Swiss People Submit Petition
Tibet.net news: This is where the violators of human rights fear to go. Switzerland houses the headquarters of the United Nations’ Human Rights Commission. Switzerland, known by children for its chocolates, is better known among the Tibetans for being one of the first countries besides India to have resettled many Tibetan refugees in its territory.
Besides its humanitarian support, Switzerland has also lent political support to the Tibetan people. Switzerland has its parliamentary group for Tibet which has actively shown support to the peaceful approaches of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in achieving a genuine autonomy for Tibet.
The Tibet Support Groups in this small country in the Alps have submitted a petition to the Swiss Government and its parliament yesterday. Signed by more than 23000 people from cross sections of the country, the petition appeals for a stronger support from the Swiss government to ensure self-rule for the Tibetan people.
It also seeks Switzerland to launch a UN resolution on Tibet. The people of Switzerland works towards making Tibet an issue in all official contacts of their government with China.
Appeal is also being made to extend recognition to the Dharamsala – based Tibetan administration headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama should there be no ‘considerable’ progress in the relations between Beijing and Dharamsala in the next three years.
The petition appeals to the Swiss government to provide His Holiness with official reception during His Holiness’ visits to the country in future.
Around fifty Tibetans and Tibet supporters handed over the petition to the Swiss government and the parliament. The event was well covered by the Swiss media.