Brussels, 17 May: Following last year’s month-long global awareness campaign on the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama, the Office of Tibet Brussels continues its rigorous diplomatic advocacy campaigns to mark the 37th birthday (April 25) and the 31st anniversary of enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.
As part of the campaign, the Office of Tibet Brussels has been engaging with global leaders and Members of the European Parliament, urging them to press Beijing to provide verifiable proof of life and well-being of the 11th Panchen Lama and call for his immediate release.
To strengthen the campaign, a tailor-made pamphlet was released featuring appeals from three former Tibetan political prisoners whose personal testimonies reflect the suffering endured under Chinese rule in Tibet. Through their messages, they called upon world leaders to support efforts to uncover the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama.
On 30 April, the European Parliament adopted a landmark resolution titled“New Chinese law on ‘ethnic unity and progress’ and the intensified suppression of ethnic identities.” The resolution specifically called for the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, addressing other pressing human rights concerns in Tibet including the PRC’s interference in the reincarnation of high lamas, including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Adding significant diplomatic weight to the campaign, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib reiterated that the EU will steadfastly continue to demand credible information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of the 11th Panchen Lama her post-debate intervention at the European Parliament plenary session while also addressing other pressing issues.
Complementing the ongoing advocacy campaign of the Office of Tibet Brussels, major Tibetan associations in Belgium, together with Brussels based International Campaign for Tibet and Lungta Tibet support group, jointly organised a peaceful protest in Brussels city center on Sunday, 17 May, to mark the 31st anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance.
Despite inclement weather, participants remained steadfast in delivering their message:“Where is the Panchen Lama?”Tibetan Liaison Officer Dhundup Gyalpo and EU Advocacy Officer Tenzin Phuntsok represented the Office of Tibet Brussels.
