Dear Prime Minister Harper and M.P. Colin Mayes:
Dec. 10, 2012 was International Human Rights Day and I am writing to you both as my prime minister and member of Parliament to ask for the Canadian government’s support of the Tibetan people who are living under the brutal military occupation of their country by China.
As of today, more than 100 Tibetans have self-immolated for the cause of Tibetan freedom. These are Buddhist monks, nuns, nomads and farmers, young and old. They have carried out these acts to bring the world’s attention to the dire situation in Tibet, where people are being denied religious freedom to practise their Buddhist religion. Tibetans are being tortured and imprisoned for having a photo of his holiness the Dalai Lama, for speaking his name or calling for freedom for Tibet. These non-violent protesters, unlike suicide bombers, are killing only themselves in a very painful and shocking manner. And, as of today, it doesn’t look like it will stop soon, unless the governments of the powerful countries of the world take a stand against China and condemn them for what they are doing in Tibet.
How can the Canadian government stand by and do nothing while these horrors are being perpetrated on Tibetans, and in fact ratify trade deals with the world’s greatest oppressor, China?
I am asking my government to please support Tibet before the entire culture and people go up in flames. Please tell me what you plan to do to help these oppressed people and put an end to these shocking acts of self-immolation? Please make a stand against the government of the Peoples Republic of China and refuse to do business with them until they allow autonomy for Tibet.
Joan V. Chadwick