Zurich, 17 February: Self-immolations in Tibet are an ultimate form of civil disobedience without harming others, said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang. She addressed the Swiss Tibetan Women’s Association Annual General Body meeting today in Uster, Switzerland.
 
She said 101 Tibetans had self-immolated since February 2009. As she was speaking, there was a news feed on the Facebook reporting another Self-immolation in Labrang, Tibet.
 
Kalon Dicki Chhoyang said that the self-immolations were taking place in Tibet due to China’s political repression, economic marginalization, environmental destruction and cultural assimilation. She said that Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay has repeatedly urged Tibetans not to take drastic act of self-immolation.
 
She emphasised the need for citizen diplomacy with Chinese people – engaging on common interest. “Tibetans are not against the Chinese people,” she said, “but against China’s policies in Tibet that threaten the Tibetan religion, culture and identity.”
 
Speaking from a personal experience and growing up in Canada, she stressed the importance for parents speaking Tibetan language with their children. This is one way to safeguard our culture and language she said.
 
Tomorrow Kalon Dicki Chhoyang will travel to Geneva and address the Geneva Summit on 19 February.
 
Kalon Dicki Chhoyang arrived this morning from Montreal, Canada. The entire Working Committee of the Swiss Tibetan Women’s Association welcomed her at Zurich airport.  Mr. Losbang Gangshontsang and Mr. Migmar Raith, respective Presidents of Tibetan Community and the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association and former Chithu Mr. Ngawang Gangshontsang was also at the airport to welcome Kalon Chhoyang.