17 May 1995, the then 6-year old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, also known as Panchen Lama (right), was taken from his home in Tibet by Chinese authorities’ and put into “protective custody”. Panchen Lama has not been seen since. On 19 September, the International Campaign for Tibet confrints the People´s Republic of China, right ahead of the oppressor’s meeting with the UN Committee for the Rights of the Child (CRC) (14-SEP-05)
 
Only days before Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s abduction the Dalai Lama had recognized the young boy as the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. The Panchen Lama is considered one of the most important religious leaders in Tibet and has a special relationship with the Dalai Lama, who was forced to flee Tibet in 1959 after the Chinese occupation. Typically, the Panchen Lama is heavily involved in the selection process for the next Dalai Lama and vice versa.

The well-being and whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family remain unaccounted for by the People´s Republic of China. Chinese authorities have refused all requests by foreign governments and the UN to verify his safety. Inside Tibet his photograph is banned and Tibetans are forbidden from expressing devotion to him. He is another of the young victims of China’s repression of the Tibetan people.

On 19-20 September the Chinese government must report on Children’s Rights in the PRC before the United Nations Committee for the Rights of the Child (CRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. We would urge all who are in the vicinity to come and join us for the protest event. For more details contact me at icteurope@savetibet.org!

TELL CHINA & THE UN THIS 10-YEAR LONG TRAGEDY MUST END NOW!

Time & Date: 2PM, 19 September 2005

Location: Palais Wilson, Lakeside, Geneva (Quai Wilson)

Special Speakers: Kelkhang Rinpoche, General Secretary of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
Lobsang Dorjee, Secretary of 1995 Search Committee of H.H the Panchen Lama

Contact: icteurope@savetibet.org

Organized by: International Campaign for Tibet Europe
Tibetan Youth Association Europe
Tibetan Women’s Association
Tibetan Youth Congress
Tibet Centre for Human Rights and Democracy
Gu Chu Sum