Demonstration in Zürich,Switzerland,on the occasion of 26th anniversary of Panchen Gedhun Choekyi Nyima`s enforced disappearance.

Zürich, 17th May 2021: Tibetan Community of Switzerland &Liechtenstein organized a solidarity March and Peace Demonstration on Monday, 17th May 2021 in Zürich in remembrance of Panchen Rinpoche Gendun Choekyi Nyima who disappeared at the age of 6 on 17th May 1995.

The demonstration is organized by Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (VTJE) supported by the Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein (TGSL), the Tibetan Woman`s association Switzerland (TFOS), and Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association (GSTF)

The event started at 6 pm with a welcome Speech by Ms. Tashi Tsomo Shitsetsang, President of Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (VTJE), which was followed by speech of Mr. Balthasar Glàttli, Swiss MP (Grünen Nationalrat) at Werdmühleplatz, Zürich.

Mr. Balthasar Glättli , in the name of the Grünen Schweiz  conveyed solidarity greetings on 26th year of Panchen Lama s enforced disappearance. The disappearance of people is a form of torture, a form of extermination that is outlawed everywhere. Of course, it must be especially outlawed when it is against children and young people.

He also stated that, actually one must say that China needs it no criticism from outside world. China itself has committed to respect the rights of children by signing the Children's Rights Convention in 1992. The disappearance of the Panchen Lama is a clear violation not only but also against the Convention on the Rights of the Child. He wishes all Tibetans much strength in peaceful resistance.

The Demonstrators marched through Zürich City with Slogans and arrived at about 6.55 pm at the Chinese Consulate, Zürich.  After the Tibetan National Anthem, a minute of silence for the martyrs of Tibet was observed.

The gathering was addressed by Mr.Samdho Jampa, member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Mr.Wangpo Tethong, member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Ms. Karma Choekyi, President of Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein,  Ms.Kunsang Gangschontsang, member of the Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association,( GSTF)Ms. Passang Dolma, Vice President of Tibetan Woman Association of Switzerland, Mr. Fabian Molina, Swiss MP ( SP Nationalrat) The statement from Mr.Chiimey Rigzen representative of Tibet Bureau Geneva was read by Ms. Tashi Tsomo Shitsetsang, president of VTJE.

Mr. Samdho Jampa read some important points from 10th Panchen Lama `s ( Lhundup Choekyi Gyaltsen) 70,000 character petition which was submitted to top Chinese Leaders in 1962 detailing the sufferings of Tibetans under the CCP and  to demand the Chinese Government investigate its Tibet Policy. He also read five main points from the official Statement of Tibetan parliament in Exile, CTA Dharamsala, which can be read detail in Tibet.net

Mr, Fabian Molina, (SP Nationalrat /Swiss parliament group for Tibet) thanked for the invitation and said, on behalf of SP Party Switzerland and Swiss Parliamentary Group Tibet; I convey best wishes and assure you of our solidarity.

He further stated; The Tibetan people have never decided whether they want to be occupied and whether their fundamental rights, such as their religious freedom, their right to self-determination and their human rights are being trampled on.

It is time that Switzerland as well as many other European countries finally stands up and say, "Stop "Human rights are not relativity. There is no Chinese or European human right. There are only human rights for all people on this planet. These human rights are also valid for the Tibetan people. Actually, China should respect Human Rights, but they also committed the crime of abduction of a small child and did not allow an international investigation until today. Therefore, it is important that you are here today and that you make it clear that this is not forgotten and the world has not forgotten.

Other Speakers on the occasion gave a very informative Speech in three different languages (Tibetan, German and English) with full determination and Emotion. They appealed to the Chinese Communist Party to prove their words right by showing us the Panchen Lama, his family members and Chadrel Rinpoche, the head of the search committee and urged the Chinese government to release the Panchen Lama and to allow him to participate in the religious activities to carry forward the legacy of the previous Panchen Lamas.

They mentioned about the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, recognized by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama by Chinese government is for the sole purpose of meeting their political motives and in the process of disrespect to the Tibetan Buddhism's age-old tradition of reincarnation.

As per the rules and regulations of Switzerland Government, because of Chinese originated COVID-19 Pandemics only 100 members are allowed to participate. Tibetans and supporters of Tibet, with determination and enthusiasm, carrying national flags, shouting slogans calling for” Human rights in Tibet “, Release Panchen Lama, “Release of all political prisoners” “Make China accountable for COVID-19”, “Let the Dalai Lama return to Tibet “World leaders, break up your Silence” among other slogans highlighted the release of 11th Panchen Lama and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet.

After the recitation of Dhentsik Monlam (Words of truth), the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr.Dalha Kharsar, Vice President of Europe Tibetan Youth Association (VTJE)  After thanking all the Participants, he gave the announcement of the next demonstration on 23rd June 2021 in Lausanne.

May 17th marks 26 years since Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama and second most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, was abducted by the Chinese government. Aged just six, the Panchen Lama was taken along with his family after the 14th Dalai Lama recognized him as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. He has since been described as the world’s youngest political prisoner. His whereabouts remain unknown despite repeated inquiries from foreign parties. For the last 26 years, the Chinese government has turned a deaf ear to the numerous calls from the international community including, the UN, foreign governments, to release him and his family, instead, it continued to detain and isolate the 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima from the rest of the world.

Nyima Arya