Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 16:25:44 +0200

From: Tibet Bureau - Geneva

To: Multiple recipients of list TSG-L

Statement of Mrs. Mary Robinson

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

to 6 Tibetan Hunger Strikers in New Delhi

Issued on 9 April, 1998

Over the past weeks I have received a number of representations regarding the six young Tibetans who have been on a hunger strike in New Delhi for nearly one month. On 2 April, I met a representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mr. Tempa Tsering.

I said that the young people had displayed considerable courage and had succeeded in bringing their issues to the attention of the international community. However, I shared the concern that their lives should not be lost by continuing the hunger strike. I hope they will now find the additional courage needed to end the fast and preserve their lives.

In September this year, I hope to make an official visit to China and have indicated to the Chinese authorities my desire to visit Tibet at that time in order to be more fully informed about the situation there.

Forwarded by

Tibet Bureau for UN Affairs,

Geneva, Switzerland