10 November 2011
ATC’s Communications & Government Relations Manager Tsering Kyinzom Dhongdue

“Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is important that you do it.”

This quote by Mahatma Gandhi on the Indian freedom struggle resonates strongly with me. Hundreds of Tibet supporters from all over Australia regularly write to the elected representatives, and many pick up their phones to express their concerns on the situation in Tibet. The ATC team travels to Canberra during most sitting periods in the parliament, meeting a number of politicians. And at times, I return to Sydney trying to find an immediate outcome from our meetings and understand the impact of the hundreds of emails from our supporters.

The meaning of Gandhi’s message came home to me during our lobby trip to Canberra last week when the Tibet issue was raised twice in both houses of the parliament. Many of our politicians know what is happening in Tibet. And a few dedicated ones are prepared to speak up.

So every phone call, email and meeting with a politician helps keep the Tibet issue on the political agenda.

Last week as Tibetans and Tibet supporters embarked on a Global Day of Action to demand action from world leaders to the crisis in eastern Tibet, two of our parliamentary friends spoke up for the eleven Tibetans who have set fire to themselves this year and called upon the Chinese government to end the crackdown in Tibet.

Read Mr Michael Danby MP’s statement in the House

Read Senator Sarah Hanson-Young’s motion in the Senate

Our meeting with key officials from the China desk in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that the government is up to speed with the reality on the ground in Tibet.

Australia is among the few countries along with the US, the UK and Germany, who have raised their concerns over the recent spate of self-immolations by young Tibetans. This is again due to more than a thousand emails from our supporters to the Foreign Minister in the past weeks, and our regular briefings and submissions to the department.

In the past few days, over 350,000 people have signed the Avaaz petition calling on the six world leaders with the strongest relations with China, including prime minister Julia Gillard, to speak out for the Tibetans in Tibet. Avaaz, the biggest online global advocacy community, stood up for Tibet in 2008. It is once again answering “Tibet’s cry for help”.

If you have not signed the Avaaz petition yet, please take a moment here

As more young Tibetans set themselves on fire in recent weeks, the Tibet movement has seen a huge outpouring of support worldwide. The Stand up for Tibet pledge is still going strong and is aiming to reach the new target of 50,000 signatures by 10 December, International Human Rights Day. All your signatures will be delivered to various world leaders.

Please Stand up for Tibet by adding your name here

In Australia, we saw an amazing display of solidarity to the tragic events in Tibet. The Tibetan communities and supporters in major cities took part in protests, rallies, vigils and hunger strikes. ATC supporters were fortunate to play a part in the rallies. Check out the pictures of the Global Day of Action in Sydney