Brazil: In a historic gathering on 23 April 2024, at 10:00 am, the Mexico Group of Legislators, Friends of Tibet, convened at the Mexico Parliament to strategise and to reaffirm their steadfast dedication to advocating for Tibet’s rights and self-determination. Despite the notable absence of several deputies engrossed in reelection campaigns—a requisite of Mexico’s election law—the essence of solidarity for Tibet’s cause pervaded the atmosphere.

Led by Deputy Salvador Caro, the President of the Mexican Parliamentarians Support Group for Tibet, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed attendees. Among them stood Deputy Chapman Moreno Manuel, Diputada Ma Teresa Rosaura Ochoa Mejía, Diputada Lidia García Anaya, and Tony Karam, President of Mexico Casa Tibet. Accompanying them were notable figures such as Geshe Sherap Choephel from the Mexico Loseling Centre, Yungdrung Lodoe from the Ligmincha Centre Mexico, Tereluz Flores, ITN Latin Coordinator, Raymundo and Alex representing Tibet MX, and Dr. Mary Blanca, a distinguished Tibet expert. Their collective presence underscored a diverse yet unified front in support of the Tibetan cause.

Deputy Salvador Caro opened the session by emphasising the collective efforts in championing Tibet’s rights and summarised the activities of Mexico Legislator friends of Tibet from 8 August 2022 to 23 April 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of their dedicated efforts.

This introductory session allowed each participant to delineate their roles and unwavering commitment to the cause, fostering a sense of community amidst the diverse group of supporters.

Representative Jigme Tsering from the Office of Tibet, Brasil, offered profound insights into the prevailing situation in Tibet. He conveyed gratitude for the legislators’ support and expressed optimism for future collaborations. Particularly, he extended heartfelt thanks to those legislators who had shown solidarity by visiting India in March 2023 and called for continuous support, including in the issue of Beijing’s misappropriation of recognising His Holiness’s reincarnation. He also extended best wishes to those members engaged in upcoming elections, expressing hope for an augmented membership for Mexican Parliamentarians Support Group for Tibet in the forthcoming parliament.

Likewise, Karam, the President of Casa Tibet Mexico, shared his perspective on the pivotal nature of the group’s endeavors and affirmed solidarity with the cause, addressing critical issues such as religious freedom, the importance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, the Tibet’s climate crisis, and the concerning developments regarding river diversion and dam construction in Tibet.

Each deputy present contributed their insights into the pressing issues confronting Tibet and Mexico, elucidating the interwoven nature of global human rights struggles.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude and reflections, accompanied by the exchange of gifts and traditional white scarves (khatags), symbolising the unity and solidarity among the group.

Following the formal proceedings, the group was treated to a rare opportunity to witness the ongoing Parliament session, offering insights into the legislative process and fostering connections for future advocacy efforts.