to be organized during Hu Jintao visit to the U.S.

January 13th, 2011, Oakland – President Hu Jintao will pay a state visit to the United States from January 18 to 21, 2011. Along with Regional Tibetan Youth Congress NY & NJ, CATA, ICT, Initiatives for China, and many other rights groups, United Nations for a Free Tibet calls on people to join protest rallies in Washington D.C and Chicago against Chinese President Hu Jintao and to highlight the Tibet issue when he meets President Obama.

Those rallies shall be very important since it might be the last visit of president Hu to US as a leader of the CCP. We have to make sure he hears us loud and clear: FREE TIBET! And let’s join together to tell the world that trade, money, and politics should come after Human Rights, Freedom of Language, Equality for all People, in China as well, and a Free Tibet.

We kindly invite you to participate in the demonstration to show your support, calling on to raise the awareness of freedom, democracy and human rights during the visit.

Together we insist on:

U.S government should abide by freedom, democracy, human rights and other universal values in handling exchanges with China, especially for the protection of human rights and personal freedom.

The immediate and unconditional release of Tibetan political prisoner Jigme Gyatso [Pinyin: Jinmei Jiacuo, Chinese: 晋美加措], who was tortured after speaking to the former UN Special Rapporteur, Dr Manfred Nowak in 2005 and is believed to be gravely ill in Chushur (Chinese: Qushui) prison near Lhasa.

The immediate and unconditional release of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese human rights activist who called for democratic reforms and the end of communist one-party rule in China; he was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment; Liu Xiaobo won the Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China.

United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a nonprofit organization based in California, with board members worldwide. Our role is to umbrella all Tibet support groups and individual Tibet supporters, then combine our knowledge thereby using our strength in numbers to work towards a common goal: one powerful voice to speak up for Tibetans.

————————————————————————————-

Report on the International peaceful demonstration for UNITED FOR FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS (FDHR) on 10th December 2010 in Brussels (Belgium).

Brussels, 13th December 2010.

On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, a coalition of United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT), the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Belgium (RTYC Belgium) and the Free China from CCP Alliance Europe has organized an international peaceful demonstration for Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights (FDHR) on December 10 in Brussels, Belgium.

In front of the European Council, representatives of the coalition made an impressive statement to highlight the imprisonment of thousands of prisoners of conscience in China, Tibet and other dictatorial regimes. And later, the coalition made a freedom march for human rights to the Chinese embassy, followed by a demonstration there. 45 people participated in this action of which 10 westerners.

Dennis Barbion, UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe and board member of the Free China from CCP Alliance Europe, made a welcome speech and asked for one minute of silence “to commemorate all the victims of dictatorial regimes who have died, who are still imprisoned or who suffer in another way.”

Meanwhile he gave more information about this action that will be held on December 10 each year. “We are gathered here today out of concern for human rights. People of several nationalities, countries and religions are here together now. Our common interest for human rights has brought us together. The human rights issue has nothing to do with nationalities nor religions but with humanity in general.”

“It’s almost unbelievable that in this 21st century, millions of people are still not free and suffer from the lack of respect for human rights. Anyone should be free to express his opinion, to practice his religion freely, to travel where he wants and to have an education in his own language. The reason for this demonstration is to bring the human rights issue in the attention.”

In this December 10, the coalition called for an appeal to the Chinese leaders to release the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo, his wife who is under house arrest, the Tibetan film maker Dhondup Wangchen, the Chinese Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng and the 11th Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima.

“We ask to release Liu Xiaobo immediately and unconditionally as he has not committed any crime. He has used his rights, rights that are mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that the Chinese government has approved.”

“The trial of Dhondup Wangchen, the maker of ‘Leaving fear behind’ was helt in secret and he was denied access to a lawyer of his choice.”

“Gao Zhisheng, who was already nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 2008 and this year. has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured by the Chinese authorities, and since 21st April he’s still missing again.”

“Gendun Choekyi Nyima is the only real 11th Panchen Lama.” In 1995 he was kidnapped by the Chinese authorities at the age of 6, shortly after he was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Until now nothing is known about his whereabouts.

A special tribute was held to some other very important Nobel Peace Prize Winners. “His Holiness the Dalai won the Nobel Prize in 1989 for his tremendous efforts in the non-violent struggle for freedom in Tibet. He’s a big inspiration for many people, not only Tibetans and Buddhists, but for humanity in general. His ideas and advice go beyond nations, nationalities and religions.” Aung San Suu Kyi of the National League for Democratic Party won the Nobel Prize in 1991. She was detained under house arrest from 1989 until 13th November 2010. “Let’s continue our support for her and for democracy in Burma as well.”

“We don’t forget all the other people who are oppressed: the Uyghur people, the Falun Gong in China, people in Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan… This list is far too long.”

The speech ended with an appeal to all the groups and organizations to work together and to support each other and each others actions in the future. “It’s very meaningful to have a good understanding with, and respect for each other.” “Unity and solidarity are the key words in our action today: we are united now as we share our common concern for human rights, and we also stand in solidarity with each other. We believe this is very important.”

The second speaker was Mrs. Mona Zhimin Tang, a Chinese human rights activist who was born in Beijing and participated in the student protests at the Tienanman Square in 1989. Mona is a board member of the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Society Europe (a Chinese-Tibetan friendship organization) and the Free China from CCP Alliance Europe. The Free China Alliance is a coalition with representatives of several organizations who struggle for human rights and freedom in China.

Mrs. Zhimin Tang described what she has experienced since the student protests in 1989. She was kidnapped several times by the Chinese authorities. “When I was kidnapped by the Chinese Security Police in 2005, I had to sign a contract in which I stated that I would not support the Dalai Lama, that I would not support the Falun Gong, that I would not support Taiwan, that I would not support the Uyghur people and that I would not fight against the CCP. Now I stand here today and I say loud and clearly, and especially to the Chinese Communist goverment: I do support the Dalai Lama! I do support the Falun Gong! I do support Taiwan! I do support the Uyghur, and I do support everyone who struggles against the CCP in order to get freedom! Damn CCP!”

Mrs. Zhimin Tang also warned the Western politicians and businessmen to think again about their coorperation with the CCP, “because the People’s Republic of China is the Chinese Communist Party and it’s not China. The Chinese communist leaders are not representative for the Chinese citizens.” Mona stated: “Do not help the CCP persecuting the Chinese people, please choose to support the Chinese people.” “Repeatedly I have been threatened. I’m not against China, I’m for freedom and human rights and the CCP is responsable for this.” “I also want the world to know that the Tibetan issue is not only political. It is more than that. In fact it’s an issue of freedom of belief, because the CCP misuses China and the Chinese people to destroy the belief in Buddha!”

The Free China from CCP Alliance Europe has organized a petition for the release of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo. You can sign the petition online: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/freeliuxiaobo/. All the signatures will be submitted to the European Parliament in Brussels with the Chinese New Year 2011 (3rd February 2011).

Afterwards, Karma Tsering, the President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, held a short speech in Tibetan. “Today is Human Rights Day. This is a very important day. There are no human rights in China and Tibet. In Tibet it’s even much more worse. Today, this demonstration is organized by three groups. The permission has been arranged quickly and long time before. We have sent lots of announcements about this action and enough in advance. Therefore it’s very sad and even shameful that not so much Tibetan people came today. Human rights are so important for Tibet. We appreciate that quite some Belgian Tibet supporters came today, even some elderly people, for which we are happy and very thankful. There should have been much more Tibetan people here today. Human rights in Tibet are too important.”

Mr. Tashi Wangdi, the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office of Tibet in Brussels, once planned to join the demonstration and to give a speech as well, but he couldn’t come to Brussels as he was still in Paris. He wrote to the organizers that he supported this action and sent his best regards and apologies, and he wished them good luck and a good participation.

Some Belgian politicians also sent supportive messages but couldn’t participate because of their busy schedule. Before the demonstration, several Chinese people expressed their support too, but didn’t dare to come to the demonstration as they were afraid. Dennis Barbion stated: “This shows how important it is to continue our actions in the future.”

After the speeches there was a freedom march for human rights to the Chinese embassy in Brussels, where a group of 30 people demonstrated for one full hour. Leaflets with the text of the press release were handed over to passers-by and on the way to the Chinese embassy quite some people expressed their support to the participants.

The following slogans were shouted: “We want freedom”, “Respect for human rights”, “Hu Jintao, free Tibet now”, “CCP is not China”, “Stop killing in Tibet”, “Shame shame, China shame”, “Free Tibet, save Tibet”, “What we want, we want freedom”, “Release release Panchen Lama, release release Liu Xiaobo”, “Long live Dalai Lama” and “UNO, we want justice”.

In the freedom march, a big banner was carried with the text: “Support democracy in China for World Peace”, and placards as: “Free Liu Xiaobo, Free Tibetan Heroes”, “Freedom of language” and “Free Tibet”.

The demonstration in front of the Chinese embassy was because:
China has become one of the most important world powers and a major player in the global field
China is a symbol for a rapidly growing economy but without social, cultural and religious freedom
China has the world’s largest population
China has adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, China has voted in favour of the Declaration, but is nevertheless one of the main violators of human rights
if China would allow more freedom and democracy this would be a very important signal to the whole world and to all the other non-democratic governments and regimes.
The demonstration was ended with the Tibetan National Anthem at 4 p.m. Then, Mona Zhimin Tang and Dennis Barbion sent an envelop into the mailbox of the Chinese embassy with a cd of 150,000 signatures of a worldwide petition for the release of Gao Zhisheng.

We believe that the message for respect for human rights and freedom has been sent out, together with the appeal for solidarity and cooperation, to call on governments to respect the rights protected by international human rights law.

Dennis Barbion, UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe, 13th December 2010.
—————————————————————————————————————————

“FDHR” – International peaceful demonstration for Freedom, Democracy & Human Rights in Brussels.

Friday 10th December 2010 – Brussels (Belgium)

Gathering: 13.00 o’clock in front of the European Council near Square Schuman (metro Schuman)
From 13.00-13.50 o’clock: speeches
At 13.50 o’clock: freedom march for human rights to the Chinese embassy
From 15.00-16.30 o’clock peaceful demonstration in front of the Chinese embassy

10th December is International Human Rights Day. On this occasion, a coalition of United Nations for a Free Tibet, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Belgium and the Free China from CCP Alliance Europe organize a peaceful demonstration for Freedom, Democracy & Human Rights in Brussels.

We kindly invite you to participate in this demonstration to show your support. We call upon everyone and each and every organization who supports freedom, democracy and human rights to join our demonstration.

Every human being has basic, fundamental rights, rights that can not be limited, prevented or decreased by other individuals, politicians, governments or religious institutions. Everyone should have the freedom of speech, press, religion etc. as described in the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights, adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations in 1948. Nevertheless many people or even whole populations all over the world are still not free and don’t have these human rights or only limited. People of all kinds of nationalities, populations and religions experience the same problems and sufferings not having these rights and freedom: Tibetans, Chinese, the Falun Gong in China, people from East Turkistan, Birma, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, Zimbabwe etc…

Therefore this demonstration is organized on the International Human Rights Day to give a signal to the world leaders, governments and politicians that all human beings have the right to freedom and that human rights in general should be respected everywhere.

We demand all dictatorial and non-democratic governments and regimes:

respect for the human rights as described in the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights of the UN
freedom for each individual to express himself and to develop his talents and capacities fully and unlimited
(more) democracy
On this International Human Rights Day we insist on:
the immediate and unconditional release of the Tibetan film maker Dhondup Wangchen who is sentenced to 6 years in prison by the Chinese government for making “Leaving fear behind”, an exeptional film made by Tibetans in Tibet who took great risk to document the true feelings of Tibetans living under the Chinese occupation; his trial was helt in secret and he was denied access to a lawyer of his choosing
the immediate and unconditional release of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese human rights activist who called for democratic reforms and the end of communist one-party rule in China; he was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment; Liu Xiaobo won the Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China
the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Tibet, in China and anywhere else in the world.
We also demonstrate in front of the Chinese embassy of Brussels today, because:

China has become one of the most important world powers and a major player in the global field
China is a symbol for a rapidly growing economy but without social, cultural and religious freedom
China has adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, China has voted in favour of the Declaration, but is nevertheless one of the main violators of human rights
China has the world’s largest population
if China would allow more freedom and democracy this would be a very important signal to the whole world and to all the other non democratic governments and regimes.
A letter on behalf of the 3 organizing associations of this demonstration will be handed over to the Chinese authorities at the Chinese embassy of Brussels.

We will also pay a special tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize on 10th December 1989 for his efforts in the struggle of the liberation of Tibet and the efforts for a peaceful resolution instead of using violence.

The Free China from CCP Alliance Europe has organized a petition for the release of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo. You can sign the petition online: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/freeliuxiaobo/. All the signatures will be submitted to the European Parliament in Brussels with the Chinese New Year 2011 (3rd February 2011).

The demonstration starts with speeches at 13.00 o’clock in front of the European Council near Square Schuman (metro Schuman). At 13.50 o’clock we do a freedom march for human rights through the Parc Cinquantenaire to the Chinese embassy in Brussels, where we demonstrate peacefully until 16.30 o’clock.

For more information please contact:
Dennis Barbion, UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe and board member of the Free China from CCP Alliance Europe: tel. 0032-50.78.17.55 (home), unfft-europe@gmx.be
Karma Tsering, President of the RTYC Belgium: tel. 0032-484.05.63.67, rtycbelgium@yahoo.com
Mona Zhimin Tang, board member of Free China from CCP Alliance Europe: atelierchina@live.nl
Websites:

FDHR: http://www.unfft-fdhr.org (on this website you find more actions worldwide)
UNFFT: http://unitednations4freetibet.com
RTYC Belgium: http://server.mididesign.biz/RTYC/aboutus.aspx

United we stand, Tibet will be free.

The UNFFT team.
—————————————————————————————————————————

UNFFT’s Letter to the US President

6th November 2010.

Dear Mr. President of the USA,

For centuries there is a tradition in Tibet of succession by reincarnation of high Lamas.

The Panchen Lama (which means “great scholar”) is the highest ranking Lama after H.H. the Dalai Lama and he traditionally lived in Tashilungpo Monastery in Shigatse in Tibet.

The present 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was born in 1989 and at the age of 6 he was kidnapped by the Chinese authorities shortly after he was recognized as the 11th Panchen Lama by H.H. the Dalai Lama. Since then and until now, no one (also no government nor human rights organization) has heard anything about this boy. All that time the Chinese government has refused to give any information about the living conditions and the health of the Panchen Lama.

Although the recognition of the Panchen Lamas has always been a matter of the Dalai Lamas, the Chinese government has appointed their own Panchen Lama after Gedhun Choekyi Nyima disappeared.

With the upcoming G20 Summit in Seoul (Koreao) on November 11-12, “United Nations for a Free Tibet” want to express their concern about the condition of the 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and we ask you Mr. President to urge the Chinese leaders to allow independent access to international agencies to the Panchen Lama and his family, and to plead for his immediate and unconditional release.

We, UNFFT, condemn this deliberate crime that the Chinese authorities have done already more than 15 years ago. We also ask you to consider the fact that a 21 year old person has the legal right, including under China’s own Constitution, to speak for themselves and not to be denied contact with the outside world. Furthermore we ask you to reflect on the reasons for China’s repeated refusals to international agencies for independent access to the Panchen Lama and we urge you to discuss this with Hu Jintao, the President of the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese government has kidnapped an important spiritual leader in Tibet in 1995. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was only 6 years old. Fifteen years later there still is no clarity if the Panchen Lama is still alive and how his living conditions are. UNFFT ask you to do all the necessary to urge the Chinese government to relase the 21 year old Panchen Lama immediate and unconditional. In this connection we refer to the Constitution of the P.R. of China and the fundamental human rights that every individual should have as described in the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights by the United Nations.

Sincerely,

The UNFFT team.
UNITED WE STAND. TIBET SHALL BE FREE

 

Latest demonstration triggered by poor policy in Qinghai.

Oakland,Oct. 26 – With a deep concern on the recent largest protest by thousands of Tibetan students in Qinghai, which was even spread to Beijing, over the introduction of Mandarin as the medium of instruction, and anyway the latest positive action took by Government to suspend the controversial policy, United Nations for a Free Tibet call on the Chinese Government not to make this peaceful demonstration “political”, which is just for a simple request of “National equality, Linguistic freedom”, and not to get revenge on the students. According to a resource from Tibetan area in Qinghai on 24th, Qinghai Government had released a document not to change the existing policy as a positive response to the student’s peaceful demonstration. However, local people pointed out that all the students who took to the streets could not leave the school as being imprisoned.

As tried to show how a multilingual country is on a speech in Toronto last Saturday, His Holiness Dalai Lama addressed that “Preserving these different languages, different script… some kind of even different cultural heritage, (there is) no danger of (a) split.” By contrast, the Chinese Government don’t want to face it this way, instead trying to deprive the rights of Tibetan students to accept their education in Tibetan, carrying on a policy of Han integration, which may lead to “ethnic cleansing”. According to a message from Qinghai, there are at least three Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures that should carry out the implementation of full Chinese language teaching in 2015, which triggered peaceful demonstrations by more than eight thousand of primary and secondary school students in the three states.

We recognized that respect the Linguistic Rights of each ethnicity is stated in the fundamental rights of the Chinese Constitution, and is also the basic human rights in the United Nations Charter. In the past several days, the primary and secondary students just asked for the most basic Linguistic Rights, which is legitimate indeed.

Here, we together made a statement:

1. The Chinese government should not resort to reprisals against the students, their parents or teachers because of the peaceful demonstration.

2. All governments and human rights organizations should give a deep concern over this, and urge the Chinese government not to arbitrarily treat it as “political conspiracy”, which is just triggered by a wrong policy indeed.

3. People all over the world should stand in solidarity with the Tibetan people who are struggling for their most basic linguistic rights.

The UNFFT team.

UNITED WE STAND. TIBET SHALL BE FREE

—————————————————————————————————————————

UNFFT urges the Chinese government to respect the right of education in the Tibetan language in Tibet and the right of peaceful expression of view by the students.

Oakland, October 25th, 2010 –In the beginning of October, a new policy was announced in Xining (capital of QinghaiProvince) concerning education reforms in China. Qiang Wei, the Provincial Secretary of QinghaiProvince stated that these reforms should be implemented without hesitation: “all subjects will be taught in Chinese and all the textbooks will be in Chinese, except for Tibetan language and English classes”. Those reforms have already been implemented in other areas across the Tibetan Autonomous Region, including in primary schools.

The student protests that began in Rongwo town, the capital of RebkongCounty (Tongren in Chinese), on 19^th October, are spreading across the Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures in East Tibet. Thousands of students chanted “we want equality of culture” and “we want back freedom for Tibetan language”.

Radio Free Asia reported that the provincial authorities had ordered Tibetan teachers to attend workshops on the change of the medium of instruction from Tibetan to Chinese, saying: “If this plan is implemented, many Tibetan teachers will lose their jobs, and many Chinese will gain jobs in their place. This is a major concern for the Tibetan community.”

A former middle school teacher in Rebkong said: “The Chinese are enforcing reforms which remind me of the Cultural Revolution. This reform is not only a threat to our mother-tongue, but is in direct violation of the Chinese constitution which is meant to protect our rights. For Tibetans the Chinese constitution is meaningless.”

Tibetans fear their mother tongue will become extinct if the current policies continue. As secondary education is taught exclusively in Mandarin and entrance exams to universities are in Chinese, Tibetans are in a highly disadvantaged position to get further education than their Chinese class mates which in turn perpetuates poverty among Tibetans.

Protests have now been reported in 5 locations in Amdo (Tibet) and at Minzu University in Beijiing. Voice of Tibet reported 20 arrests among students in Chabcha who tried to run away when they were surrounded by Chinese security forces.

The situation in the Rebkong, Chabcha and Xining area is very tense. One student said the situation felt “potentially explosive”.

At a roundtable discussion in Washington, scholar Nicolas Tournadre, professor of linguistics from the University of Provence and an expert on the Tibetan language, said: “There is a real threat of extinction or very serious decline of the Tibetan language and the Tibetan culture within two – or at the most three – generations. During the last 15 years, I have personally witnessed this decline.”

Languages are not neutral. They convey very specific social and cultural behaviors and ways of thinking. So, the extinction of the Tibetan language will have tremendous consequences for the Tibetan culture. The culture cannot be preserved without it. It is important because the Tibetan language and culture are extremely original.

The Tibetan language is fundamental to Tibetan identity, culture and religion. Tibetan is one of the four oldest and greatest in volume and most original literatures of Asia, along with Sanskrit, Chinese, and Japanese literatures. So, that is a very good reason for the heritage of humanity to keep this culture.

The Chinese authorities state that every minority nationality has the right to preserve their own language and writings. But the reality is that Tibetan university students cannot get a job without good Chinese language after graduation, and even then it’s difficult. The Tibetan language is central to the identity as Tibetans, but in every way the Tibetan language is being downgraded.

For the Tibetan economy it is very important in nearly every secor. Right now the rate of unemployment in Tibet is extremely high. A lot of rural Tibetans, wheter nomads or peasants, are almost like foreigners in their own country and they don’t have the linguistic ability to find jobs. When they come to the cities, their culture is marginalized and devalued. So this leads also to the marginalization and devaluation of the people themselves. Without the Tibetan language, it is clear that Tibet won’t be Tibet anymore.

In the Memorandum of Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People handed over to Chinese officials on November 4-5, 2008 as part of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue process, Tibetan representatives of the Dalai Lama drew attention to the critical importance of the Tibetan language, citing provisions in the Constitution of the PRC and the Law on Regional National Autonomy which guarantee the freedom of nationalities the ability to use and develop their own spoken and written languages.

Therefore we urge the Chinese government:

1. that the right of peaceful expression of views by the students views will be respected and to confirm there will be no reprisals against the students, their parents or teachers.

2. that the right of education in their own language is respected for Tibetans in Tibet.

The UNFFT Team.

—————————————————————————————————————————

Calling for Release of 2010 Noble Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo

Oakland, October 12th, 2010 – The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese prisoner of conscience. The announcement made by Norwegian Nobel Committee has gained great positive voices all around the world. As to us, we just share the same aspirations of Nobel Prize in awarding him “in pushing China towards political, legal and constitutional reforms”, stated by the Dalai Lama, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

We, United Nations for a Free Tibet, will and has taken a long-term care of Tibetan Human Rights. However, the heroic prisoners struggling for democracy in China are also our important friends, including hundreds of Chinese intellectuals and concerned citizens who call for democracy and freedom in China. Furthermore, we believe that any country in the world would be overshadowed if they violated this universal value, which we are deeply engaged in.

Intellectuals who tell the truth should be the conscience of our society. The government should cherish them rather than suppress. People are the future, not the minority of power control.

Here, we together make a common statement:

(1) Chinese government should immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Liu Xiaobo, and completely change the policy of the brutal suppression of democratic dissent.

(2) Chinese government should take measures to improve the human rights of China, and give an establishment of liberal democracy, as a positive response to the Nobel Peace Prize, including the approval of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Democratic governments should also openly request the approval of China as soon as possible.

(3) Democratic governments should abide by freedom, democracy, human rights and other universal values in handling exchanges with China, especially for the protection of human rights and personal freedom.

UNITED WE STAND. TIBET SHALL BE FREE.

—————————————————————————————————————————

REPORT OF THE TIBET DEMONSTRATION ON 5th OCTOBER 2010 IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM.

—————————————————————————————————————————

ROCK CONCERT FOR A FREE TIBET30th September 2010 in Kopenhagen (Denmark)

Rock Concert for a free Tibet marks the 60-year for the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Danish musicians and grass roots take now in use loud rock music in the need to shout at China and the Danish government up and protest against the abuses that the occupation of Tibet continue to do.

On 30th September World Cultural Center in Nørrebro opens the doors for a concert for a free Tibet. It is held by Støttekomiteen for Tibet(the Support Committee for Tibet) and United Nations for a Free Tibetto highlight and protest against the 60-year for China‘s invasion of their peaceful neighbors.

The music is supplied by three different bands all playing for free. The sharp Danish singer-songwriter Kenneth Thordal featuring his own compositions, soulfulMetta Carter and Daniel Sedona delivers meditative singing accompanied by UFO drum, and concert main feature is world music band Didi Levy & Same Vibration. As an international band it plays a rich blend of rock, funk, reggae, hip hop, calypso, Middle Eastern music and bluegras. Same Vibration according Didi Levy desires “to express the support that Tibet enjoy in populations worldwide.”

As an introduction to the concert the organizers invite to genuine Tibetan buffet. The food is provided by Restaurant Himalaya and prepared by the resident Tibetan refugee Tenpa Gyurme.

After dinner we show the movie Jigdrel: “Leaving Fear Behind”, which includes hidden interviews recorded in Tibet in 2008. The Chinese authorities sentenced on28 December 2009 the film director Dhondup Wangchen six years in prison for doing the film.

60 years ago – on 6 October 1950 – 40,000 Chinese troops invaded the central Tibetan state. Tibet was until then an independent country with a millenary history. Chinahas controlled Tibet since 1950 with an iron fist. The Tibetan population suffers today under strict political control, indoctrination and abuse of religious freedom.

The concert is to be seen as another attempt to encroach upon the Danish government’s position that Tibet is a part of China. The government and most of the political parties agreed on 9 December last year for the first time China‘s sovereignty over Tibet. In this way they also approved China‘s occupation of Tibetand it is contrary to everything else Denmark stands for when it comes to freedoms and human rights. The recognition that Tibet is an “integral part of China“, betrays not only the Tibetan people but also our own values and hence the Danish democracy.

China should respect the right of self-determination which the UN has repeatedly acknowledged the Tibetan people. The Chinese government could do this without prior requirement by starting real negotiations with the Dalai Lama on Tibet‘s future. China should also release all political prisoners, stop the use of torture, respect the Tibetans’ freedom of speech, assembly, press and religion and curb the imbalance of development and massive Chinese immigration, which has made Tibetans second-class citizens in their own country.

Profits from the concert will be donated to the victims of the earthquake which hit eastern Tibet, 14 April this year.

Sincerely,

Støttekomiteen for Tibet & UNFFT.

Organizers: http://www.tibetkomite.dk/ and http://unitednations4freetibet.com/unfft/

Concert: Thursday 30th September 2010, World Cultural Center, Nørre Allé 7, København (Denmark)

http://www.kubik.kk.dk/verdenskulturcentret/arrangementer/stottekoncert-for-et-frit-tibet

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137935122916190http%3A%2F%2Fdidilevy.com%2Ffrit_tibet

Program: 18.30 o’clock Tibetan buffet (4 courses, incl. vegetarian), 20.00 o’clock Film on Tibet: Leaving Fear Behind and 21.00 o’clock: Concert.

Admission: DKK 150 for food, movie and concert, DKK 75 for concert (available from pm. 20.30). Tickets are payable at the entrance. Come early!

Food vouchers ordered at least 2 days before at the Himalayan Restaurant, tel. 3113 7388th. Beverages can be purchased throughout the evening.

Musicians:

Kenneth Thordal: http://www.thordal.com/

Metta Carter: http://www.myspace.com/mettacarter

Daniel Sedona: http://www.myspace.com/danielsedona

Didi Levy & Same Vibration: http://didilevy.com/ & http://www.myspace.com/samevibration

Restaurant Himalaya: http://www.himalayarest.dk/

Jigdrel: Leaving Fear Behind: http://www.leavingfearbehind.com/node/5

Earthquake in Kyegudo - Profits from Tibet will be donated to the victims of the earthquake that struck Kyegudo (East Tibet) Tibetan plateau, the 14th April 2010. Over 2000 people died and about 100,000 lost their homes. The Danish press, described the earthquake as an earthquake in China. We donate profits from the concert to Yushu Earthquake Response, which is a same end of the local Tibetan NGOs who provide an excellent effort in the area. See http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=119825731363687 and http://www.yushuearthquakeresponse.org/

Støttekomiteen for Tibet (Support Committee for Tibet) has since 1989 been the scene of Danish support to the Tibetan nonviolent struggle for freedom, human rights, democracy and self determination. Political support is the best kind of help we can give to Tibetans whose problem is basically due to political factors, namelyChina‘s annexation of Tibet and the abuses that the occupation entails. Ryesgade 90 A, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, tel 3543 6690 (Tues 16-18). Web:http://www.tibetkomite.dk/ e-mail: tibet@forening.dk - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=12431302279

United Nations for a Free Tibet(UNFFT): UNFFT was established in March 2010 as a global umbrella organization for all organizations and individuals who supportTibet. Our purpose is to unite Tibet organizations around the world above all differences, to speak for Tibet with one strong voice. Web: http://unitednations4freetibet.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UNFFT Twitter: http://twitter.com/un4freetibet & http://twitter.com/UNFFT

United we stand, Tibet shall be free.

The UNFFT Team.

—————————————————————————————————————————

The truth about Tibet as it really is, not as China wants the world to believe it to be” (UNFFT video)

2nd September 2010 — Communist China has become over the years a country with non-communist economical views and for that reason has been able to dominate the world with their *made in China* products.

Might this feat be admirable, the underlying Communist terror regime has not changed and therefore many atrocities are happening in China amongst the Chinese people, set in motion by their Government.

A very sad and never sincerely addressed issue by any foreign Government is Tibet. China marched into Tibet now more than 60 years ago, which was a country with  its own Government, National Anthem and flag. Tibet hardly got any support from other nations, no one raised a finger to China. After all, where and what was Tibet?

For that reason, China has had a free hand in Tibet and subsequently destroyed much of its culture, monasteries, people, spirit, lifestyle. Tibetans live in constant fear to be arrested, and to be thrown in jail to never be heard of again.

China at present hosts an Expo in Shanghai and also has  a pavillion *Heavenly Tibet*, which paints a complete false and untrue picture of Tibet as it really is. Now also from september 1-5/2010, China organizes a *Tibet week* which again, is entirely a farce, and a dishonest attempt by them to fool the world into believing Tibet is doing fine.

Tibet is NOT doing fine. The country and its people are dying, being destroyed every day more and more, and the environment entirely ruined.

This is the reason the UNFFT made a short video to draw attention to this terrible situation in the hope people want to learn and know more about the reality of Tibet and the terror China is bringing to this once so very peaceful nation of Tibetans:

“UNFFT – The truth about Tibet as it really is, not as China wants the world to believe it to be”

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eD_MsFr2ztM.

UNITED WE STAND. TIBET SHALL BE FREE.

The UNFFT team.

—————————————————————————————————————————

27th June 2010 — Mr. Chime Youngdung, the President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT), is in Europe nowadays at the invitation of United Nations for a Free Tibet, a worldwide organization with board members all over the world. From 21^st June to 18^th July 2010 he is travelling in 6 different countries.

Last week Mr. Youngdung was in Belgium and on 27^th June he left for Germany. The President of the NDPT had a busy schedule in Belgium with very interesting meetings. His stay in Belgium was very successful.

Chime had a meeting with representatives of Tibet Support Groups in Belgium and a meeting with Mr. Tashi Wangdi of the Office in Tibet in Brussels. He was also invited to the Tibet Intergroup in the European Parliament in Brussels to give a speech there. He introduced the NDPT and talked about the Tibetan elections in 2011 and other Tibet issues.

The President of the NDPT also had a fascinating discussion with Belgian politicians who support Tibet. During an hour and a half Chime discussed all kinds of things with representatives of 3 different political parties in Belgium: Mr. Ward Kennes of CD&V, Mrs. Eva Brems of Groen! and Mr. Rik Verwaest of N-VA. This shows very clearly that the Tibetan issue is not linked to one specific political stand or view, but that it is of general interest across political party boundaries. The discussion was about the NDPT and it’s goals, the operation of the Tibetan Government and Parliament in exile, the values, importance and functioning of democracy, the campaigning for the Tibetan elections and the opportunities for Tibetan political science students to support their training.

The NDPT emphasizes the importance of a good education in general, awareness and knowledge of politics among Tibetan students and the need for young and well educated members of the Tibetan Parliament in exile who speak more than one language, and not only Tibetan. After all they are the representatives of the Tibetan government in exile and they should also build good international contacts worldwide.

Last year the NDPT had a “Mangtso” (“Democracy”) workshop in Italy, in coorperation with World Action Tibet, the Italian province of Sienna, the University of Sienna, the TibetanbuddhistCenter of Milan, the Tibetan Community in Italy and Italian Tibet Support Groups. 15 Tibetans who study political science in India took part in the workshop. This week the NDPT has launched the idea to organize such workshops in Belgium too next year, as the European Parliament is based in Brussels, the capital of Europe. In Belgium there are regional Parliaments (for the Dutch, French and German part of the country), one national Parliament and the European Parliament. The NDPT and United Nations for a Free Tibet (represented by Mr. Dennis Barbion, UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe) will take the necessary steps to set up such a workshop in Belgium next year.

Mr. Youngdung also had a meeting with a representative of Friends of Tibet Luxembourg. Mrs. Monique Paillard came especially to Brussels to interview him. Mrs. Paillard also introduced her organization and discussed the projects of her association in India and Tibet. That day Chime also gave an interview for “Vrienden van Tibet” (Friends of Tibet for the Dutch part of Belgium). This Tibet Support Group has published an article about the NDPT in their last newsletter of April 2010.

On Saturday 26^th June 2010, Chime had a very interesting meeting with the Tibetan Community in Belgium. Almost 60 Tibetans joined the talk and they all found the speech and discussions most enriching and instructive. Mr. Youngdung’s speech lasted about one hour. The audience was listening very attentively. After that there was an open debate. People from the audience could ask all kinds of questions, and there were a lot. The Tibetan community in Belgium was very interested. After 8 or 9 questions the meeting was ended, but then the meeting lasted already 3 hours.

Mr. Youngdung left to Germany on 27^th June. He is also going to visit Spain, France, Switzerland and Austria. After his European tour he goes to Ladakh in India and to Nepal.

The NDPT has about 4000 members in India, Nepal and Bhutan, and 33 regional chapters.

For more information please check the website of the National Democratic Party of Tibet: http://www.ndp4tibet.org/.

Dennis Barbion,
UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe

UNFFT is a non-profit organization 501(C)3 http://unitednations4freetibet.com/

—————————————————————————————————————————

MR. CHIME YOUNGDUNG, President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet, is visiting Belgium on his European tour

23rd June 2010 — Mr. Chime Youngdung, the President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT), is visiting Europe at this moment. United Nations for a Free Tibet has invited Mr. Youngdung to Europe. From 21^st June to 18^th July 2010 he will travel in 6 different countries.

Chime has started his tour in Belgium. He arrived in Brussels, the capital of Europe, on Monday 21^st June. During 5 days there are 7 activities planned for him by Mr. Dennis Barbion, UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe. The local coordination is done by Mr. Jamyang Dorjee and his assistant.

On Tuesday 22rd June Mr. Youngdung had a meeting with representatives of Tibet Support Groups in Belgium: “Vrienden van Tibet” (Friends of Tibet Belgium) and the Tibetan Development Fund. During this meeting that lasted one hour and a half, Chime gave an introduction about the NDPT, and explained about the very important Kalon Tripa elections 2011. Mr. Youngdung emphasized the importance of democracy, a democratic system with several political parties and a two chamber system in the Tibetan Parliament: one chamber of people who are directly elected by the Tibetans worldwide and one chamber with representatives of the different regions in Tibet and the Tibetan buddhist schools. The NDPT emphasizes the importance of well educated, young and active members of the new Tibetan Parliament, who also speak English. The NDPT finds it extremely important for the future that young Tibetans are well and highly educated. The party also organizes workshops. Last year the NDPT had a workshop with Tibetan students political science in Italy, in coorperation with many Tibet groups in Italy, the University and the province of Sienna.

The NDPT has about 4000 members in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Mr. Youngdung is already 4 years President and when he became President the party had 6-7 regional chapters. Nowadays the NDPT has 33 regional chapters.

On Wednesday 23^rd June Mr. Youngdung had an interesting meeting with Mr. Tashi Wangdi at the Office of Tibet in Brussels. Mr. Wangdi is the official representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. The office in Brussels is the main Office of Tibet in whole Europe. Although the political stands are totally different between the Office of Tibet and the NDPT, the meeting was open and cordial. Political discussions, an exchange of ideas and dialogue are however always interesting and important.

On the same day, Chime had a meeting with the Tibet Intergroup in the European Parliament in Brussels. Mr. Youngdung introduced the NDPT and commented the Tibetan elections and the positions of his party. Afterwards the members of the European Parliament asked all kinds of questions, and especially Mr. Thomas Mann, the President of the Tibet Intergroup, was very interested.

On Thursday 24^th June Chime has a meeting and discussion with several Belgian politicians who support Tibet. On Friday 25^th June Mr. Youngdung has an interview for a Tibet Support Group and later on that day a meeting and discussion with representatives of Friends of Tibet Luxembourg. On Saturday 26^th June there is a meeting with the Tibetan Community in Belgium.

Chime is also going to visit Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland and Austria. After his European tour he goes to Ladakh in India and Nepal.

For more information please check the website of the National Democratic Party of Tibet: http://www.ndp4tibet.org/.

Dennis Barbion,
UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe

UNFFT is a non-profit organization 501(C)3 http://unitednations4freetibet.com/

—————————————————————————————————————————

UNITED NATIONS FOR A FREE TIBET Presentation letter

21st  May 2010 — United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) is a non-profit organization 501(C)3 that is based in California (USA) with board members all over the world.

Our mission is to umbrella all Tibet support groups and individual Tibet supporters, and combine our knowledge to work towards a common goal: one powerful voice to speak up for Tibetans.

Our goals are:

1. to support Tibetans, both in exile communities worldwide and within Tibet, in their peaceful and non

violent struggle for freedom and human rights.

2.  to help put an end to ecocide and genocide in Tibet.

3.  to campaign for the release of all political prisoners.

4.  to help promote and preserve the endangered Tibetan culture.

5.  to raise awareness by acting as a global Tibet network and information center.

6.  to support and organize Tibetan cultural events.

7.  to set up and support actions & petitions for the Tibetan cause.

The purpose of UNFFT is to make the Tibet support much bigger and stronger, without any distinction between groups or individuals who have different views on the freedom of Tibet.

UNFFT wants to UNITE groups and individuals beyond the visions on the Middle Way approach (meaningful autonomy) or Rangzen (an independent Tibet). After all we all struggle for the same goal: a FREE TIBET, and the most important topics are:

- that Tibetans in Tibet have self determination and can decide upon things about Tibet themselves (making

decisions, rules, laws…)

- that the Tibetan culture can be protected and preserved

- that human rights (freedom of speech, press, religion etc.) are respected.

In fact the heart of the matter is the same, only the form or the framework is different.

UNFFT therefore has the unique idea to organise and support joint actions and campaigns with all Tibet organizations and individuals in order to make the global support for Tibet more efficient and much stronger.

For more information: http://unitednations4freetibet.com. UNFFT is also on Facebook and Twitter.

We call upon each and every Tibet Support group, Tibet related organization and individual to join us in our mission. If your organization supports UNFFT we would appreciate to let us know as we are listing the supporting groups: unitednations4freetibet@gmx.com.

The UNFFT shall not rest before Tibet has been freed from the Chinese occupation.

Thank you for your support.

The UNFFT Team.

—————————————————————————————————————————