New Delhi — During the Tibetan parliamentary delegation's visits in New Delhi, Tibetan MPs urged Indian MPs: 'Internationally, Tibet has garnered the support of many countries in the world, including the recent "Resolve Tibet Act" in the United States. We urge you to adopt a bill similar to the Resolve Tibet Act in India, affirming the right of the Tibetan people to self-determination in accordance with international law.'
Tibetan parliamentary delegation concluded its five-day official Tibet awareness campaign in New Delhi on August 9, 2024 and met with over 40 Indian political leaders, including ministers, MPs and political leaders. They highlighted the dire human rights situation in Tibet, China's policies to eradicate the Tibetan language and culture, and China's expansionist and aggressive policies in Tibet and other countries.
The delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile led by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel campaigned on Tibet from August 5 to 9, 2024 and met with 44 Indian leaders. This delegation comprised MP Atuk Tseten, MP Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen, MP Tsanetsang Dhondup Tashi, MP Geshe Ngaba Gangri, MP Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen, and MP Tsering Yangchen. The delegation was accompanied by Tashi Dekyi, Acting Coordinator of India Tibet Coordination Office; Tenzin Paljor and Tenzin Sherab, staff of Tibetan parliamentary secretariat; and Phuntsok Gyatso, Delhi based coordinator of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
The Tibetan Parliamentary delegation, divided into two groups, met with 44 Indian leaders. They included 2 Union Ministers, 28 MPs from 11 different political parties and 1 independent representing 18 different States, including 13 MPs who had attended the APIPFT dinner, the Speaker and an MP from the Vidhan Sabha in Delhi, the General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party and two BJP spokespersons, the General Secretary of the Janata Dal (United), six former MPs and parliamentarians, and two leaders of Tibet support groups.
According to Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat, 'the Tibetan MPs shed light on the grave situation of the Tibetan people under the Chinese Communist regime while highlighting the cordial relationship shared by India and Tibet grounded in geographical, cultural, and religious ties while focusing on the increasing China’s expansionist and aggressive policies and the need of holding the Chinese government accountable for its actions.'
During the Tibetan Parliamentary delegation visits to New Delhi, the All-Party Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) appointed Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, pro tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha and BJP MP, as Convener, and Shri Tapir Gao, BJP MP, as Co-Convener, marking the successful revival of the forum on August 7, 2024.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile delivered his inaugural speech at the revival of All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) and he said, "India has been a second home for Tibetans since 1959 when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and many of our brothers and sisters sought refuge here. India’s open arms and unwavering support have provided us with a new home, allowing us to preserve our culture, language, religion, and identity in exile. This generous hospitality has earned India a special place in our hearts, and we remain forever indebted to the government and people of India."
"I am pleased to share the important news that the Resolve Tibet Act has recently been signed into law by President Joe Biden of the United States. This significant legislation helps counter misinformation from the PRC and upholds the Tibetan people’s inalienable right to self-determination according to international law," the Speaker declared.
"Through this forum and with your leadership, I would like to request that in the coming years we adopt a similar approach, whether in the form of a motion, resolution, or even during zero hours, affirming the people of Tibet’s right to self-determination as per international law," the Tibetan Speaker urged.
"Internationally, Tibet has garnered support from many countries, including the U.S. and nations across Europe and Asia. However, India’s support holds unique significance as our host country. The friendship and assistance we receive here are crucial for our continued struggle for justice and freedom in Tibet," the Speaker concluded his speech.
The delegation made the following twelve-point appeals to Indian MPs and the Government:
- Recognise Tibet as an occupied nation.
- Acknowledge Tibet’s independent and sovereign past, supported by historical evidence.
- Affirm the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination under international law.
- Reject China’s false narrative by avoiding labels such as “minority,” refraining from calling Tibet’s occupation an internal issue, and not proclaiming Tibet as part of China. Such stances support China’s colonization and subjugation of Tibetans, limiting Tibetans ability to negotiate for genuine freedom.
- Urge the People’s Republic of China to engage in substantive dialogue with representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, or democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community without preconditions, aiming to resolve the Tibet-China conflict through the Middle Way Policy and seek genuine autonomy within the PRC’s constitution.
- Climate Change Research: Call upon the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to initiate scientific studies on the PRC’s exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources and its adverse effects on global climate change.
- Human Rights Monitoring: Pressure China to grant independent human rights organizations access to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Tibet. Additionally, extend standing invitations to UN Special Rapporteurs, especially those focusing on freedoms of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association, and human rights defenders, to facilitate their visits to Tibet as soon as possible.
- Release of Tibetan Political Prisoners: Urge the PRC government to unconditionally release all Tibetan political prisoners, including Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, whose whereabouts and well-being have been unknown since May 17, 1995.
- Halt Oppressive Policies: Call on the PRC to cease its oppressive policies aimed at eradicating Tibetan culture, language, and religion.
- Human Rights and Tibet-China Conflict: Frame the human rights situation in Tibet within the broader context of the unresolved Tibet-China conflict. Encourage world leaders to express concern over human rights violations and religious repression in Tibet, and advocate for the adoption of a Magnitsky Act to sanction Chinese officials responsible for these abuses.
- Legislative Framework Against Authoritarianism and Disinformation: Establish a national legislative framework to combat China’s networked authoritarianism and disinformation campaigns, which erode public trust in democratic institutions, increase political polarization, and threaten regional and global stability.
- Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: Expand and deepen official and diplomatic relations with the Central Tibetan Administration, which upholds the legacy of the former government of independent Tibet and serves as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people.
