Geneva – The UN committee called on China to abolish the system of forced boarding schools and to allow the establishment of private Tibetan schools. In addition, it recommended that China take all necessary measures to ensure that Tibetans can fully exercise their right to cultural life, identity, practice and use of the Tibetan language.
UN human rights chief calls on China to address human rights issues in Tibet and Xinjiang
Geneva – Volker Turk, the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said," Regarding China, the Office had opened up channels of communication with a range of actors to follow up on a variety of human rights issues, including the protection of minorities, such as for Tibetans, Uyghurs and other groups."
China’s oppression of Tibet has not ceased over the years: Cycling for a Free Tibet
Taipei — Tibetan activists and Tibet supporters in Taiwan organised the “2023 Cycling for a Free Tibet” on February 8, and they said, “China’s oppression of Tibet has not ceased over the years, but has continued to repress Tibetans in new ways. Tibetan children are forced to go to concentration camp-like boarding schools to receive a Chinese education; DNA is taken from Tibetans to increase surveillance of Tibetans.”
I hope we can create a genuinely peaceful world free of weapons: the Dalai Lama
Dharamshala – His Holiness the Dalai Lama met 120 recently graduated Indian students and members of the M3M Foundation in the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple, in Dharamshala, and told them, "If we think in terms of the oneness of humanity, we can dispense with weapons and solve any differences between us through dialogue and discussion. I hope that in my lifetime we can create a genuinely peaceful world free of weapons and violent conflict."
Greetings from world leaders to Tibetans on the occasion of Losar, the Tibetan New Year
Dharamshala – On the occasion of Losar, the Tibetan New Year, world leaders, including Government leaders, Chief Ministers and Parliamentarians, from many countries, extended greetings and joined the Tibetan people in celebrating the Tibetan New Year, showing their support for the preservation of the endangered culture, religion, language and identity of Tibetans.
US reaffirm support for Tibetan religious heritage, including choice of religious leader without interference: Blinken
Washington – Antony Blinken, Secretary of US Department of State extends his best wishes for Losar, the Tibetan New Year of 2150, saying, " I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year. The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting the preservation of Tibetans’ distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage, including through the ability to select and venerate their religious leaders without interference."
A new Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet launched in the Spanish Senate
Madrid – A new Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet, composed of 29 senators, was officially launched in the Spanish Senate. The main objectives of the group are to promote greater international recognition of the Tibetan issue, in particular to improve respect for human rights in Tibet and to draw attention to the unresolved issue of Tibet.