Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 13 : Members of the Tibet Support Group from Germany's Westerwald, gathered in Dharamshala on January 10 to discuss the ongoing struggles faced by Tibetans under Chinese repression.
Organised under the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), the meeting with Kalon Dolma Gyari, Minister of Security in the Central Tibetan Administration, aimed to reaffirm global support for the Tibetan cause and address the increasingly dire situation inside Tibet.
According to the Central Tibetan Administration, the gathering took place at a local cafe, where Kalon Gyari expressed her deep gratitude upon seeing the Tibetan flag displayed at the entrance. She emphasised the profound significance of the flag as a symbol of Tibetan identity and struggle, underscoring how such gestures of solidarity are deeply meaningful for the Tibetan people.
Kalon Dolma Gyari expressed gratitude to Sandra Weeser, a member of the German FDP Parliament, for her unwavering support of Tibet. Weeser's presence highlighted the strong political backing Tibet continues to receive, particularly within European political circles. According to information provided by CTA, the conversation soon focused on the escalating repression inside Tibet.
Kalon Gyari spoke candidly about the intensifying restrictions and harassment Tibetans have faced, especially since 2008. She highlighted the tragic toll of 157 self-immolations by Tibetans since 2009, a desperate protest against the Chinese government's political and cultural oppression. These self-immolations are a stark reflection of the extreme lengths Tibetans have been forced to go to in order to demand greater freedom and justice.
Kalon Gyari also shared insights into the history of Sino-Tibetan dialogue, recalling the European Parliament's 2001 warning to China, urging the country to engage in meaningful talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives to resolve the Tibet issue. This pressure led to China initiating dialogue in 2002, but Kalon emphasized that these talks have stalled and failed to produce any tangible changes in Tibet's situation.
Additionally, Kalon addressed the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetan refugees worldwide, many of whom still struggle with legal and bureaucratic barriers that deny them the rights and privileges of local citizens. She expressed hope that the Tibet Support Group would assist in overcoming these obstacles and improve the lives of Tibetan refugees wherever possible.
The Westerwald Tibet Support Group, founded in 2008, also shared plans for Flag Day on March 10, 2025, where Tibetan flags will be raised in 500 locations across Germany to mark Tibetan resistance and show solidarity with Tibetans worldwide. They conveyed a message of support from Sabine (SPD), a German Parliament member, who, despite being unable to attend, expressed her strong commitment to the Tibetan cause.
Throughout the meeting, Kalon Dolma Gyari was accompanied by Under Secretary Dawa Dolma, who played a key role in the discussions. The gathering served as a reminder of the global solidarity for Tibet, as well as a call to action for governments and organizations to stand with Tibet in their ongoing struggle for justice and freedom.