TIBET 1959-2009:
50 years of brutal oppression
50 years of resistance
Tibetans have suffered enough -
Stand up and speak for Tibet NOW ...

This is a critical time for Tibet … 10 March 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising; March 2008 saw widespread protests and demonstrations throughout Tibet expressing the deep frustration Tibetans are increasingly feeling under China's brutal and oppressive regime. Today the situation inside Tibet remains tense, with many areas under martial law.

Join us for the events below!

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7 March: Freedom March and Rally to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising

Venue to assemble for march: Opposite the Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B.
Time: assemble 11.30am. March commences: 12 noon.
Nearest undergrounds: Oxford Street, Regents Park or Great Portland Street.

Rally at Trafalgar Square, London W1
Time: approx 1.15pm.
Nearest underground: Charing Cross
For buses and travel routes for both events click here.

The annual march for freedom and justice for Tibet is of greater significance than ever this year. Last year the protests and demonstrations inside Tibet led to the death of over 200 Tibetans, with thousands being detained and summarily tried with draconian sentences being meted out. Today over 1,000 Tibetans remain missing.

Worldwide, Tibetans and Tibet supporters will be taking to the streets and waving the Tibetan flag high, so please join in this action and bring flags to make the march memorable.

Speakers at the rally in Trafalgar square will include ex-political prisoner, Palden Gyatso, Norman Baker MP, Kate Hoey MP and Tibetans living in the UK telling of their struggle.

There will be placards available at the assembly point before the march. Some flags will be available for purchase on the day, with 10% of proceeds going towards the costs of the march and rally.


10 March: Wreath-laying at Memorial to Innocent Victims of Torture, Westminster Abbey

A wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of those who have lost their lives or suffered torture and imprisonment as a result of China's occupation of Tibet since 1950. The service will be conducted by the Dean of Westminster and His Eminence Dorje Dhenpa Rinpoche.

Venue: Memorial to Innocent Victims of Torture, Westminster Abbey, London SW1
Time: 12 noon

Further details call 020 7272 1414 or email terry@tibetsociety.com

10 March: 50th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising: MASS LOBBY AT HOUSE OF COMMONS

Mass Lobbies are being planned in capitals around the world to mark the 50th Anniversary including Brussels, London, New Delhi, Ottawa and Washington.

Today is your chance to stand up and speak out for Tibet – come down to Westminster to meet your MP and ask him to act for Tibet. If you can't get down to London, you can still join in the worldwide Tibet lobby day by writing, calling, emailing, faxing or visiting your MP in your constituency.

To take part in this historic action for Tibet, the first step is to write or email your MP to say you will be visiting the House of Commons on Tuesday 10 March and would like to meet him or her to talk about Tibet. To find out who your MP is and suggested wording for your letter click here or call the House of Commons Information Office on 020 7219 4272.

The second step is to contact us, register to be part of this action and let us know if you will be able to come to Westminster in person. Please email us at lobby@tibetsociety.com or call our office on 020 7272 1414. We will send you a special lobby pack in the first week of March, which will include practical advice, background information on the current situation in Tibet and a Tibet flag card with three simple key asks to give to your MP.

Mass lobby venue: Central Lobby, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 2TT.
At the Houses of Parliament go to St Stephens entrance
Time: from 2.30 (NB. Remember to leave time to go through security, so plan to arrive from 1.45 onwards)

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Draft suggested letter

Your name
Your address NB. Remember to include your postcode!
Your email address

Dear (Your MP's name)

I am increasingly concerned about the current situation in Tibet. This year sees the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan People's Uprising on 10 March. It is also one year since the protests and demonstrations inside Tibet that resulted in the death of over 200 Tibetans, with thousands more remaining in detention and over 1,000 still remaining missing.

As your constituent I would very much appreciate meeting you to discuss my fears and worries for Tibetans inside Tibet and to see how you could help bring about some positive action from the government on this long-standing and tragic issue.

I will be in Westminster on Tuesday 10 March from 2.30pm. If you are not at Westminster that day, I hope a representative from your office would be able to meet me in Central Lobby in order I can give some information and suggested practical actions for Tibet for your attention.

I very much hope to meet you 10 March to discuss the worsening plight of the Tibetan people.

Yours sincerely,


Current situation & background

"Since last year in March, Tibet is in its most critical period, the Beijing games were a great platform for us but many of us had suffered and are still suffering. I urge our people to rise up and our supporters to unite with us and push for real results on the Tibetan issue," - Pema Yoko, a Tibetan living in the UK.

March 10, 2009 will mark 50 years since one of the most momentous days in Tibetan history, the day when Tibetans rose up in their capital, Lhasa, against the decade-long Chinese occupation of Tibet.

For decades, Tibetans have struggled against Chinese rule, asserting their identity and trying to regain control over their homeland. When rare mass protests broke out in Tibet in March and April last year, Tibetans carried homemade Tibetan national flags, photos of the Dalai Lama, and other markers of culture and identity. Their demands and concerns centered around their right to be Tibetan and to control their own affairs, whether religious, political, cultural, or economic. The protests covered the whole of the Tibetan plateau and the protesters crossed the spectrum of Tibetan society, old and young, monks, nuns, and laypeople, farmers and nomads, and even Tibetan students studying in Chinese cities.

The protests were suppressed by a harsh military crackdown. Now, one year on, the Chinese authorities are maintaining control with ruthless force. Over 1,000, Tibetans are still missing or imprisoned. Those who have been released are telling of beatings, torture, and other mistreatment in detention.

The Chinese Government have introduced a "Strike Hard" campaign that began on 18 January 2009. Within three days they had deployed 600 officers, more than 160 police vehicles and launched raids on seven housing blocks, 2,922 rented houses, 14 guest house and hotels, 18 bars and three internet cafes in Lhasa. After conducting raids on these locations, the Public Security Bureau (PSB) rounded up 5,766 suspects for questioning, it has now been confirmed 81 Tibetans have been arrested.

On 20 January, three Tibetans, identified as Thinley Ngodrub, 24, his brother Thargyal, 23, and Pema Tsepak, 24, all from Chamdo, Tibet, marched to the Dzogang county police headquarters in Chamdo Prefecture, carrying a white banner reading 'Independence for Tibet'. They also threw paper fliers in the air and shouted slogans before getting arrested by the Chinese security forces. On 24 January, Pema Tsepak died as a result of injuries sustained from beatings by Chinese authorities that included serious damages to his intestine and kidneys.

We and the Tibetan Community worldwide including the Tibetans inside Tibet urge you to come to the march on Saturday 7 March 2009 and to join in the Mass Lobby on Tuesday 10 March to voice your concern on the continuing occupation of Tibet and the missing whereabouts of the Tibetan people.


Raise a flag for Tibet

Join us in this simple but effective action and show your solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile and fly a Tibetan flag in your home, school, car, at work, local parks or ask your local council to raise at Town Halls.

Contact your local papers and tell them about your action, Let us know your stories and send up photos so we can post on flickr.com/tibetflag The more pictures we can post from all over the country, the more we can show our government the widespread and committed support that Tibet engenders. It is also motivating for both Tibetans inside Tibet and those in Exile to see the national flag of Tibet being flown all over the world.

To be sent an information pack showing how you can join in and tips on how to approach councils and local press, call Tibet Society on 020 7272 1414 or email tibetflag@tibetsociety.com..

"Tibet's flag epitomizes the distinct culture of Tibet to the world. It also embodies the spirit of the Tibetan struggle for freedom and justice. Raising Tibets flag at this very critical time for Tibet will give a strong message of moral support for all Tibetans, both inside Tibet and in exile." Phurbu Rinzin, Tibetan Community in Britain


Fire Under the Snow film tour

Fire Under the Snow, the life story of Palden Gyatso, bears poignant testimony both to the brutal oppression that Tibetans have suffered under Chinese occupation and the determined resistance they have shown in response. Tibet Society is honoured to bring the Venerable Palden Gyatso to the UK to accompany the film and speak about his harrowing experience in detention.

Arrested in 1959 for peacefully protesting, Palden spent 33 years in various prisons and labour camps, during which he was subjected to unspeakable torture. A fully ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk, Palden continued to live by his dharmic principles throughout his time in detention and maintains a remarkable compassionate attitude towards those that inflicted the beatings and torments that have left his body permanently damaged. Today Palden travels the world to speak of his experiences and the plight of his people and his homeland.

8 March: London Premiere, Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square W1
Doors: 5.30pm; Film: 6.00pm
Tickets £10, available via the Prince Charles Cinema box office on 0870 8112559

14 March: Cardiff, Chapter Cinema, 8.15pm; Box office 029 2031 1050
15 March: Bristol, Watershed Cinema, 1.10pm; Box office 0117 927 5100
18 March: Norwich, Cinema City, 8.30pm. Box office 0871 704 2053
Further screenings tbc.

There are lots of other ways to get involved so do keep checking our website as additional events will be added!

Be a voice for change .... join the Tibet Society today.