TYC concludes annual meeting, reaffirms commitment to Tibetan independence and global advocacy

By Tenzin Nyidon

DHARAMSHALA, Aug 16: The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest grassroots organization dedicated to the Tibetan independence cause, concluded its 54th Working Committee Meeting on August 10 in Gangtok, Sikkim. This gathering brought together around 200 representatives from 38 chapters, including from Nepal and India.

During the five-day meeting, both central and regional members of the organization engaged in extensive deliberations on nine key agendas, resulting in the adoption of 23 resolutions. The participants reaffirmed the overarching objectives of the TYC, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to advancing the Tibetan independence movement among Tibetan youths and those living in Tibetan settlements. This includes organising workshops and discussions featuring discussions with former Tibetan political prisoners, and leveraging social media platforms to engage and inspire Tibetan youth across the diaspora to participate in the movement actively.

The attendees expressed their determination to explore additional avenues for raising awareness about the ongoing atrocities in Tibet within the international community and among non-governmental organisations. They emphasised that Tibet has endured forced occupation for decades and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with governments and NGOs to develop policies aimed at achieving Tibetan independence. The group also conveyed their gratitude to the United States for signing the “Resolve Tibet Act,” expressing hope that other like-minded countries will enact similar legislation supporting Tibet.

The organization in their agenda also announced plans to collaborate with Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in the Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement, the spiritual and cultural seat of the Panchen Lama in exile, to mark the Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance in 2025. As part of this effort, they will send formal communications to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

On the final day, the participants in the meeting issued a statement condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing cultural genocide in Tibet and reaffirmed their determination to draw international attention to the recent forced closure of the Ganjong Sherig Norbu Lobling School in Rajya, Tibet. They emphasised the urgent need for international intervention and support. The group announced plans to seek backing through advocacy and political efforts, including issuing a formal condemnation of the ongoing closures of numerous schools and monasteries in Tibet. They also intend to submit an appeal to the international community and its leaders, particularly highlighting the violations of children’s rights.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of 23 resolutions, following the unanimous decision to withdraw three regional chapters of the Tibetan Youth Congress in Bylakuppe, Hunsur Rabgyaling, and Kollegal Dhondelling, and from using the TYC title in their future endeavours. The meeting also involved a comprehensive review of the annual financial reports from the TYC central leadership and regional chapters. Additionally, there were in-depth discussions on the implementation of resolutions passed during the previous Working Committee Meeting.