The circumstances of the Panchen Lama’s case have changed. In 2007, the Panchen Lama turned eighteen and became an adult under Chinese law.

It is time for this young Tibetan man to be allowed to decide his own future.

Join the email campaign to Australia’s Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith.

Following talks in Shenzen, China the the Dalai Lama’s Envoy, Lodi Gyari, has said that Chinese negotiators have shown a willingness to engage with the Tibetan side, despite major differences on important issues.

As the Olympic torch stalls on its ascent of Mt Everest, an ATC supporter reflects on the changes in Tibet that could be seen over the space of one year - October 2006 to October 2007 - including the militarisation of the Mt Everest base camp area.

Heading to Canberra knowing that a huge and fiercely nationalistic crowd of Chinese demonstrators would also be making the trip, this was always going to be a challenging day for Australia’s Tibetans and Tibet supporters.

Nonetheless, through remaining calm, positive and non-violent, even in the face of considerable antagonism, we were able to deliver a strong and positive message of support for Tibet.

Ahead of the Canberra leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, the Australia Tibet Council sent a powerful message to the Chinese leadership by projecting the words ‘Don’t Torch Tibet’ onto the northwest pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

View video footage of the action

With PM Rudd back in Canberra and the IOC delegates jetting back to their home countries, ATC’s representative in Beijing has a look at the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium and the social contrasts that such rapid development stirs up. Here’s the latest report and video blog.

APRIL 2008: Tourists may not be allowed into Tibet until after Olympics
International Campaign for Tibet has reported that Chinese authorities have postponed the re-opening of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) for tourism.

It had previously been announced by Chinese officials that the TAR would open again for tourism on May 1, but according to reliable reports it seems that re-opening may now not be until after the Olympics.

Monks from Labrang Monastery in Gansu province staged a protest in front of a state-organized media tour for foreign and Chinese journalists on Wednesday April 9.

According to information received by International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), a group of 15 monks burst into the courtyard where around 20 Chinese and foreign journalists were assembled and spoke about having no human rights, and about the Dalai Lama returning to Tibet.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has brought the house down with an inspirational speech in support of Tibet, the Dalai Lama and human rights. Archbishop Tutu was speaking at a rally held prior to San Francisco leg of the Olympic Torch relay. Click here to view the YouTube footage