International legislators gather at Tokyo assembly, approve essential resolutions condemning China's suppression in Tibet.
Tokyo Declares Solidarity for Tibet: A Global Stand Against Chinese Policies
June 10, Tokyo [Japan] – The 9th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet (WPCT) wound down in Tokyo on June 4, after two days of united worldwide support for Tibet, countering Chinese influence, and bolstering coordinated legislative efforts. Internationally Campaign for Tibet (ICT) reported that the gathering succeeded in raising global consciousness for Tibet, significantly escalating the fight against Chinese oppression.
The convention, co-hosted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in partnership with the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, took place at the Kok-kai National Diet Building's International Conference Hall. A total of 142 participants hailing from 29 countries participated in the event.
The meeting kick-started with a message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetan officials, including Sikyong Penpa Tsering, were present, along with prominent Uyghur, Southern Mongolian, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Chinese democracy activists. Notable attendees also included parliamentarians and previous or current leaders from Chile, Japan, the European Parliament, New Zealand, Canada, India, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Scotland, Mexico, Hungary, and Australia. These substantial political figures led sessions or sent video messages, including Chairman Emerita of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and ICT Chairman Richard Gere, as per ICT reports.
Tencho Gyatso, ICT President, commented on the event, expressing gratitude for the global cooperation towards a resolution. "This gathering provided an essential opportunity to collaborate with allies from around the world to forge a path forward amidst this turbulent time. I'm overjoyed to see the Resolve Tibet Act being adopted as a model, inspiring like-minded countries to join together in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to China’s occupation of Tibet," said Gyatso.
During the convention, the WPCT unanimously adopted three essential documents – the Tokyo Declaration, the Tokyo Action Plan, and a resolution celebrating His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.
Specifically, the Tokyo Declaration wholeheartedly supported recent resolutions and motions in favor of Tibet passed by the United States, Canada, the Czech Republic, the European Parliament, the Netherlands, and Australia. It also urged parliamentarians worldwide to bolster their legislative efforts in support of Tibetan rights and curbing Chinese assimilationist policies[1][3][4].
The Tokyo Action Plan spurred governments to institutionalize their backing of the Central Tibetan Administration and galvanized the United Nations to establish an observer seat for Tibetan representation on the UN Human Rights Council. Further, it encouraged parliaments to pass acts like the Resolve Tibet Act, the Magnitsky Act, and the Tibetan Policy and Support Act[4].
Together, the Tokyo Declaration, Tokyo Action Plan, and the resolution celebrating His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday represent a thorough international parliamentary reaction to the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule[3][5].
[1] International Tibet Network. (2023). World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet ends in Tokyo, calls for legislative action. [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://savetibet.org/world-parliamentarians-convention-on-tibet-ends-in-tokyo-calls-for-legislative-action/
[2] Office of the Dalai Lama. (2023). Dalai Lama’s Message to World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.dalailama.com/news/2023/dalai-lamas-message-to-world-parliamentarians-convention-on-tibet
[3] Central Tibetan Administration. (2023). 9th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet ends declaring support for Tibet. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://tibet.net/9th-world-parliamentarians-convention-on-tibet-ends-declaring-support-for-tibet/
[4] International Campaign for Tibet. (2023). Statement from ICT President Tencho Gyatso on the close of World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://savetibet.org/statement-from-ict-president-tencho-gyatso-on-the-close-of-world-parliamentarians-convention-on-tibet/
[5] International Tibet Network. (2023). Taiwan's Representative at the 9th World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet highlights issues in collaboration with other like-minded nations. [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://savetibet.org/tawains-representative-at-the-9th-world-parliamentarians-convention-on-tibet-highlights-issues-in-collaboration-with-other-like-minded-nations/
1.The Tokyo Declaration, unanimously adopted at the World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet, emphasized the need for international legislative action in response to Chinese assimilationist policies towards Tibet and urged parliamentarians worldwide to bolster their efforts in support of Tibetan rights.
2.Amidst the intensified war-and-conflicts and politics surrounding Tibet, the Tokyo Action Plan emphasized the need for governments to institutionalize their backing of the Central Tibetan Administration, establish an observer seat for Tibetan representation on the UN Human Rights Council, and pass acts like the Resolve Tibet Act, the Magnitsky Act, and the Tibetan Policy and Support Act.
3.In the face of ongoing news coverage about migration, conflict, and human rights issues in Tibet, the Tokyo Declaration, Tokyo Action Plan, and the resolution celebrating His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday represent a comprehensive response from the global political community, with significant involvement from prominent figures in politics and general-news media, such as Michael McCaul, Nancy Pelosi, and Richard Gere.
