Dharamshala: Over 30 members of a foreign parliamentary delegation joined the official commemoration of the 64th Tibetan Uprising here in Dharamshala today.

United in solidarity with the Tibetan leadership and Tibetans in exile, the parliamentary delegation of Mexico, the European Parliament, Lithuania, and Taiwan marked the day by honoring the Tibetan martyrs who dauntlessly stood up against the occupation of the Chinese government.

The commemoration event was attended by visiting delegation of the European Parliament comprised of MEP Mikuláš Peksa, MEP Salima Yenbo, MEP Hannes Heide, and MEP Aušra Maldeikienė who are accompanied by Parliamentary Assistants Samuel V Samuel Vančo, Tomas Adamec, Martina Tesseri, Eduard Aleix Sarri Camargo who were joined by the delegation from Mexico Parliament consisting of MP Lidia Garcia Anaya, MP Dulce Maria Corina, MP Ines Parra Juarez, MP Salvador Caro Cabrera, MP Maria Elena Limon Garcia, MP Ma Teresa Rosaura Ochoa Mejia, MP Julieta Mejia Ibanez, MP Lidia Perez Barcenas, MP Jose Miguel De La Cruz Lima and Lithuanian parliamentarian Arunas Valinskas.

The heads of three democratic pillars of the Central Tibetan Administration, Kalons, parliamentarians, secretaries, CTA’s civil servants, directors, and the representatives of various NGOs were also in attendance.

Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament and Sikyong Penpa Tsering read out their respective statements of Parliament and Kashag.

Chief guest MEP Mikuláš Peksa in his key address expressed the EU’s strong condemnation and criticised  China’s oppressive policies involving Mass DNA testing violating the rights of Tibetans and the forced assimilation of Tibetan children into the majority Han culture through the mandatory colonial barding system. He added that these pressing issues are taken into serious consideration by the EU.

“I believe I speak for all my co-parliamentarians when I say that we will do every possible in our mandate to point out the injustices committed upon the Tibetan people. We will continue to hold China accountable for a transgression”, said MEP Peksa.

Special guest Damon Wilson, President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) commended the inspiring courage and the indestructible spirit of the Tibetan people while conveying his solidarity and support for the Tibetan people’s struggle for freedom, justice, and democracy.

He underscored three points outlining ways the world could take inspiration from Tibet and the Tibetan people. He outlined that Tibetan people’s resilience in sustaining the struggle for 64 years in exile without wavering once from the truth and pursuit of justice and principles of non-violence and compassion could serve as a model of inspiration for all freedom-loving people around the world. Secondly,  he extolled the thriving Tibetan system of democracy as a moral exemplar around the world. Finally, he reminded Tibetans of the fortune and blessing of having His Holiness the Dalai Lama who is globally loved and revered for being a beacon of hope in the troubled world.

“The world needs Tibet and Tibetans have so much to offer. Know that you are not alone. Know that we stand with you. Continue to be resilient to stand firm in the principles of justice, democracy, and non-violence. Your struggle for freedom is a beacon of hope for so many around the world” he asserted.

Special Guest Arunas Valinskas, MP of Lithuania shared his experiences of growing up under the occupation of the Soviet Union and the collective lesson learned by the people of Lithuania during those turbulent times. He attributed their persistence and resilience to the compassion and sincere interest shown by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Lithuania’s struggle for liberty.

“We will never forget the kindness and support shown by His Holiness toward Lithuania and we hope that we could repay a part of that debt”, he said and further conveyed the certainty of Tibet enjoying freedom soon.

“Know that your efforts are closely followed and encouraged by great numbers of friends all over the world. Stay true and committed to the principles of human rights and democracy”, he said in conclusion.

Special guest Salvador Caro Cabrera lauded the resilience and commitment of the Tibetan people against China as the powerful oppressor. He encouraged the Tibetan people to firmly continue their pursuit of freedom, justice, and non-violence.

A high-level foreign delegation visit to Dharmashala such as this not only expresses their deep solidarity with Tibetans and their enduring cause but sends a bold and compelling message to China to take accountability for their injustice towards Tibetan people while calling out China to become a responsible member of the global community.