Since March 2011, a number of young Tibetans have resorted to self-immolating to protest against the Chinese government's oppressive regime in Tibet. To date nine monks and one nun have taken this desperate action, five of whom are known to have died as a result. The condition and whereabouts of the others is not known, though some are reported to be in hospital.
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TAKE ACTION
China has to be called to account, not only to end the current crackdown in Kirti monastery, but also to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people. The British government must publicly state its concern over the current situation and, along with other international governments, persuade China to ease the increasingly tense situation by withdrawing its troops from Tibetan regions, especially from Kirti monastery, review its repressive policies in Tibet and grant universally recognised human rights to the Tibetan people.
1. Contact your MP
2. Leave a message on the FCO website
3. Write to the Chinese Ambassador
4. Sign the global pledge to Stand Up for Tibet
5. Attend the London protest at the Chinese Embassy (Wed 2 Novermber)
1. Contact your MP and ask them to call on the British government:
► to make a public statement of concern on China's repressive policies in Tibet which has led to nine monks and one nun undertaking the desperate act of self-immolation since March this year.
► to urge China to ease the situation by withdrawing its troops from Kirti monastery and respecting the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people including the right to freely practice their religion.
► to press China to allow international independent observers and journalists to visit Tibet and particularly Kirti monastery.
► Ask your MP to sign the EDM on Tibet calling for an end to the repression in Tibet (the EDM number and full text will be posted shortly).
► Also ask your MP to sign the Global pledge to 'Stand up for Tibet' (see point 3)
To find your MP go to www.writetothem.com or findyourmp.parliament.uk.
2. Leave a comment on the Foreign Office website
The Foreign Office have just published their latest quarterly human rights update, which makes reference to the immolations in Tibet and that the FCO has raised the incidents with Chinese officials. Though the FCO's actions are welcome, the British government must do more. Leave a comment on the FCO website urging the British government to:
► make a robust public statement of concern, in light of the recent immolations, which calls on the Chinese government to ease tensions by withdrawing its troops from Kirti monastery in Ngaba and to review its policies in Tibet to bring an end to the oppression of the Tibetan people.
► continue to raise their concerns with their Chinese counterparts at every opportunity
► raise the self-immolations incidents with the Chinese Ministry of Religious Affairs, asking why, if there is religious freedom in Tibet as is purported, monks and nuns are undertaking such drastic forms of protest.
Click here to go to the Human Rights report update on the FCO website. The comment section is at the bottom of the page.
Further reading: Extract of FCO report & further details I Parliamentary question & response
3. Write to the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, calling on the Chinese government to:
► confirm the condition and location of Lobsang Kelsang, Lobsang Kunchok, Kelsang Wangchuk and Norbu Damdrul, all of whom self-immolated in Ngaba and were taken away by security forces.
► end the military lockdown at Kirti monastery and withdraw the security forces from Ngaba.
► release all the monks and lay-people who have been detained and imprisoned since March and provide independent legal counsel for all those facing charges.
► respect the fundamental right of the Tibetans to freely practice their religion.
► review its existing policies in Tibet in order to fulfill the aspirations of the Tibetan people for a truly harmonious society.
Address: Ambassador Liu Xiaoming, Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL.
Email: ambassador@chinese-embassy.org.uk
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Note: The Embassy occassionally disables this email address (so your email is returned). If that is the case please try
political@chinese-embassy.org.uk
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and/or press@chinese-embassy.org.uk
4. Sign the Global Pledge to 'Stand up for Tibet'
Ask your friends, family and your MP to also sign the pledge at http://bit.ly/STpledge. The pledge calls for the international community, both citizens and governments, to Stand Up for Tibet. Global diplomatic intervention is needed to ensure China ends the crackdown in Tibet. This world-wide initiative has been created by the International Tibet Network. Tibet Society is a member organisation of ITN.
5. Wednesday 2 November: Protest outside Chinese Embassy, London
 As part of the Global Day of Action for Tibet there will be a protest outside the Chinese Embassy in London. The protest will highlight the Chinese government's ongoing repression in Tibet, which has led to ten Tibetans to set themselves on fire since March, and will call on the China to end its rule of terror. Placards and flags provided, though feel free to bring your own. All welcome.
Date: Wednesday 2 Novermber
Time: 5.30pm - 8.00pm
Location: opposite Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL. Map
Nearest tubes: Great Portland Street, Regents Park or Oxford Circus.
Further info: facebook event page
(Organised by a coalition of UK-based Tibet groups including Tibet Society, Students for a Free Tibet, Tibetan Community in Britain, Free Tibet and Tibetan Youth UK.)
Note: In Northampton on 2 November there will be a flag-raising ceremony at 11am at the Millennium Hall and War Memorial. All welcome. Contact Caroline on 01604 891 487 for further details.
Click here for latest updates on the immolations, case profiles and background information.
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