Dharamshala: Europe leg of Flame of Truth relay concluded on Universal Human Rights day on December 10, the 23rd anniversary of awarding of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The relay was organised by Office of Tibet, Geneva & Tibetan community, Switzerland & Liechtenstein.
Tibetan delegation comprising of Tibetan MPs for Europe, Mr. Tsetan Samdup, Representative of Office of Tibet, Tenzin Samphel and Mr. Lobsang Gangshontsang, President of Tibetan Community met with Ms. Azwa Petra, officer-in-charge and Ms. Christine Chung, Asia Desk of the office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at 11.30 a.m. Tibetan delegation briefed UN officials on current situation inside Tibet and submitted Tibet memorandum with over 350,000 signatures collected from over 90 countries. The delegation also requested UN officials to help Tibetans to resolve the issue of Tibet.
Later at 12 noon peaceful procession was organised, which was participated by over thousands of Tibetans. Representatives of Tibetan Youth Association - Europe, Regional Tibetan Women's Association and Swiss Tibet Friendship Society spoke on the occasion. Tibetan MP Ven. Thupten Wangchen also addressed the gathering in Tibetan and English highlighting current situations inside Tibet. Later March was begun.
Then Tibetans and supporters gathered in front of UN office in Geneva. Mr. Lobsang Gangshontsang, President of Tibetan community and Tibetan MP Chungdak Koren spoke on the occasion. A Tibet supporter from Spain Mr. Josep Maldonado also spoke in support of Tibetan struggle.
In the afternoon at 2.45 p.m., Tibetan delegation met with Ms. Laura Dupuy Lasserre, President of UN Human Rights Council at her office. Tibetan delegation briefed President of UN Human Rights Council on current situation inside Tibet by highlighting Tibetan self-immolations inside Tibet. The delegation submitted memorandum and also urged UN official to support the issue of Tibet with more significant action. Ms. Laura assured the delegation that they will do whatever they could within UN mechanism.
Abbot and monks of Rigon monastery led prayers for Tibetan martyrs. Later Tibetan friend Chinese named Wang Longmong also addressed the gathering by showing his solidarity with Tibetan people.
In the end students of Tibetan Drama School sang Tibetan national anthem and a day long programme and Flame of Truth relay concluded successfully.
