Geneva( Aryavarth): The Tibetan Community of Zurich has organized a peace march from Zurich to Geneva via Bern starting from 8 September 2020 and arriving in Geneva on 18 September 2020.
The peace march will cover around 300 km with the objective to appeal the Federal Government of Switzerland and the United Nations to hold China accountable for the egregious human rights violations being carried out in Tibet and the other territories under the regime of the Chinese government. The peace marchers will submit petitions to the UN, Swiss Federal Government as well as the Chinese Embassies.
The five Tibetan peace marchers Tenam Phuntsok, Pempa Tsering, Tashi Namgyal, Gelek Namgyal and Lobsang Tsangmada were flagged off by Mr Mario Fehr, Member of Zurich Council Canton.
Addressing the peace marchers Mr. Mario Fehr noted that “Tibet’s concerns are broadly supported politically and socially in Switzerland. There is a positive attitude towards the legitimate concerns of Tibetans. Your claim to genuine autonomy is recognized. The motto of your peace march is “to solve the problem of Tibet through peaceful dialogue between the Tibetan delegation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Chinese government”. This demand is more than justified. The concerns of the Tibetan community can continue to count on great support in Switzerland. Of course, also from us, from me. The Zurich Government Council wishes you all the best on your way to Geneva. And beyond!”
Representative Chhimey Rigzen commended the Zurich Tibetan Association and the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein for organizing the peace march. He especially thanked the five peace marchers for taking out time and undertaking the arduous journey from Zurich to Geneva. “This is a timely initiative.
The Government of the People’s Republic of China is not only violating the human rights of Tibetans, Uyghurs and Hong Kongers but also threatening the global peace and stability through atrocious claims in the border areas of India as well as South China Sea region,” added Representative Chhimey Rigzen, Tibet Bureau Geneva.
The President of Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein (TCSL) Tsamda Norbu, Lobsang Shitsetsang Member of Executive Board of TCSL and Members from Tibetan Association of Zurich were also present during the flag off.
The peace marchers are expected to arrive in Bern, the capital of Switzerland on 11 September 2020. Tibetans from across Switzerland are supporting the peace march, joining the marchers for short distances and helping them in lodging and food.
The peace marchers appeal to the Government of Switzerland and the United Nations to:
- Press China to hold genuine talks with representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet;
- Press China to give access and share the whereabouts of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, his entire family, Chadrel Rinpoche and release them;
- Ensure independent and fair investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and Hold China accountable for human rights violations leading to SPREAD of the Wuhan originated COVID-19 pandemic;
- Pass a law to stop Chinese officials and diplomats who are responsible for the egregious human rights violations in Tibet, Hong Kong and East Turkestan (CHN: Xinjiang) from entering into Switzerland;
- Press China to stop relentless mining in Tibet and the destruction of the fragile environment of Tibet, the roof of the World.