Washington D.C: The United States State Department convened for the first time a Ministerial to advance religious freedom.
The two-day Ministerial that took place in the State Department building in Washington DC was attended by more than four hundred heads of religious organisations and civil societies.
North America representative Ngodup Tsering along with Venerable Demo Rinpoche (deputed as His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representative) attended the two-day Ministerial that took place from 24-26 July.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a video message stressing on the importance of religious harmony and freedom.
Ambassador-at-large, Governor Brownback gave the opening remarks.
Ambassador Brownback later invited Demo Rinpoche and Representative Ngodup Tsering to a private discussion on the sidelines of the Ministerial and thanked the office of Tibet in arranging His Holiness’ video message. He further asked Demo Rinpoche if he can be of any help for Tibet. Rinpoche, while congratulating the successful organising of the Ministerial, urged the US government to continue to speak up and support Tibetans cause.
The Vice President and Secretary of State will address the Ministerial on the third day. Deputy Secretary of State, John J. Sullivan and USCIRF will invite the Ministerial attendees to a reception.
The personal stories by victims of religious persecutions faced in countries like China, Xinjiang ,Tibet, North Korea, Pakistan and Turkey were presented.
-Report filed by OoT, Washington DC-