Hon. Penpa Tsering, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, formally known as the Central Tibetan Administration, is in Sydney to commence an official visit to Australia from 17-25 June 2023.
This is his first visit to Australia since becoming the Sikyong, a Tibetan title for President, in 2021.
His visit takes place amid China’s increasing repression in Tibet and aggression overseas, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Away from the gaze of the international community, China’s human rights violations in Tibet have reached an all-time high in recent years.
Reminiscent of Australia’s Stolen Generations, nearly one million Tibetan children have been separated from their families and forced into a vast network of Chinese colonial boarding schools, which UN rights experts have warned is an effort to assimilate Tibetans into the majority Han Chinese culture.
During his visit, he will call on the Australian Government to help end what he calls a “cultural genocide” that is taking place in Tibet at the hand of Australia’s key trading partner.
“If PRC (the People’s Republic of China) is not made to reverse or change its current policies, Tibet and Tibetans will definitely die a slow death,” says Penpa Tsering.
Sikyong Penpa will be meeting senior politicians including members of the Australian All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, human rights defenders and leading think tanks.
He is a strong proponent of the Middle Way Approach, a policy proposal initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and adopted by the Tibetan Government-Exile, which aims to achieve genuine and meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people under the framework of the People’s Republic of China.
Media are welcome to attend the following public events
SYDNEY
Monday 19 June, Midday - 1:30pm
Resistance, Resilience and Democracy in Exile
In Conversation with Karla Grant SBS/NITV
NSW State Parliament Theatrette
CANBERRA
Wednesday 21 June, 11:30am - 1:30pm
National Press Club of Australia
Resolving the Sino-Tibet Conflict and Securing Peace in the Region
Canberra, ACT
MELBOURNE
Thursday 22 June, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
India and Tibet: Ancient Ties and Current Bonds
In Conversation with former Senator Hon. Lisa Singh
Australia India Institute
Level 2, 501 Swanston St
BRISBANE
Friday 23 June, 7pm
Homeland - Festival of Tibet 2023
In Conversation with Sarah Kanowski, ABC
Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
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ENDS
About us:
President (Sikyong) Penpa Tsering
A leading figure in Tibetan politics, Penpa Tsering was a Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for 20 years, serving his last two terms as Speaker He also served as Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration to North America.
In his role as the President, Sikyong Penpa has emphasised the importance of seeking a peaceful resolution of the Tibet issue.
He is a strong proponent of the Middle Way Approach, a policy proposal initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and adopted by the Tibetan Government-Exile, which aims to achieve genuine and meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people under the framework of the People’s Republic of China.
Contact details:
1. Karma Singey or Lhawang Gyalpo
Tibet Information Office Australia
+61 2 (0) 6285 4046
rep.au@tibet.net or sec.au@tibet.net
2. Dr Zoë Bedford
Executive Officer, Australia Tibet Council
zoebedford@atc.org.au
0408 262 576
For more details visit Australia Tibet Council
