Dhardon Sharling, Tibetan MP in exile, Dharamsala
Kate Saunders, Communications Director, International Campaign for Tibet, Washington, D.C.
Namkho, Tibetan eyewitness and documentarist
Shao Jiang, Chinese activist in exile and blogger, London
Moderator: Kate Saunders

Tibetan despair under China’s oppressive rule has lasted for more than 60 years at this point. One of the most shocking forms of protest in the region involves the Tibetan monks who have set themselves on fire. Time Magazine ranked the story of Tibetan monks’ self-immolations as the most underreported story of the year last year. There are also civilian Tibetans among the 84 who have set themselves on fire thus far. A total of 69 of them have died, and thus far in November there have already been 25 new cases. What is the situation in Tibet today? Which battles are being fought to preserve Tibetan identity and culture? What human rights do the Tibetans have under the Chinese authorities – and what policy is the new the political leadership in Beijing expected to conduct?

See video from the seminar on YouTube.

The event will take place in English.

“Self-Immolations in Tibet”: See an overview on the website of the International Campaign for Tibet.

Kate Saunders will in connection with the seminar in Oslo release an up-to-date report that documents what is taking place in Tibet right now. Why are so many Tibetans lighting themselves on fire? Saunders will demonstrate how the assimilation and oppression policies pursued by the Chinese authorities in respect of Tibetans, can help explain the real reasons for the Tibetans’ resistance and their struggle to preserve their culture and identity. Saunders and Namkho also have new video recordings, not least of Namkho himself, that show what the situation is like in Tibet at the moment.

Namkho is one of the latest witnesses to arrive in exile. He brought with him video recordings from episodes in his part of eastern Tibet, where most of the self-immolations have taken place. Namkho will also shed light on the Dalai Lama’s position among the Tibetans in Tibet. Further, Namkho will tell about how Tibetans are fighting to preserve Tibetan culture and identity, and the kind of treatment in store for those who raise critical voices.

Shao Jiang will trace the political dynamics and strategy that prevails among the political leadership in Beijing. Why does the so-called “strike harder” policy still dominate? Jiang will also report on the expectations associated with a new generation of leaders who are now taking over the political power in China. Is there reason to hope for a change of course or more moderate policies in respect of Tibetans – and in China?

Dhardon Sharling will talk about the political landscape in the relationship between the Tibetans and the Chinese, that is, between the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile on the one hand and Chinese authorities on the other. Among other things, there was an annual dialogue held between the parties during the period from 2002 to 2009. Sharling will also share her views about what the outside world – and the Norwegian authorities – can do to help resolve the Tibetan conflict. What is the background for many Tibetans claiming an historic right to self-government in Tibet?