Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Third Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, 10 March 1962
This day, three years ago, the unarmed and peaceful people of Lhasa
rose against the armed might of their conquerors. No sacrifice was too
great for them, and they gladly laid down their lives in defence of
their land and liberty. The reign of terror still continues; and every
day that passes more and more refugees are fleeing to the neighbouring
states to escape from inhuman treatment and persecution. But the spirit
of the people has not been and cannot be crushed. Those who cannot
escape are still offering passive resistance to the unwelcome measures
of the authorities in military occupation of Tibet. The heroic struggle
of the Tibetan people still goes on. Their courage and determination
still inspire them to defend their hearths and homes against the
ruthless attacks of the invaders. Their belief in the future destiny of
Tibet is still unshaken, and they still remain proud of their cherished
heritage. Today, in this grim hour of tragedy, our hearts naturally
turn towards them. To them we all Tibetans in exile bow in gratitude
and admiration. To them I send my blessings. For them I lift my voice,
this day as on other days, and pray that the great Lord of Mercy may
grant them succour and sustenance to enable them to face their ordeal
with unflinching courage and devotion.
We, here in exile, cannot materially help our people in Tibet, who are
confronted with destruction of all that they love and cherish. We can
only pray with all the strength of our hearts that their nightmare of
agony and terror will disappear in the not too distant future. A heavy
responsibility lies on all of us to do all that is possible to hasten
the end of this sad plight of our people. On this day we must not fail
to remember that our first obligation is to the people whom we have
left behind and who cannot escape from the trials and tribulations of
foreign domination. We must be united as we have always been. A great
task lies ahead of us. The events and circumstances during the last
three years which forced me and my people to be exiled from our own
country have already aroused the conscience of the civilised world. The
sufferings of my people were such that there was no alternative for us
but to give at least some indication of their full truth. As a result
of these sustained efforts, not only by us but also by many friendly
States, a resolution was passed last year by the General Assembly of
the United Nations. I consider that this resolution is a distinct
advance in the furtherance of our cause. It not only expresses grave
concern of the world authority at the unfortunate events which are
taking place in Tibet but also sets out two definite objectives for the
future. It clearly lays down that the fundamental rights and freedoms
of the Tibetan people must be restored. It also recognises for the
first time the right of the people of Tibet to determine and shape
their destiny. I am fully conscious of the fact that the passing of the
resolution cannot immediately lead to the cessation of the oppressive
policies and measures of the conqueror. However, I earnestly hope and
pray that the appeal of the United Nations will not go unheeded by the
great Chinese people. The government of China was a party to the
declaration made at the historic meeting of Afro-Asian Powers at
Bandung which reaffirmed the fundamental principles of the Charter of
the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The
government of China has also affirmed that the subjection of peoples to
alien domination and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental
human rights, an offence against the Charter of the United Nations and
is an impediment to the promotion of world peace and co-operation. If
these declarations have any meaning at all, the Chinese government must
realise that the measures which have been adopted by its
representatives in Tibet constitute total negation of these principles.
It must also realise that there must be an end to the policy of force
and intimidation which it is pursuing in Tibet and that the only
solution to the Tibetan problem is a peaceful settlement consistent
with the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people.
I, therefore, take this opportunity to appeal to the Chinese people to
cease immediately the persecution and oppression of my people. The
resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations also calls
upon the member States to take appropriate measures for achieving the
purposes of the resolution. I hope, therefore, that even if the appeal
to the government of China is ignored, the leading peace-loving nations
of the world will not hesitate to mediate on behalf of the poor and
unfortunate people of Tibet to regain their freedom. We are all deeply
grateful to the States which have espoused our cause and taken a lead
in persuading the United Nations to interest itself in the restoration
of Tibetan freedom. We have every confidence that, as in the past, they
will continue to endeavour to promote the cause of peace and freedom in
Tibet.
So far more than 70,000 refugees have sought asylum in the neighbouring
States of India, Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal. They have been driven by the
situation in Tibet to save themselves from death and destruction
despite the hardships and difficulties they have had to encounter on
the way. This mass exodus of refugees clearly shows the intolerable
conditions under which the people of Tibet are living today. But what
is more important is that something must be done, and done now, to help
these refugees and to rehabilitate them in suitable places in India and
elsewhere. A great deal has already been done by the government of
India and by the other organisations, both national and private, who
have come generously to our assistance. I am deeply grateful to the
government of India and the organisations concerned. But a great deal
remains still to be done, and the continuous influx of refugees is
increasing our task. I have no doubt that all men and women all over
the world, who love peace and freedom, must be gravely concerned at the
unfortunate situation in which my people find themselves today. I,
therefore, appeal to them once again to come forward with whatever help
they can give us and assist us in improving the lot of these unhappy
and destitute refugees from Tibet.
May Gods blessings be upon all mankind, and may truth and justice prevail.
The Dalai Lama
March 10, 1962