Published by: World Tibet Network News, Monday, Jun 10, 1996

Submitted by Kunzang Yuthok, TRC

Istanbul, June 10, 1996:

CONFERENCE:

This is the beginning of the second week of the UN Conference. Committee 1 worked on Saturday in hopes of meeting the timeframe originally set. They had hoped to have completed their work by the end of today, but negotiations are going very slowly. It seems impossible for them to complete their work today.

Tibet NGO Delgation members will be monitoring the negotiations for the morning and afternoon sessions. During the lunch break, a Tibet workshop is being held.

WORKSHOP:

Today, the third workshop on Tibet titled: "Housing Rights Violations in Tibet: a case study of the application of international law" which is organized by the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, USA, will be held.

DELGATION:

Losang left early Sunday morning and John is going to leave today.

ACTIVITIES:

Yesterday, Sunday June 9, the international NGO community members held a press conference in the Garden of the NGO Forum. This was called to express dismay at the human rights violations that have been witnessed by many participants at the NGO Forum.

At the Press Conference, Nita Kapoor from Norway testified to the details of her arrest and detention just the day before. Eyewitness testimony from Clare, an American human rights lawyer who witnessed the arrests of peaceful individuals who were gathered to "remember the disappeared" was given. Every Saturday morning, this group had been for the past 52 weeks, gathering for a peaceful 'sit in'. This week was the 53rd week which was also the beginning of the second year. Kunzang Yuthok, representing the Tibet NGO Delegation, spoke on the importance of non-violence as a response for conflict resolution and to achieve lasting peace. Nicky from Kenya read the petition drafted in response to the recent human rights violations these past few days.

There was much media which covered this event as well as attendees in the Garden which was filled by noon time.

The success of this press conference was achieved by the grassroots activists from all over the world who joined forces and without any formal structure, began doing the many tasks that needed to be accomplished.

Within an hour, on Saturday, an organizing meeting was held in the Garden which was attended by approximately 70 individuals with some police filtered in the group. At that meeting, concerns and action plans were discussed and concensus was reached to hold a press conference to show support and concern for the human rights violations witnessed and experienced here.

That night, a 4 person drafting group was established and they worked into the night to plan the event. Press releases were written and distributed by the ad-hoc press contact group that very night. Statements and petitions were written that very night and distribution began the first thing on Sunday.

By noon, the Garden was packed with media (up front) and participants. Media included TV, print and radio.

At the end of the statements, the organizers and participants donned black ribbons across their mouths and laid down to symbolize that SILENCE = DEATH.

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9 June Statement by Kunzang Yuthok

Hello, my name is Kunzang Yuthok and I stand here in solidarity with my sisters and brothers who, like my people in Tibet, are subjected to abhorent human rights abuses all over the world including this country.

In order to rise beyond violent conflict, we as human beings must learn to respect each others' dignity and differences. Non-violence is the only way to achieve lasting peace.

This is true in all spheres of life whether in the family, in local communities, on a national level or internationally.

The victims of repression depend on our active support.

It is only too easy to enjoy our lives without paying attention to the sufferings of others. Yet, non of us will achieve the true potential of our humanity unless we work together to end the suffering of each human being.

It is up to those of us who can speak out without risk of loss of life or liberty to call for justice for all.

We, therefore, urge the governments of the world including this country to fully respect each individual's fundamental human rights and to immediately release all prisoners of conscience.