UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

19th Session

(27 February – 23 March 2012)
 
“With serious unease, we follow the continued escalation of tensions in Tibetan areas of China as evidenced by a spate of self-immolations. Last year, 22 Tibetans decided to act in such a tragic way in order to wake up the establishment and attract our attention,” said Mr Karel Schwarzenberg. This statement by the Czech Foreign Minister was made during UN Human Rights Council 19th Session’ High Level Segment in Geneva on 29 February.
 
His raised the issue of self-immolations in Tibet. 23 Tibetans since 2009 have self-immolated. Tragically, 15 have died from their injuries. 10 took place since January 2012.
During His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Prague in December 2011, the Foreign Minister called on His Holiness at the hotel. The Tibet Bureau in Geneva on 2 February wrote to the Foreign Minister regarding the deteriorating situation in Tibet as well as met with Czech Mission’s Human Rights official in Geneva.
     
The letter appealed to the Foreign Minister said that the international community needs to send a strong message of hope and solidarity to Tibetans in Tibet. Also urged him to directly appeal to the Chinese leadership to positively address the legitimate Tibetan grievances. It further said, “We request you to raise your concerns about the situation in Tibet during the forthcoming UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.”

Tibet Bureau has briefed over 20 Foreign Missions in Geneva regarding the present situation in Tibet in run up to the UN Human Rights Council’s 19th session – 27 February to 23 March 2012.