Dharamshala: As part of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s Europe Tibet advocacy program, a parliamentary delegation, consisting of parliamentarians Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Kunga Sotop, and Choedak Gyatso, began their Europe Tibet advocacy mission in Luxembourg. The delegation’s official engagements will take place from 17th to 20th November 2024.

Upon their arrival in Luxembourg, the MPs were warmly welcomed by Representative Rigzin Genkhang from the Office of Tibet, Brussels, along with EU Advocacy Officer Tenzin Phuntsok of the Office of Tibet, Brussels, and members of the local Tibetan community, including Pasang Dolma, Tenpa, and Dorjee Lhamo. A dinner in honor of the MPs was hosted by the Office of Tibet, Brussels, where they had the opportunity to meet with members of the Tibetan community.

On 18th November, the delegation met with Laurent Zeimet, Member of Parliament and Mayor of Bettembourg, a municipality that has shown long-standing solidarity with Tibet by hoisting the Tibetan National Flag alongside the Luxembourg flag for many years. The Tibetan parliamentarians briefed the Mayor on the evolution of Tibetan democracy, as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and on the work of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

During this meeting, the delegation presented the Mayor with an appeal letter signed by the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, which detailed the critical situation in Tibet. They highlighted the severe human rights abuses faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule, the destruction of Tibet’s religion and culture, and other pressing concerns. The MPs appealed to Luxembourg and the European Union to continue their support for Tibet, urging them to pass resolutions and bills that address Tibet’s plight. They also informed the Mayor of China’s increasing threats and requested that he share the contents of the appeal letter with other leaders in Luxembourg.

Later, the delegation met with Sam Tanson, a Green Party Member of Parliament and a member of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee. The discussion focused on key advocacy issues for Tibet, including strategies for engaging with China, raising Tibet-related concerns at international forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, and drawing attention to the environmental devastation caused by Chinese development projects in Tibet. One major concern discussed was the risk posed by dam construction on the Drichu River and its potential impact on Tibet’s fragile environment. During the meeting, the delegation presented the MPs with a Parliament souvenir, a biography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and significant historical documents, including a copy of the passport of Tsepon Wangchuk Deden Shakabpa, the Finance Minister of Tibet, issued by the then independent government of Tibet.

The delegation was accompanied by Representative Rigzin Genkhang and EU Advocacy Officer Tenzin Phuntsok from the Office of Tibet, Brussels, as well as Tibet supporter Mr. Pierre from Luxembourg and local Tibetan community member Pasang Dolma.