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Tibetans are being pushed beyond their limit. On Monday morning two more young monks from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, eastern Tibet, set themselves alight in a desperate last plea for religious freedom. Lobsang Konchok and Lobsang Kalsang, both around 18 years old, staged a peaceful protest in the Ngaba town centre before setting themselves on fire. Their current whereabouts and condition is unknown.
Responding to this latest incident, the US State Department has urged China to respect the rights of Tibetans, allow access to journalists and diplomats, and protect Tibetans’ unique cultural identity.
We need Australia to do the same. But we know our political leaders have bought into the myth that criticising China risks our economic future. It’s time to challenge this thinking and force Australia to rise to its responsibilities.
As a start, we have placed a story on the online Sydney Morning Herald and The Age this morning.
1. Read the article here and leave a comment
Politicians and editors pay more attention to the comments stream than the article itself. It’s here that they can get a real sense of popular opinion.
2. Tweet the article and share it on your Facebook wall
If we’re looking to shift public and political attitudes, there are few things more powerful than the peer-to-peer sharing of information through the Internet.
Once you’ve taken this step, we encourage you to call or email the Foreign Minister’s office, stating your concern about the escalating situation in eastern Tibet and urging that Australia follow the US in making a strong public statement for China to address Tibetans’ grievances.
You can read a copy of ATC’s letter to Kevin Rudd here.
Australia’s relationship with China is back in the headlines for the first time in months, with the Prime Minister launching a major enquiry into "Australia in the Asian Century".
Australia can and must use its deepening relationship with China to encourage improvements in Tibet. We know how powerful our voices are when we join together. Let’s do justice to the terrible sacrifices of those in Tibet by bringing Tibet back into the mainstream discussion on China and doing all we can to encourage Australia to use its influence to bring an end to the suffering of those in Ngaba county and beyond.
EVENT NOTICE: There is just over a month left until the much-anticipated Tibetan Film and Arts Festival, organised by the Tibet Effect and Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal. The opening night on 3 November is a concert and forum featuring Tenzin Choegyal and Tibetan activist and poet Tenzin Tsundue. Click here to buy your ticket. |
