The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) in Washington, D.C. hosts Dr. Lobsang Sangay, head of the Tibetan Central Administration, or Kalon Tripa, for a week of advocacy for Tibet in Washington, D.C. Dr. Sangay’s schedule on this Global Day of Action for Tibet includes meetings with State Department officials and Members of Congress, and a mid-day “Newsmaker” appearance at the National Press Club.
Actions for Tibet are expected in more than 65 cities around the world. The Global Day of Action is a response to Chinese policies that are provoking increased tensions in Tibet and the self-immolation of eleven Tibetans, including ten since March of this year. Five monks or former monks from Kirti Monastery were among those who self-immolated. Kirti Rinpoche, the head of that monastery who now lives in exile in India, will address a candle light vigil in front of the White House this evening.
The evening vigil and a day-time rally in Washington are organized by members of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) from across the United States. The TYC was founded in 1970 in Dharamsala, India and is the largest Tibetan civil society organization in exile. The rally and vigil will be joined by activists from Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and ICT.
SFT will also deliver a petition to the Obama Administration demanding global intervention in Tibet with over 21,000 signators, including Nobel Peace Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Shirin Ebadi, and Mairead Macquire. A petition on “We the People,” an online White House platform is also gathering signatures.
Dr. Sangay continues his Washington, D.C, visit through Friday, November 4. He and Kirti Rinpoche testify on the situation in Tibet at a public hearing before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Thursday, November 3 at 2:00 pm in the House Rayburn Building, Room B-318.
Bhuchung Tsering, ICT Vice President will testify on the findings of the Congressional-Executive China Commission’s annual report at a public hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Thursday, November 3 at 10:00 am in the House Rayburn Building, Room 2270.