01 July, 2009

International Campaign for Tibet

A new policy paper by the International Campaign for Tibet calls upon the European Union, including the Swedish EU Presidency, to adopt a consistent new position on Tibet to reflect the importance of Tibet in EU-China relations.

As a policy-focused organisation, The International Campaign for Tibet seeks to engage policymakers from governments, parliaments, NGOs and think-tanks, as well as the various UN bodies. As guiding principles for our advocacy work, the International Campaign for Tibet firmly believes:

1. That a non-violent solution to the Tibetan problem is achievable;
2. That a path to such a solution can be established by the Chinese Government and the Representatives of the Dalai Lama;
3. That international engagement can facilitate that process.

In order to assist policymakers and government officials, the International Campaign for Tibet offers the following recommendations:

For European Governments and EU Institutions

1. Continue to work multilaterally for meaningful progress in the Tibetan-Chinese dialogue and consider the establishment of a Contact Group for Tibet as well as other means to enhance regular contacts, exchanges of views and coordination on Tibetan issues;
2. Recognize that, in addition to quiet diplomacy, assertive and visible engagement with the Chinese government can yield positive consequences and provide hope to Tibetans that a peaceful solution is possible;
3. Call for the sincere engagement of the Chinese government in dialogues with the representatives of the Dalai Lama, using the Memorandum on Tibetan Autonomy as a basis for future discussions;
4. Support politically and financially efforts to address chronic needs, as articulated by the Tibetan people, for assistance in such areas as education, work force development, environmental protection, and sustainable development;
5. Adopt a common position that heads of state meet with the Dalai Lama as the preeminent Tibetan leader and also press for his participation in appropriate global forums;
6. Raise issues of concern in appropriate international and bilateral forums, including at the UN Human Rights Council, bilateral meetings and Human Rights Dialogues with China;
7. Sign up to receive ICT’s Tibet Brief and other updates on the situation in Tibet;
8. Visit Tibet.

For Parliamentarians and other stakeholders

1. Table parliamentary resolutions and motions on Tibetan issues of concern;
2. Form or join a Parliamentary Tibet Group;
3. Send written questions to your Foreign Minister requesting information on his/her activities related to Tibet;
4. Welcome the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan officials to your Parliament and call for your government to receive the Dalai Lama at the highest level;
5. Engage visiting Chinese delegations to your Parliament on Tibet, highlighting that this is an important issue for you, your party and your constituents;
6. Request a meeting at your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate to discuss Tibet;
7. Work with other Parliamentary Committees to encourage discussion on Tibet, including Foreign Affairs Committees, parliamentary China Friendship groups and so on;
8. Commemorate important Tibetan dates, such as the 10 March National Uprising Day;
9. Work with NGOs and local Tibet groups;
10. Sign up to receive ICT’s Tibet Brief and other updates on the situation in Tibet;
11. Visit Tibet.

30 April, 2009

International Campaign for Tibet

These recommendations deal with the current situation on the ground in Tibet one year on from the unrest that swept across Tibet. The recommendations are taken from the ICT report 'A Great Mountain Burned by Fire' (April 2009).

29 February, 2008

International Campaign for Tibet

The world's highest railroad across the Tibetan plateau to Lhasa (completed in July 2006) is one component of Beijing's ambitious plans to develop the western regions of the People's Republic of China (PRC). However, the project also represents China's aim to expand the influence and consolidate the control of the Chinese Communist Party over Tibet. ICT argues that only a re-orientation of economic strategy towards local integration – in effect, 'Tibetanizing' development – and the participation of Tibetans in decision-making on their economy could reverse the trend of marginalization and estrangement that remains a factor in ongoing unrest. Taken from ICT's report "Tracking the Steel Dragon: How China's Economic Policies and the Railway are Transforming Tibet" (February 2008).

30 April, 2007

International Campaign for Tibet

These recommendations deal with the trend towards a tightening of control over religious practice and scholarship in Tibet based on official documents obtained from Tibet and interviews with reincarnate lamas, monks and nuns from Tibet. These recommendations tackle issues related to patriotic education campaigns in religious institutions and a renewed determination by Chinese authorities to crack down on the influence of the Dalai Lama in Tibet. Taken from the ICT report 'The Communist Party as Living Buddha' (April 2007).