Tibetans to observe December 10 as 'Global Solidarity Day'

23 November, 2012

Tibetan prime minister in exile has called upon the Tibetan Associations, Tibet Support Groups, Buddhist Centers, and 'all our friends' around the world to form a coalition with as many human rights groups to organise and participate in the Global Solidarity Day.

IN THE wake of 'continuing wave' of self-immolations, the Central Tibet Administration has decided to observe December 10 (Human Rights Day) as Global Solidarity Day. Disclosing this to reporters at Dharamshala, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of Tibetan government in exile on Thursday said that 72 Tibetans have set themselves on fire so far.

“59 self-immolations occurred in this year alone, 7 in seven days in October and 5 in 1 day in November. This clearly reflects the gravity of Tibet’s current situation in Tibet. Please light a candle or lamp, observe a minute’s silence, and a say a prayer for all those who have died for the cause of Tibet, and locally organise vigils and rallies,” Sangay said.

“Despite our repeated appeals not to take drastic actions, self-immolations continue in Tibet. Therefore, I appeal to the international community and governments to stand for justice by answering the universal aspirations of Tibetans in Tibet: the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans,” added Dr. Sangay, who is also political successor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

The strong and unprecedented statement of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and visit by the US ambassador Gary Locke to Tibet clearly shows that the situation in Tibet is dire and needs to be urgently addressed, he added.

“We urge the newly appointed Chinese leaders to accept and cooperate with the 12 outstanding requests for official visits to Tibet by U.N. and international bodies. The Chinese government should implement recommendations made by the U.N. agencies rather than resorting to blame game,” Dr Sangay urged.

He called on the Tibetan Associations, Tibet Support Groups, Buddhist Centers, and 'all our friends' around the world to form a coalition with as many human rights groups to organise and participate in the Global Solidarity Day. “We also request them to dispatch delegations to visit different media organisations in order to create awareness about the ongoing tragedy in Tibet. Equally important is to reach out to as many members of Parliament, Congress and government officials,” he said.

On 3 December, Dr Sangay said that they will release a 10-minute video on self-immolations and ask all Tibetans and friends to share it with elected government representatives, government officials, the media, and various social networks.