Day of Solidarity with Tibet

The Central Tibetan Administration announced May 17, 2013 as the Day of Solidarity with Tibet. This day symbolizes international community’s solidarity with aspirations of the Tibetan people and all those who strive for independence, freedom, national self-identity, freedom of religion and respect for and observance of human rights all over the world.

This day is a tragic date for all people in Tibet.

On May 14, 1995 the 14th Dalai Lama made ??an official statement and announced reincarnation of the Eleventh Panchen Lama. It was Gendun Choekyi Nyima, a six-year-old boy, who was chosen to become the new Lama. Three days later, on May 17, the young Lama and his parents have disappeared completely. And until now nothing is known about them.

Since 1995 the Chinese Government has concealed any information on the Panchen Lama despite repeated requests and statements concerning Gendun Choekyi Nyima made by the world social and political leaders. The Chinese leadership has made immoral substitution presenting another boy to the Tibetan people. And until now the real Panchen Lama’s whereabouts is unknown. By UN Resolution Gendun Choekyi Nyima is recognized as the youngest political prisoner in the world.

The fate of this boy, like the fate of many Tibetans, clearly shows that China's repressive policy towards Tibetans has not changed for many years. The Tibetan people continue to be subjected to severe discrimination based on national origin. The Chinese Government constantly pursue policy of assimilation resettling the Chinese people to Tibet and giving them economic benefits as well as exerting pressure on Tibetan language, culture, religion and way of life. The main goal of China’s policy in Tibet is deprivation of Tibetan national identity. Barbaric exploitation of natural resources in Tibet results in climate disruption throughout the Himalayan plateau and destroys ecosystem not only in Tibet but in the nearest states in Asia as well.

Such aggressive pressure on the Tibetan people is the same horrendous genocide as extermination of Jews in Nazi Germany or indigenous Indians in America. China's policy towards the Tibetan people is one of the greatest problems of modern world. Here one can talk about disappearance of the whole nation. The situation in Tibet alerts that soon humanity may completely lose the unique Buddhist civilization.

We call upon people of all nationalities and faiths to support the Tibetans on this day taking part in peaceful event for the sake of basic human rights in Tibet.

Russia is the only European country in the world having long-standing religious, cultural and geographical relations with Tibet. We must not remain indifferent towards tragic situation in Tibet today!

Program for May 17

• Prayer, led by specially arrived to this day in India Tibetan Lamas and monks.
• View the film "Escape from Tibet"
• Performances honored guests
• Offering lamps in memory of the dead in Tibet (you can bring candles for offerings)

Beginning: May 17, 7 p.m.

Admission free

Place of event:
Moscow Buddhist Center of Lama Tsonkapa

Address:
build. 1 (courtyard entrance), 23 Mytnaya str., Moscow, Russia
Nearest Metro Station - Tulskaya or Shabolovskaya
Tel.: 8 (499) 237-65-79 or 8 (499) 237-65-79

With support of
Moscow Buddhist Center of Lama Tsonkapa,
Tibet Culture and Information Center,
Tibet House in Moscow,
Media Partner “Events of Tibet”