Brussels: China’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in the Human Rights Council in Geneva was one of the main issues discussed in the Tibet Interest Group’s meeting in European Parliament yesterday.
As he was invited by the Chairman Mr Mann, Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Representative, Bureau du Tibet, briefed the meeting on the subject at length. He informed them about Bureau du Tibet’s advocacy with various Ministries in Europe, Permanent Representatives of 28 Member States of the EU and MEPs in Brussels. He also reported about the productive meeting with the relevant office of the EU on the subject.
He briefed them on the collective step that our friends in the European Parliament would also join in this effort. It is estimated that around 20 MEPs would co-sign a letter requesting the EU to initiate effective steps to implement the recommendations of the 2nd cycle of UPR by China.
Mr Mann briefed the meeting on the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Germany. Representative Tashi Phuntsok also informed the meeting about the recently concluded 7th visit to the Netherlands by His Holiness from 14-18 September 2018.
Another important topic that was discussed was the “Europe Stands with Tibet” rally on Sunday 10 March 2019. Representative Tashi Phuntsok gave background on this subject and requested the MEPs to block their dates for this day and make themselves available for active participation in this event. This event is being organized by two Members of TPIE in Europe and Tibetan Communities.
ICT’s Vincent Metten officially presented the report – “China’s Control State in Lhasa” – by the International Campaign for Tibet. This report integrates the massive State’s control structure, especially the notorious prisons like Gurtsa, Drapchi, Chusur etc, in Lhasa. Using high-tech footages the report presents a very subversive control machinery in Lhasa side by side with high glitz five-star global tourist attractions, including the Intercontinental Paradise Hotel.
Mr Mann chaired the meeting and MEP Sogor, Office of Tibet staff, ICT staff and other Parliamentary Assistants were present in the meeting.
Participants listening to the speakers.
Filed by OoT Brussels