TIBET UPDATE

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The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/. INSIDE TIBET:  ICT Report: Protests, tensions escalate in Ngaba following self-immolation of monk: Kirti monastery under lockdown Phuntsog, a Kirti monk who died in the early hours of March 17, following his protest in the main area of Ngaba county town There is a deepening climate of fear in the Tibetan area of Ngaba, Sichuan Province, as a result of a worsening crackdown by authorities following the self-immolation and death of a young monk from Kirti Monastery on March 16. The authorities have now imposed a lockdown on the monastery with a new barbed wire fence and wall being built around the back of the monastic complex, and armed troops within the compound preventing monks from leaving and food from being delivered. The monastery's regular programs have been cancelled since March 19 and a stringent patriotic education campaign has been launched. Sources said that two peaceful protests followed the March 16 self-immolation. The first was organized by upper middle school students and the second by more than 100 people in Namda Township. The current situation at the school is uncertain, the latter protest was broken up by police, subjected to severe beatings and eight people have been arrested. All movements of monks are being restricted and there are serious fears that the tension in Ngaba will escalate still further if the current crackdown is not eased. Read more ... For the latest, continuing updates on this situation, please visit www.savetibet.org. ICT report: Bold protests in earthquake-hit area over government reconstruction plans Hundreds of Tibetans in Kyegu town held bold peaceful demonstrations on April 1-3 to protest against Chinese government policies of reconstruction and allocation of land after last year's 6.9 magnitude earthquake that leveled the land, killing more than 2,600 people. According to sources, over 40 demonstrators were detained. Pictures obtained by ICT show the protestors holding banners and signs with slogans, including "Fairly and legitimately resolve this issue," "Our land belongs to us," and "Help for the Yushu disaster should put ordinary people's benefits first. This concerns people's lives. Reasonably plan the land of our lives." Tibetan protests have persisted throughout the reconstruction process, due in part to a lack of transparency and responsiveness on behalf of the authorities, who have excluded most all Tibetan involvement in the reconstruction planning process. Read more ... ICT report: Death of second Tibetan monk tortured after protest during foreign reporters' 2008 trip to Labrang Monastery Jamyang Jinpa, 37, a monk from Labrang monastery, died on April 3 after suffering severe torture in Chinese detention. Jinpa was one of 15 monks who protested in front of foreign journalists at Labrang Monastery on April 9, 2008. The journalists were part of a press tour, organized by Chinese authorities, in an attempt to show the situation had returned to normal following major unrests across Tibet in March 2008. The monks' protest was broadcast around the world. Three of the 15 monks who protested in front of the journalists managed to escape to India after going into hiding. Another, Sangey Gyatso, died on February 26, 2011 after living in hiding for more than a year. Read more ... U.S. CONGRESS: ICT Report: U.S. State Department documents "severe repression" and "social and cultural discrimination" in Tibet by Chinese authorities The U.S. Department of State released the "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2010" on April 9. The special Tibet section of the report, in stark contrast to Chinese claims of a stable and peaceful Tibet, documents a litany of human rights abuses and economic, social and cultural discrimination faced by Tibetan under Chinese rule. Secretary Clinton has stated that human rights is a "core element of the Obama Administration's foreign policy, because it actually is in line with our values, our interests, and our security." The use of this term is significant because the Chinese have used the term "core interest" to attempt to wall off certain topics such as Tibet from international scrutiny. Read more ... ICT Report: "Money can't buy you love." US Senate Staff delegation finds discrimination and discontent in Tibet A new report prepared by a bipartisan staff delegation of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee that visited Tibet in September 2010 finds that Chinese economic and social policies are "fueling discontent" among Tibetans. The report offers ways for U.S. Tibet policy makers to work collaboratively with Chinese authorities and calls for the establishment of a U.S. consulate in Lhasa. The delegation which comprised four staff members of the Committee, visited Lhasa in September 2010, arriving via the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Additionally, one staff member also made observations in Amdo, traveling though Tibetan autonomous areas in Qinghai and Gansu provinces.  The report's release comes three weeks after His Holiness the Dalai Lama issued a call for "fact-finding" delegations to Tibet to find out if Tibetans are truly happy under Chinese policies. Read more ... TIBET IN EXILE: ICT Report: Photos and impressions from ICT observers of Tibetan elections Over 82,000 exiled Tibetans across the world, registered to vote in the March 20 Tibetan election for Kalon Tripa (Chairman of the Cabinet) and members of the Parliament-in-exile. Eighty-six regional election offices in Asia, Europe, and the Americas are responsible for counting the votes and forwarding the results in secret to Dharamsala, the home of the Central Tibetan Administration. The elections in India, Brussels, Zurich, New York and Toronto were observed by a group from the International Parliamentarians for Tibet (INPat). Members of ICT's staff joined INPaT's Tibetan Election Observation Mission and some of their observations are included in this ICT report. Read more ... EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: ICT Report: European Parliament resolution of April 7, 2011 on the ban of the elections for the Tibetan government in exile in Nepal The European Parliament reacted to Nepal's suppression of Tibetan exile government elections in its long-staying Tibetan refugee community with a Resolution calling for rights of Tibetans to be respected. The Chairman of the European Parliament's cross-party intergroup on Tibet, German MEP Thomas Mann, said, "Freedom of speech and right to vote are universal human rights. Nepal must not give in to pressure from Beijing and must allow the 20,000 Tibetans in the country to exercise their right to vote for their government in exile," and urged that the government of Nepal include these basic rights as well as the freedom of religion in the country's new constitution. Read more ... NEPAL: China requests Nepal to block Tibetans' movements Nepal's Republica newspaper reported on March 27 that a meeting was held on March 26 at Khasa (Tibetan: Dram), Tibet between security officials of adjoining regions during which Chinese officials requested Nepal to increase security at the borders and ensure blockage in the movement of Tibetans. Nepali officials, headed by Chief District Officer Bishnu Kumar Karki, confirmed the meeting but didn't disclose issues discussed.Read more ... China recalls 'weak' Ambassador Nepal's Himalayan Times reported on March 27 that China has recalled Qiu Guohong, its ambassador to Nepal, and that sources said that China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was dissatisfied with Qiu's weak efforts to neutralize anti-Chinese activities in Nepal. An official at the Chinese Embassy confirmed the news but denied comment. Qui is expected to return to Beijing within two weeks. Read more ... FROM THE ICT BLOG: Amnesty International and Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen - April 8, 2011 Messages from U.S. Ambassadors - April 7, 2011 Another day at the office - April 7, 2011 Old U.S. Films on Tibet: A History Lesson for Today's Policy - April 6, 2011 Vulnerable or Invulnerable? - March 31, 2011 George Patterson, Shining the Light on Tibet - March 29, 2011 Tibetan Parliament to meet in Special Session to decide on Devolution of Dalai Lama's Authority - March 25, 2011 BECOME A FRIEND OF TIBET ICT relies on the consistent support of a special group of supporters called the Friends of Tibet.  These automatic monthly gifts provide a steady, reliable source of income and ensure we will have the funds when we need to respond to emergencies and unexpected opportunities as they arise.  Click here if you are interested in becoming a Friend of Tibet or would just like to receive more information.  Tashi Delek!

TIBET UPDATE

Support Tibet | Get Updates | Follow Us

The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/. INSIDE TIBET: Tibetan singer released from jail Radio Free Asia reported on February 8 that, according to a close relative, popular Tibetan singer Tashi Dhondup has been released from jail after serving most of a 15-month sentence for recording songs calling for Tibetan independence. Dhondup was detained and sentenced in December 2009 for producing CDs titled '58' and 'Torture without Trace.' Read more ... Two Tibetans including a juvenile sentenced to prison terms Voice of Tibet radio reported on February 9 that a Chinese court in Kanlho Tibet Autonomous Prefecture has sentenced two Tibetans including a juvenile to prison terms. The report said that 16-year-old Thupten Dhargye was sentenced to one and half years for carrying out anti-China protests on November 14, 2010 in Machu County. His 15-year-old friend Dorpel, who joined him in the protest, was not sentenced but in poor physical state after being tortured while in detention and has been released to his family. Read more ... ICT Report: Chinese Authorities rename and rebuild quake struck Tibetan area; Tibetans excluded from planning Following the devastating earthquake in April 2010, Chinese authorities have announced plans to rebuild the Tibetan town of Kyegu into a new city with a Chinese name.  Qinghai provincial governor Luo Huining said, "In light of the post-quake rebuilding work and Qinghai's urbanization drive, we will build Yushu County into a city with a new temporary name of Sanjiangyuan [Three River Sources]." This news intensifies concern about the exclusion of Tibetans from the reconstruction process in an area with strong Tibetan identity where Tibetans make up more than 90% of the population. Read more ... ICT Report: United Nations: Nepal urged not to return Tibetans to China The UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review mechanism scrutinized Nepal's human rights record on January 25 in Geneva. In a statement the U.S. delegation urged Nepal to continue "its long-standing commitment to ensure the safe passage through Nepal of Tibetan asylum seekers and refraining from forcibly returning Tibetan Asylum seekers to China." In response, the Nepalese Ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai said, "On the issue of Tibetan refugees, Nepal stated that it does not allow its territory to be used against neighbors or any country." Read more ... Three Tibetan Writers face hard labor Three Tibetan writers, who were jailed for "incitement to split the nation," have been moved to a prison complex in preparation for hard labor after they refused to appeal the conviction. Sources told RFA that all three writers had "agreed not to appeal," as they felt that an appeal would be useless after the unfair trial. The sources added that the judge who heard the case said orders to punish the writers, all in their early 30s, came from "higher authorities" and that their writings against the government in Shar Dhongri, a local newsletter, was the "primary reason" for the conviction. Read more ... U.S. GOVERNMENT:  ICT Report: U.S. Tibet Coordinator visits Tibetan settlement in south India Under Secretary of State Maria Otero, who serves as U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues, visited Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan refugee settlement in the India on February 8 and 9, 2011. This is the first visit by a Tibet Coordinator, the top U.S. official who oversees Tibet policy, to Tibetan settlement areas in India. She was received by officials of the Central Tibetan Administration and Lodi Gyari, the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. ICT Director of Government Relations, Todd Stein, who is travelling in tandem with the delegation said, "Under Secretary Otero expressed the continued strong support of President Obama, Secretary Clinton and the U.S. Government for the welfare of Tibetans and the viability of their communities as they endeavor to preserve their distinct identity during the time of exile in India." Read more ... TIBET IN THE MEDIA: ICT Statement on Super Bowl commercial featuring Tibet issue Super Bowl watchers were given an opportunity to briefly consider the dire human rights situation in Tibet by Groupon, a subscription network that negotiates discounts with popular businesses. Their advert "Save the Money - Tibet" has generated a lot of debate. ICT President Mary Beth Markey said, "ICT welcomes the ad and the debate it has generated among people who care. We hope it drives Super Bowl viewers to adovacy groups like ICT, so that critical issues for Tibet can be addressed." See FROM THE ICT BLOG, below, for more comment on Groupon's Super Bowl Tibet ad. TIBET IN EXILE:  The Karmapa addresses gathering in Dharamsala: "Please be at ease" The Karmapa addressed a huge gathering of supporters in Dharamsala, India on February 2 acknowledging the difficult situation surrounding the allegations of financial misconduct and stating that he trusts that the matter will be cleared in time. In a show of solidarity, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Dolma Gyari, and seven other members shared the stage. The comments marked the first time that the Karmapa has spoken publicly since the investigation began. Read more . . . Challenges to Tibetan democracy in exile At a gathering organized by ICT, panelists discussed the upcoming Tibetan elections. Nima Binara, a U.S. trained lawyer who spoke at the event said, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama's vision of a robust democratic society" is now being accomplished. Also participating was Professor Xia Ming, a political science teacher at the College of Staten Island, New York, who said that one of the main challenges is that, as exiles from their homeland, scattered around the world, Tibetan voters have no defined, unified territory to which they belong. Read more ... FROM THE ICT BLOG: Coca Cola's "Siege" - the other Super Bowl Tibet commercial? - February 8, 2011 Why did Groupon choose Tibet? - February 7, 2011 Of Super Bowl, Tibetan Culture and a Fish Curry - February 7, 2011 Saving Tibet from the budget axe - January 28, 2011 Become a Friend of Tibet ICT relies on the consistent support of a special group of supporters called the Friends of Tibet.  These automatic monthly gifts provide a steady, reliable source of income and ensure we will have the funds when we need to respond to emergencies and unexpected opportunities as they arise.  Click here if you are interested in becoming a Friend of Tibet or would just like to receive more information.  Tashi Delek!

TIBET UPDATE

Support Tibet | Get Updates | Follow Us

The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/.
INSIDE TIBET:

ICT Report: Fears for life of Tibetan political prisoner tortured after speaking to U.N. Rapporteur

According to a December 30, 2010 news report from the Tibetan Government in Exile, Jigme Gyatso, a Tibetan political prisoner, who was tortured after speaking to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture during an official prison visit in 2005, is seriously ill in Chushur prison. The report states, "[his] survival is at stake due to his debilitating health condition." Jigme Gyatso, a former Tibetan Buddhist monk, is serving 18 years in prison for "counter-revolution" and "inciting splittism." Read the complete ICT Report ...



Three Tibetan writers sentenced

Three Tibetan writers have been handed jail terms of three to four years for "inciting activities to split the nation." The three writers, Jangtse Donkho, Buddha and Kalsang Jinpa were tried on October 28, 2010 by the Aba Intermediate People's Court, but their sentences were not handed down until December 30. Sources said that none of the writers, nor their lawyers or family members, was allowed to speak in court at the time of verdict, so when the judge ordered the court to rise for the verdict, the three writers remained seated. Read the complete story ...

ICT Report: Senior Drepung monk scholars "with no political record" sentenced to life, long sentences: crackdown continues at monastery

Tibetans in Lhasa are concerned for the welfare and safety of three senior Drepung monks who were detained in April 2008. According to ICT sources, two of them have subsequently received a life sentence and 20 years, and the third is believed to have received 15 years. Charges against the three monks are not known. They were highly respected scholars in their community and their imprisonment soon after the protests is of great concern to many Tibetans, as they are not believed to have taken part in the protests. Read the complete ICT Report ...



Tibetan monk in Machu sentenced to 3 yrs in prison

Sungrab Gyatso, a Tibetan monk of Mura Monastery, Machu County was sentenced to three years in prison on December 16, 2010, for allegedly leading protests by students in Machu County.  Earlier last year, on March 14, 2010, the second anniversary of the wide-spread 2008 protests, students of Machu Nationality Middle School carried out a protest that was later joined by hundreds. Read the complete story ...

U.S. GOVERNMENT:

Save the Date for Tibet Lobby Day - February 28 and March 1, 2011

Tibet Lobby Day 2011 will take place in Washington, DC on Monday and Tuesday, February 28  and March 1, 2011. This annual event is a collaboration of ICT and U.S.-based Tibet Support Groups and Tibetan Associations, and we have had great success in the past two years because of the participation and efforts of Tibet supporters like you.  It is vital to communicate to your Representatives and Senators that they have Tibetan-American and Tibet-supporting constituencies.  A long-term effort to build this domestic political capacity is essential to countering the Chinese Embassy's lobbying might and ensuring that Tibet remains on the U.S. legislative agenda. More information and a link to the online sign-up form for those wishing to participant will be emailed soon - watch for it! We hope you can join us this year. Read about last year's Tibet Lobby Day ...

UNITED NATIONS:

ICT Report: U.N. Special Rapporteur warns of consequences to nomad resettlement

In a report released on December 23, 2010, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter, said: "... While there is little doubt about the extent of the land degradation problem, the Special Rapporteur would note that herders should not, as a result of the measures adopted under the tuimu huancao ('removing animals to grow grass') policy, be put in a situation where they have no other options than to sell their herd and resettle." Since the beginning of the Western Development Strategy in 1999-2000, the Chinese government has been implementing policies of settlement, land confiscation and fencing of pastoral areas in Tibet, dramatically curtailing nomadic herder's livelihood. Report the complete ICT Report ...



NEPAL:

Nepal arrests six Tibetan refugees

Nepalese authorities arrested a group of six Tibetan refugees who escaped into northern Nepal from Tibet on January 2. The Nepalese police said that the four men and two women were travelling without documents and the group was handed over to immigration authorities. This arrest comes less than a fortnight after a set of Wikileaks revealed that the Chinese Government provides "financial incentives to officers who hand over Tibetan trying to exit China." Read the complete story ...

WIKILEAKS ON TIBET:

China pays Nepal police "to catch Tibetan refugees"

According to US cables released by Wikileaks, China pays Nepalese police to arrest Tibetan refugees as they cross over the border to flee Chinese repression. One cable quoted a source saying that China, "rewards (Nepali forces) by providing financial incentives to officers who handover Tibetans attempting to exit China." A spokesman for Nepalese police denied the allegations and said, "We arrest those who enter Nepal illegally and hand them over to Nepal's immigration authority." Read the complete story ...

CANADA:

Canada to facilitate immigration of up to 1,000 Tibetan refugees living in Arunachal Pradesh in India

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism minister Jason Kenney announced on December 18, 2010, that the Government of Canada intends to facilitate the immigration of up to 1,000 Tibetan refugees living in remote and isolated settlements in state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Mr. Kinney, recognizing India's long-standing support for Tibetans in India, said, "This is Canada's opportunity to complement India's support for this vulnerable population." Read the complete story ...

INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS: 

Tibet card in hand, Delhi strikes

Sankarshan Thakur, from the Telegraph, writes that during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's 3-day visit to India, India played the Tibet card by omitting its usual affirmation of "One China" from the joint communiqu‚. He writes that the shift in the Indian position, though slight, is pointed and actually predates the communiqu‚. It was first articulated firmly at the Russia-India-China ministerial summit in Wuhan, mid-November 2010 when external affairs minister S.M. Krishna equated Kashmir and Tibet, and made a case for respecting Indian and Chinese sensitivities on these regions.  Read the complete story ...

OBITUARY:

E. Gene Smith dies at 74

E. Gene Smith, renowned for his seemingly limitless knowledge of Tibetan literature and his equally limitless fervor for saving it, died on December 16, 2010, at his home in Manhattan. He was 74. A Utah native, Mr. Smith, through persistence, ardor and benevolent guile amassed the largest collection of Tibetan books outside Tibet, saving them from isolation and destruction, making them accessible to scholars and Tibetan exiles around the world. Read more about E. Gene Smith on savetibet.org ...



FROM THE ICT BLOG:

The peaceful transfer of power . . . - January 5, 2011


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ICT relies on the consistent support of a special group of supporters called the Friends of Tibet.  These automatic monthly gifts provide a steady, reliable source of income and ensure we will have the funds when we need to respond to emergencies and unexpected opportunities as they arise.  Click here if you are interested in becoming a Friend of Tibet or would just like to receive more information.  Thank you!

TIBET UPDATE

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Dear Söpa,

I recently wrote about the difficult situation Tibetan refugees are facing now. As this year draws to a close, I hope we can count on your help because so many are counting on us.

Tibetans at Risk We are witnessing one of the most dangerous times for Tibetans in decades.  Even the basic cultural identity of Tibetans is coming under attack. In recent months:

• Tibetans have been excluded from the reconstruction process following the Kyegundo earthquake in April.  There are growing fears that many families in the area will not survive the winter.
  
  
• Nepal recently facilitated the hunt of Tibetan refugees by Chinese armed police.  In a separate incident, three Tibetan refugees were handed over to Chinese border police - the first public incident of forced repatriation from Nepal in seven years.
  
  
• China has announced plans to restrict Tibetan language in schools, requiring all students to transition from being taught in their mother tongue to being taught in Chinese.
  
  
• The founder of an influential literary website dedicated to protecting Tibetan culture was sentenced to 15 years in prison on trumped up charges of "disclosing state secrets."

The freedoms and very lives of Tibetans are on the line and our work as advocates is more critical than ever. 

Action Needed Now

ICT is working hard to support and assist the Tibetan people as they struggle for their basic rights and freedoms.  But simply put, we need the help of all our supporters at this time of year to:

Protect Tibetan refugees. We must be prepared to launch advocacy and public information campaigns when refugees are threatened.  And we must help direct aid for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugee settlements.  

Advocate for the release of political prisoners. We must galvanize the international citizens' movement for Tibet to gain the release of political prisoners. 

Increase international cooperation on Tibet. We must work through our Washington, DC, Amsterdam, Berlin and Brussels offices to build coordinated, international advocacy on behalf of the Tibetan people.

Tell the world what's happening in Tibet. We must capture accurate on-the-ground accounts and keep international media attention focused on Tibet through our research and communication efforts.

Our efforts are ambitious, but we cannot strive for less when so many Tibetans are at risk. And we can't do any of it without your help.

Please respond today with a generous, tax-deductible contribution to help us battle the forces that endanger Tibetans and Tibetan refugees, and to help secure humanitarian assistance for their immediate needs this winter.

And if you are able to make a gift of $100 or more, I'll also send you ICT's 2011 "Tibet: A Treasured Land" wall calendar as an additional thank you for your commitment to Tibet and the Tibetan people.

In thanks for your generosity and with best wishes for the new year,

Mary Beth Markey
President

Tibet Update

Transmita por radio Free Asia: el 24 de noviembre que las autoridades en Kanlho, Gansu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture ha aumentado vigilancia en escuelas secundarias tibetanas siguiendo una protesta en pequeña escala en apoyo del lenguaje tibetano en escuelas sobre el fin de semana. Las fuentes tibetanas locales dijeron que un grupo de dos o tres estudiantes caminaron  cerca de una milla, llevando un estandarte blanco y gritando esloganes exigiendo independencia del Tíbet. Los estudiantes fueron llevados fueras por policías.  Lea la historia completa. . .

Support Tibet | Get Updates | Follow Us

The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/.
INSIDE TIBET:

Clamp down in Tibetan schools after fresh language protests

Radio Free Asia reported on November 24 that authorities in Kanlho, Gansu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture have stepped up surveillance in Tibetan high schools following a small-scale protest in support of Tibetan language in schools over the weekend. Local Tibetan sources said that a group of two or three students walked for about a mile, carrying a white banner and shouting slogans calling for independence of Tibet. The students were taken away by police.  Read the complete story . . .

Missing Tibetan writer traced to detention center in Barkham County

According to a report by Radio Free Asia, noted Tibetan writer Tashi Rabten (pen name: Theurang), arrested on April 6 and missing since then, is being held at a detention center in Barkham County, Ngaba Tibet Autonomous Prefecture. Sources said that authorities have not allowed family members to visit him but allowed delivery of food and clothes. It is believed that Tashi might be tried soon but little is known of what the charges might be.  Read the complete story . . .

U.S. GOVERNMENT:

U.S. State Department releases 2010 International Religious Freedom Report

The U.S. State Department released its annual International Religious Freedom Report on November 17.  The report stated that the United States continues to be concerned for the preservation and development of the Tibetan people's unique religious, cultural and linguistic heritage, and the protection of their fundamental human rights.  The report also found that the Chinese Government's control over religious practice and day-to-day management of monasteries and other religious institutions continues to be extraordinarily tight.  Read the full text of the Tibet section of the report . . .



EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT:

European Parliament adopts resolution in support of a genuine bilingual language policy in Tibet

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on November 25 in support of a language policy in Tibet in which all subjects can be taught in Tibetan language. The resolution was passed during a plenary session and a press release issued by the European Parliament said, "MEPs urge the Chinese authorities to support a genuine bilingual language policy, in which all subjects can be taught in the Tibetan language. They condemn the increased crackdown on the exercise of cultural, linguistic, religious and other fundamental freedoms of the six million Tibetan people as well as the Chinese authorities' plan to make Chinese the main language of instruction in Tibet."  Read the complete report . . .

ICT:

New ICT Briefing Papers Now Available

ICT has just released a series of briefing papers to provide context to the current crackdown and life inside Tibet.  Topics include Nomad Resettlement in Tibet, Torture and Imprisonment, Who Runs Tibet? China's Leadership, Tibet and the Dalai Lama, The World's 'Third Pole': Tibet and Climate Change, and many more.  To see all of the available topics and to download in PDF format, please visit http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-briefing-papers.

TIBET UPDATE

Support Tibet | Get Updates | Follow Us
The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/. CHINA: The Nobel Committee awards 2010 Peace Prize to jailed Chinese dissident The Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize committee announced that imprisoned writer Liu Xiaobo was awarded the 2010 peace prize on October 8, 2010, making him the first Chinese ever to win the prestigious prize.  Below are statements from the Dalai Lama, Tibetan government in exile, ICT reports and ICT Blogs on this event. Statement from His Holiness the Dalai Lama: "Awarding the prize to Liu Xiaobo is the international community's recognition of the increasing voices among the Chinese people in pushing China towards political, legal and constitutional reforms... I would like to renew my call to the government of China to release Mr. Liu Xiaobo and other prisoners of conscience." More . . . Press Statement from the Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration: "The whole of China should be proud of this singular honor bestowed on one of her sons . . . . We Tibetans pray that Mr. Liu Xiaobo will be able to receive the well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize in person on December 10." More . . . ICT Report: ICT celebrates Liu Xiaobo's win of the Nobel Peace Prize ICT Report: "China's conscience" favorite to win Nobel Peace Prize: In this report released on October 7, ICT discusses Liu's writings on Tibet. In 2000, Liu wrote an article endorsing the Dalai Lama's position on autonomy for Tibet within the Peoples Republic of China, and in March 2008, Liu Xiaobo's was one of the original signatories of a 12-point petition to the Chinese authorities calling for dialog between the Chinese government and Dalai Lama.  Read the complete report . . . Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo: Why China Matters? - ICT Blog Governments' reaction to Liu Xiaobo's peace prize - ICT Blog DALAI LAMA: The Dalai Lama in the U.S. His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in San Francisco, California on October 11, 2010 to begin a 16-day visit to the United States and Canada. His Holiness is scheduled to visit California, Georgia, Ohio, Toronto (Canada) and Florida during this trip. Read more about the visit . . . EXILE TIBET: ICT Report: Nepalese police seize ballot boxes from Tibetan exile election In a dramatic development in Kathmandu on October 3, armed Nepalese police in riot gear seized exile Tibetan ballot boxes in the election of their new Prime Minister and Parliament in exile. Permission had effectively been given by the Nepalese authorities for the election involving nearly 9,000 Tibetans, but police stormed the three centers in the midst of the voting to seize the ballot boxes. According to Tibetan sources in touch with prominent Nepalese rights advocates, the Chinese embassy in Nepal had instructed the Nepalese Home Ministry to stop the election. Read the complete report . . . INSIDE TIBET: Villagers block work on dam in Driru County Radio Free Asia reported on September 30 that local Tibetans have challenged Chinese work crews trying to build a dam near a mountain considered sacred by area residents.  The mountain, called Lhachen Naglha Dzambha, rises in Driru [Chinese: Biru] county in Nagchu Prefecture, TAR. Chinese authorities have accused local Tibetan villagers with separatism for opposing the building of a dam and the situation is very tense. Read the complete story . . . Tibetan sentenced to 4 years in prison in Ngaba According to exile sources, on September 25, the Ngaba County Intermediate People's Court sentenced a Tibetan man, Dhonko Gyakpa, to four years in prison for concealing and providing shelter to another Tibetan, Chodhar. Chinese authorities had placed a reward of 300,000 Chinese Yuan for information on Chodhar who was finally nabbed from Dhonkho Gyakpa's house in August 2009, after spending a year in hiding. Read the complete story . . . Editor of Tibetan Journal arrested in Chengdu Joleb Dawa, from Tagkatsang Village in Ngaba County was arrested in Chengdu on October 1, 2010, according to exile sources. Dawa was a teacher at a Tibetan school in Ngaba and the editor of the Journal "Dhusrab Kyi Nga". The exact charges against Dawa are not known but it is believed the arrest is linked to the Journal as two other Tibetans associated with the journal had earlier been arrested and are currently under detention. Read the complete story . . . Heavy sentences for two Drepung monks On October 7, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy [TCHRD] reported that in June 2010, the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court sentenced two monks from Drepung Monastery, Jampel Wangchuk and Kunchok Nyima, to life imprisonment and 20 years in prison respectively, for taking part in the Tibet protests of March 2008. Read the complete story . . . From the ICT Blog: China Highlights Tibetan Democracy - October 6, 2010 Tibetan Democracy in Action: Phase One - October 1, 2010 Contemporary Tibetan art making a statement in Beijing - September 22, 2010 Become a Friend of Tibet ICT relies on the consistent support of a special group of supporters called the Friends of Tibet.  These automatic monthly gifts provide a steady, reliable source of income and ensure we will have the funds when we need to respond to emergencies and unexpected opportunities as they arise.  Click here if you are interested in becoming a Friend of Tibet or would just like to receive more information.  Thank you! 2011 ICT Calendar Now Available ICT's 2011 calendar, Tibet: A Treasured Land, is now available at our online store.  The calendar showcases Tibet's spiritual value and remarkable beauty while also highlighting the urgent need for conservation in the face of environmental destruction from climate change and Chinese government mismanagement of the land. Purchase the calendar online now for only $13.99 plus shipping and handling.  To buy by mail, click here to download a PDF order form.
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