07/03/2015

Fine words must be followed by action

80th birthday of the Dalai Lama (July 6): His life work is in danger

© Flickr/Giandomenico Ricci

On occasion of the 80th birthday of the Dalai Lama, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) demands that Germany should show more commitment for Tibet. "It would be a perfect birthday gift for the Dalai Lama if Germany and its European partners were to advocate for the rights of the Tibetans," said Ulrich Delius, the STP's China expert, in Göttingen on Friday. "China's authorities are denying the Tibetans a life in freedom and dignity. Thus, the life's work of the Dalai Lama is at serious risk." The Dalai Lama has been warning about the consequences of the mass settlement of Han Chinese in Tibet for years, since it is to be expected that this will destroy the traditional nomadic society and cause environmental hazards due to mining and other large-scale projects. The STP strongly condemns all attempts of the Chinese leadership to discredit, criminalize and taboo the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. The Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in Dharamsala, India, will be celebrating his 80th birthday on July 6.

The STP further criticizes that the Chinese measures against the most important religious leader of the Tibetan Buddhists are serious violations of the religious freedom of the Tibetan people. Thus, Tibetan Buddhists are not even allowed to possess pictures of their religious leader, while nuns and monks are even forced to sign documents in which they abjure him. The Dalai Lama advocates for real autonomy for Tibet, but he is systematically accused of working towards a secession and of trying to destabilize China.  

"The Dalai Lama has been committed to a credible dialogue with China's leadership for more than three decades, trying to find a political solution to the Tibet issue," Delius praised his commitment. "Instead of accepting this offer and entering serious negotiations with the exiled political leadership of Tibet concerning the freedom of religion in Tibet and the region's future, the Chinese government is holding out on them. With ever new unfounded accusations and allegations, China's authorities are trying to keep the Tibetan people from building up a relationship of trust with leading Tibetan representatives."

The Dalai Lama has emphasized his striving for mutual understanding with the Chinese people in numerous appeals and meetings with the Chinese democracy movement. "This is an important sign of reconciliation and peace, despite the deteriorating situation in Tibet", said Delius. Also, his commitment towards human rights all over the world and his efforts for the democratization and renewal of the Tibetan society deserve respect. In exile, numerous democratic institutions were founded. In order to keep China from interfering with the nomination of his successor, he suggested to discontinue the traditional procedure, which is based on belief in reincarnation, and to have his successor elected in a conclave. He is also willing to give up other traditions that are important to his people in order to keep the Tibetan Buddhists from harm.


Header photo: Flickr / Giandomenico Ricci