The first major report on the impact of the world’s highest altitude railway across the Tibetan plateau reveals how it is changing Tibet, to the detriment of the Tibetan people and land, and details the dramatic implications for the whole of Asia.

Radio Free Asia (RFA) has reported a major clash between Chinese authorities and hundreds of Tibetans gathered for the annual Monlam prayer festival, with almost 200 Tibetan monks detained.

This week Chinese authorities received an uncomfortable preview of the scrutiny and criticism likely to accompany the Beijing Olympics in August. On Tuesday, Hollywood heavyweight Steven Spielberg announced his resignation as artistic advisor to the Beijing Olympics, citing concern over China’s failure to help curb the atrocities in Darfur.

The Dalai Lama has sent a personal message of congratulations to Kevin Rudd on the historic apology made to Australia’s indigenous people.

Read the full text of the message to Kevin Rudd

The Dalai Lama and the leaders of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile have also sent their best wishes and prayers to East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta.

The British Olympic Committee (BOC) this week reignited the debate on whether athletes heading to Beijing will be allowed to voice opinions on human rights, Tibet and other politically sensitive issues by adding a controversial new ‘gag’ clause to its athletes’ contracts. After vehement criticism from opposition MPs and Tibet support groups, the BOC was forced to back away.

This week it was rumoured that the Tibetan youth appointed by China’s atheist Communist Party as the 11th Panchen Lama is about to become China’s youngest official holding a rank equivalent to a cabinet minister.

This year, Losar started on 7 February and is traditionally celebrated for approximately 15 days. 2008 (or 2135 in the Tibetan lunisolar calendar) is the Year of the Earth Mouse.

Happy Losar from everyone at ATC!

The Australia Tibet Council has welcomed Prince Charles’ decision not to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in August.

December 10th saw over 200 Tibetans and Tibet supporters from across Australia gather in Canberra for a vibrant and colourful day of action to mark International Human Rights Day.

The day began with a lively and eventful protest outside the Chinese Embassy. After traditional songs and prayers, Tibetan community leaders read statements calling on the Chinese government to meet the Dalai Lama, end their policies of repression and discrimination and allow meaningful autonomy in Tibet.