Tag Archives: students for a free tibet

Jamphel Yeshi’s Letter

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How many Tibetans must light themselves on fire in an act of protest against China’s repressive rule before the world stops to take notice? Thirty.

On Monday, a 27 year-old Tibetan man doused himself in a flammable liquid and struck a match, engulfing his body in flames as he sprinted 50 yards in the midst of an estimated 600 protesters. The method was the same as the 29 who came before him, but unlike those, Jamphel Yeshi’s self-immolation was set in a democratic nation, in plain view of a massive audience, and plenty of camera lenses and mobile phones captured his protest as soon as it happened. In the next twenty-four hours, the images exploded across the internet, and the story was seemingly everywhere—from news desks in Cambodia to the New York Times.

Since January alone, 18 Tibetans have self-immolated inside Tibet, but the world has seen no videos, merely pixelated cell phone images of a few of the 30 total incidents since 2009; evidence of China’s crackdown in Tibet. Jamphel Yeshi’s protest swept through the media seemingly as quickly as the flames that engulfed him, because he was visible—there was immediate access to images and witnesses, and no need to navigate the Great Firewall of China. On top of this, Jamphel Yeshi left a hand-written letter, penned on the 16th.

The fact that Tibetan people are setting themselves on fire in this 21st century is to let the world know about their suffering, and to tell the world about the denial of basic human rights. If you have any empathy, stand up for the Tibetan people.

We demand freedom to practice our religion and culture. We demand freedom to use our language. We demand the same right as other people living elsewhere in the world. People of the world, stand up for Tibet. Tibet belongs to Tibetans. Victory to Tibet!

In an NBC news report featuring a clip of Yeshi’s self-immolation, a professor in Hong Kong remarked that, while the Chinese government continues to offer “economic support” in Tibet, the Tibetan people are expressing that they want “more autonomy, better respect for their religion and culture.” This assertion is wrong on two counts.

First of all, many fail to express how the “economic support” hardly helps Tibetans directly, and comes at a devastating cost to freedoms of speech, religion, and movement. Likewise, infrastructure and development are contributing to catastrophic environmental issues that endanger Tibetan livelihoods in the region—these include changes in hydrology, loss of biodiversity, rampant mining and resource extraction, grassland desertification, and permafrost degradation.

Secondly, the Tibetan people are certainly not calling for “more autonomy” and “better respect for their religion and culture” because they possess neither respect nor autonomy from the Chinese government, only superficially. Each of the Tibetans who have self-immolated, along with countless others that have risen up in protest this year alone, have not called for more autonomy or respect; they have demanded freedom and/or independence, and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

On Wednesday, Jamphel Yeshi succumbed to the burns that covered ninety percent of his body, dying in a hospital bed in India. That same day, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in New Delhi, India for the BRIC Summit, and a 20 year-old monk in eastern Tibet self-immolated and died—an indication that these tragic acts will continue.

Now that we know how many lives it costs for the world to take notice, the question remains, will people act?


More information: 

International Campaign for Tibet, Self-Immolation Fact Sheet:
http://savetibet.org/resource-center/maps-data-fact-sheets/self-immolation-fact-sheet

Stand Up for Tibet, Self-Immolation Fact Sheet:
http://standupfortibet.org/further-information/

Stand Up for Tibet, Get Involved: http://standupfortibet.org/

News and resources:

Lhasa Rising, the official blog of Students for a Free Tibet India (contains an alternate translation):
http://lhasarising.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/statement-on-the-self-immolation-of-a-young-tibetan-in-delhi-india-march-26-2012/

CBC News, Tibetan sets self on fire in New Delhi protest (graphic images):
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/03/26/tibetan-burning.html

New York Times Blog, Tibetan Activist Who Self-Immolated Leaves Letter Behind:
http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/tibetan-activists-letter-explaining-his-self-immolation/

New York Times, India Tightens New Delhi’s Tibetan Districts on Eve of Summit:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/29/world/asia/india-tightens-new-delhis-tibetan-districts-on-eve-of-summit.html?src=tp&smid=fb-share

New York Times, Tibetan Exiles Rally Around Delhi Self-Immolator:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/29/world/asia/tibetan-exiles-rally-around-delhi-self-immolator.html

New York Times Blog Tibetan Who Self-Immolated in Delhi Dies:
http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/tibetan-who-self-immolated-in-delhi-dies/?scp=1&sq=Jamphel%20Yeshi&st=cse

BBC News, Tibetan self-immolation activist in India dies:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-17534104

Wikipedia, Immolations by Tibetans protesting Chinese rule:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-immolation#Immolations_by_Tibetans_protesting_Chinese_rule

Lhakar & Lhakar Diaries

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I have recently become obsessed with Wednesdays, looking forward to the day with a slight fervor. Why Wednesdays, you ask? Because it’s Lhakar! And Lhakar means new posts on Lhakar Diaries, a fascinating new blog.

Please take a moment to read about Lhakar, and check out Lhakar Diaries:

Excerpt from Lhakar Diaries, http://lhakardiaries.com/

“Lhakar Diaries is a blog dedicated to the movement inside Tibet where, by buying Tibetan goods, eating Tibetan foods, wearing Tibetan clothes and speaking Tibetan, ordinary men and women resist China’s occupation. We want to highlight these actions inside Tibet, and show solidarity by promoting similar actions outside Tibet by posting our personal journey to explore and honor our shared cultural heritage and identity.”

Excerpt from the Lhakar website, http://lhakar.org/

“Lhakar is a homegrown people’s movement that has emerged in Tibet. In spite of China’s intensified crackdown, Tibetans have embraced the power of strategic nonviolent resistance. Every Wednesday, a growing number of Tibetans are making special effort to wear traditional clothes, speak Tibetan, eat in Tibetan restaurants and buy from Tibetan-owned businesses. They channel their spirit of resistance into social, cultural and economic activities that are self-constructive (promoting Tibetan language, culture and identity) and non-cooperative (refusing to support Chinese institutions and businesses). Though humble in scale, these noncooperation tactics hark back to the Indian boycott of British textile at a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle.

“The Tibetan word ‘Lhakar’ (ལྷག་དཀར་) translates literally as ‘White Wednesday,’ as Wednesday is considered special by Tibetans because it is the Dalai Lama’s soul day.

“In recent years since 2008, Tibetans in Tibet and in exile have taken diverse Lhakar Pledges, resolving to boycott Made-in-China products, or to go vegetarian every Wednesday, or to read a Tibetan newspaper once a week, or to wear chuba every Wednesday, etc. Through these pledges and actions, Tibetans are coming together in the greatest noncooperation movement Tibet has ever seen.”

A Very Auspicious Day

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Images of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan flag (background) are banned in Tibet

Today is July 6th, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 76th birthday. Photos of the Dalai Lama and speaking about him openly are banned in Tibet, but that will not keep Tibetans inside Tibet from celebrating.  Outside, with no fear of political repercussions, there is a lot of celebration to be found.

His Holiness celebrated in Washington, D.C. this morning, and was honored by Martin Luther King Jr.’s son and Gandhi’s grandson at a celebration downtown that was streamed live to viewers across the globe.  Today is the beginning of the Kalachakra for World Peace, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist ceremony that His Holiness is presiding over for the next ten days.

Wednesdays happen to be the Dalai Lama’s “soul day,” which makes this year’s birthday even more special.  Every Wednesday, in honor of his “soul day,” Tibetans have been commemorating through a new movement called Lhakar.  On Lhakar, Tibetans and Tibet supporters practice the art of nonviolent resistance and make a pledge to take action and assert Tibetan identity.  Read more about Lhakar at http://lhakar.org/.

Lhakar Diaries has been officially launched today, which is an inspiring blog written by Tibetans every Wednesday, examining their identity, highlighting the situation in Tibet, and showing solidarity for Tibetans in Tibet.  Read the incredible posts at http://lhakardiaries.com/.

Today, His Holiness gave a speech in Washington D.C. to Tibetans everywhere.  He spoke in Tibetan, offering a summary in English afterward.  He told Tibetans to educate themselves, and to focus on learning Tibetan well.

If you want to assist Tibetans’ quest to further their language and identity, please donate to Students for a Free Tibet, which is asking for donations in honor of His Holiness’ birthday in order to continue our work in nonviolent action and education for the Tibetan Freedom Movement.
SFT is a firm advocate and participant in Lhakar, recognizing that the expression of Tibetan culture and solidarity with Tibetans inside of Tibet is crucial to the end goal of freedom.

Today, SFT is asking that you donate some or all of  today’s pay to ensure that we have the financial resources to continue building the global movement for Tibet’s freedom.

Donate here: https://secure3.convio.net/sft/site/Donation2?df_id=1720&1720.donation=form1

 

SFT is putting on three events during the course of the Kalachakra, and you are welcome to attend if you are in the D.C. area:

1. “Lhakar in Tibet” Teach-in
WHEN: Sunday, July 10 TIME: 5 – 7pm
WHERE: International Campaign for Tibet (1825 Jefferson Place NW, Washington, DC)
Come learn more about Lhakar, the most significant grassroots movement to emerge inside Tibet following the 2008 uprising. Every Wednesday, the Dalai Lama’s soul day, Tibetans are reclaiming and embracing their Tibetans identity by wearing traditional clothes, singing Tibetan songs, and eating Tibetan food. Tibetans are also refusing to buy from Chinese businesses in an effort to undermine their Chinese occupiers and support Tibetan businesses. For more information, go to: http://www.Lhakar.org Teach-in organized by Students for a Free Tibet

2. Global Day of Action for Kardze, Tibet
WHEN: Wednesday, July 13 TIME: 10 – 1pm
WHERE: Chinese Embassy (3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Daily protests continue in Kardze, eastern Tibet, as the Chinese government plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the “Peaceful Liberation” of Tibet with a propaganda celebration in Lhasa. Join Tibetans and Tibet supporters at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. as part of a Global Day of Action to stop the arrests and beatings in Kardze and to highlight the true reality of 60 years of failed Chinese policies in Tibet.

3. Tibetan Nomads’ Rights: An Evening of Poetry, Songs, and Activism
WHEN: Thursday, July 14 TIME: 5:30 – 7:30pm
WHERE: International Campaign for Tibet (1825 Jefferson Place NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Tibetan nomads – the keepers of Tibetan culture and tradition – have lived on the grasslands of the plateau for millennia. Today, the Chinese government is systematically forcing nomads off their land and into reservation-style housing blocks. Join Students for a Free Tibet for an evening of music and poetry and to find out how you can stand with Tibetan nomads as they stand for their rights.

Tourism in Tibet | Occupation is No Vacation

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In November 2010, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort opened its doors to guests, boasting 200 luxury rooms, an on-site butler, a spa, numerous restaurants, and countless amenities. This would be considered luxurious in anyplace but in Tibet, a formally independent country occupied by China in 1949. Occupation is no vacation and tourist operators need to understand that business in Tibet is not business as usual.

Under Chinese occupation, Tibetans’ basic human rights are regularly violated, including their internationally recognized right to control their own land and resources. Since 1999, the Chinese government has pursued its “Western Development Plan,” encouraging large-scale migration of Chinese settlers into Tibet and extending business opportunities to foreign companies. This plan is intended to help China consolidate control over Tibet and attract foreign direct investment to finance its occupation.

The operation of the St. Regis Lhasa could exacerbate the abuses that Tibetans face unless immediate measures are taken to ensure business is conducted in compliance with their needs and interests.

Students for a Free Tibet has contacted the CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Fritz van Paasschen, and the owners of  the St. Regis property with our concerns. We requested more information on the St. Regis Lhasa’s operation to determine if this luxury hotel could truly be part of the solution in empowering Tibetans in Tibet, rather than part of the problem in contributing to their further marginalization under Chinese rule.

Discrimination and intimidation tactics on the part of Chinese officials has made it increasingly difficult for Tibetan guides and tour operators to compete with Chinese businesses. In 2010, Dorje Tashi, a successful Tibetan hotelier, was sentenced to life imprisonment following a closed-door trial. Chinese authorities have yet to publicly release the details of his alleged crimes. No tourist operator should collaborate with the Chinese government in repressing the basic rights of Tibetans – or others – and Starwood’s executives need to think carefully about the implications operating in a conflict could have on their brand name and corporate reputation.

Economic development that brings an end to the decades of marginalization and repression suffered at the hands of the Chinese government and respects their right to control this development is welcomed by Tibetans. However, businesses that fail to both address the deep-seated inequalities Tibetans face under Chinese occupation and respect Tibetans’ political, cultural, and religious rights, will only intensify the injustices that Tibetans suffer. The Holiday Inn, British Petroleum, and KFC are amongst the corporations that have canceled their business plans or withdrawn from Tibet after facing intense public campaigns from Tibetan rights organizations.

We hope Starwood and the St. Regis owners’ will do the right thing.

Read More:

Tibetans Target Starwoods AGM Over New St. Regis in Lhasa

http://blog.studentsforafreetibet.org/2011/05/tibetans-target-starwoods-agm-over-new-st-regis-in-lhasa/

A Joint Open Letter to Investors of IHG from Free Tibet Campaign and Students for a Free Tibet:
http://www.freetibet.org/campaigns/letter

Tibetans and Tibet Supporters Target InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG)’s AGM

Read more about this effort led by Free Tibet Campaign:

http://freetibet.org/campaigns/no-intercontinental-tibet
http://www.freetibet.org/campaigns/occupation
http://www.freetibet.org/campaigns/resources
http://www.freetibet.org/campaigns/social-responsibility