Mr Martin Bursik, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic speaking at the rally
Photo : tibet.net
A rally to show solidarity with the human rights situation in Tibet was held in Geneva, Switzerland on June 9. More than 1,000 supporters and speakers united, including those from Tibet and six European countries – Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The Grand Tibet Solidarity rally was held to bring awareness to the international community and to urge the United Nations Human Rights Council – currently in session in Geneva – to act on the issues surrounding Tibet.
The event was timed to coincide with the 35th UN Human Rights Council session and, as stated in a report by the Office of Tibet in Geneva, to support the announcement of 2017 as the Year of Campaign by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile based in Dharamshala. This campaign aims to galvanise the global Tibetan movement to resolve the Tibet issue.
The rally was organised by the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association (GSTF) and the International Campaign for Tibet. In a message of solidarity, members of these groups addressed the UN member states regarding the worsening human rights situation in Tibet. They highlighted the recent incidences of self-immolations in Tibet this year.
Photo : tibet.net
The organisations’ solidarity with Tibet was further demonstrated through a joint memorandum to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In it, they called for an end to human rights violations in Tibet, the release of the Panchen Lama in addition to all political prisoners, and for the Human Rights High Commissioner’s access into Tibet.
As the universal periodic review of the Peoples’ Republic of China, which comes under the UN Human Rights Council, approaches next year, member states were also directed by participating groups to hold China accountable for human rights violations.
Photo : tibet.net
Supporters also expressed their unity with Tibet through displays. “On posters and placards, rally participants called for the release of the Panchen Lama and Tibetan language advocate Tashi Wangchuk,” stated a representative from the Office of Tibet in Geneva.
The rally began at Palais Wilson and ended in front of the Palais des Nations, the seat of the United Nations. It was finished by 3pm and followed by prayer to mark *Saka dawa,led by the abbot of Rikon Monastery in Switzerland.
*Saka dawa: Saka dawa falls on the fourth month of Tibetan Lunar calendar which is also known as the most sacred month for Tibetan Buddhist as this month celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Lord Buddha.
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