UN Officials Visits Hunger Strikers in NY
(TYC | NY | April 30, 2004)
UN officials with three hunger strikers & TYC president Mr. Craig G. Mokhibar, Deputy Director of the United Nations Human Rights office and Mr. Miloon Kathori, UN Special Rapporteur, officially visited the Hunger Strikers today with a message from United Nations headquarter and appealed for the termination of the Strike. They assured that they would do everything, within their capacity to work with the demands put down by the three hunger strikers. Mr. Mokhibar and Mr. Kothari spoke with the organizers and the local media person. The three strikers remained firm with their demands and showed no options, rather than strong commitment and the fulfillment of the demands by the United Nations.
It has been now 28 days since the TYC organized Indefinite Hunger Strike in New York. The United Nations has never acknowledged the deteriorating health condition of the three Indefinite Hunger Strikers and the contacts made by the organizers sturdily. Supporters from all corners swarm around the hunger strike site to express and demonstrate their support and solidarity to the movement. Letters of support and encouragement keep coming to the hunger strikers from all over the world.
On April 28, 2004, Mr. Ni Yu Xian, Chairman of the Party for Freedom and Democracy in China and Mr. Xue Wei, Executive Chief of the party personally visited the hunger strikers and conveyed their warm wishes and commonality to the movement. In their letter to the hunger strikers, "We the Party for Freedom & Democracy in China expresses our firm support to your justified hunger strike that appeals for religious and political freedom in Tibet. Let's stand hand in hand and shoulder-to-shoulder against our common enemy-the privileged power clique of the Communist Party of China." He further added, "We jointly appeal the UN to investigate the Chinese government's violation of human rights and take proper measures to stop such brutalities as the Communist government has done. We also appeal the Chinese government to release political prisoners including eminent Tenzin Delek Rinpoche." Since the commencements of the Hunger Strike Movement by the TYC at UN headquarter in New York , more than 20 Chinese NGO's visited and showed their strong support to the movement.
In a letter from Dana Clark, International Accountability Project (Berkeley, California), Angana Chatterji, California Institute for Integral Studies (San Francisco, California), Dickson Mundia, Basilwizi Trust (Harare, Zimbabwe), "We are writing to express our solidarity and support to you as you continue your determined fast for justice for Tibet. We have just concluded a 3-day fast in front of the World Bank in Washington, DC, which lasted from April 23-26th to coincide with the World Bank's Spring Meetings and on the occasion of its 60th anniversary." They further stated, "Although our fast was symbolic in nature, and not an indefinite fast, we feel great solidarity with you in your quest for justice. We wish you strength, and we are hoping that United Nations will immediately take steps to address your demands."
Mr. Tenzing Chonden, member of the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies (North America), sent an appeal letter to the TYC and the three courageous hunger strikers stating, "On behalf of all Tibetans in the US and Canada, I would like to convey my sincere admiration and solidarity to the tree of you and to all individuals and organizations who have been working with you in New York for the past month. The Indefinite hunger strike that three of you have embarked on, has inspired many Tibetans and supporters around the world to do your part for the Tibetan people in Tibet. It has sent a clear signal to the United Nations, China and many countries around the world of your individual resolve to highlight the tragic situation inside Tibet, especially the plight of the Tibetan political prisoners." Mr. Chonden also assured that he would be writing and calling on the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan and the US President, Mr. George Bush to facilitate in addressing the de mands of the hunger strikers expeditiously.
The Tibetan Alliance of Chicago put across their support through the letter to the hunger strikers. Mr. Tsering Chonjor, President, in his letter said, "We the Tibetan Community of Chicago is strongly behind the current movement organized by Tibetan Youth Congress. We also commend for the brave decision made by three of you for our just cause." The Tibetan Alliance of Chicago, in solidarity and support of the current hunger strike in New York, organized a prayer vigil on April 26, 2004. In the letter, Mr. Choejor added that the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago organized a hunger strike in front of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago on Wednesday April 28, 2004.
The regional branches of the TYC from all over the world started visiting the hunger strikers to show camaraderie personally. Besides the executive members of TYC chapters from all over America, today, Mr. Ngawang Tsering, Cultural Secretary of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Kathmandu (Nepal) visited the hunger strikers with the message from the supportive people of Nepal. Mr. Tsering also brought with him the signed banner of support from the students of Namgyal Middle School, Kathmandu (Nepal) and numerous letters from the Namgyal Middle School and Atisha Primary School, Nepal.
Press interaction to the hunger strikers has been restricted due to their deteriorating health conditions. Today marks the 28th Day of TYC led indefinite hunger strike.
Friends of Tibet (INDIA),
PO Box 16674, Bombay 400050
www.friendsoftibet.org