G20 countries meet in Russia opportunity for Tibetan Support Groups to urge world leaders to unite for Tibet

New Delhi, September 5, 2013: In the wake of approaching G-20 Summit in Russia where the leaders of the G20 countries will be meeting on September 5 & 6 to focus on international economic and financial issues, Students for a Free Tibet Delhi Chapter has also joined in the Mass Global Action on September 4 to urge the leaders to speak for Tibet.
Students For Free Tibet is a global grass roots network of students and activists working in solidarity with Tibetan people for human rights and freedom. The group uses education, advocacy and nonviolent direction action with the goal of achieving Tibetan independence
Its Chapter in Delhi took out a peaceful cycle rally across North Campus, University of Delhi followed by a Freeze mob at Vishwavidhaylaya metro station.
Under occupation by China since 1959, not only Tibet’s heritage, language and culture has been subjected to severe repression for decades, Human Rights in Tibet have been violated.  Rinzin, an SFT member explains, “We want to raise this issue just before the G-20 summit to bring attention of general public as well as political leaders towards the literally burning issue of Tibet. Since 2009, over 120 Tibetan (monks, nuns, students, religious leaders, mothers, farmers and nomads) have lit their bodies on fire to protest China's occupation. China is bullying world leaders to stay silent on Tibet but people worldwide are calling for action. We are urging the Indian government to help lead a multilateral effort for Tibet.”
This eight meeting of the heads of G-20 nation has been speculated to discuss primarily economic issues. “Since twenty major nations are coming on one platform to talk about economic development, it is not something that happens every day. My concern is why their main focus is on economic development alone and why not basic provisions of human rights for people”, says Purandhya, coordinator for Students for a Free Tibet Delhi.
He adds, “It is disappointing to know that the big shots of the world don’t think it important to address more crucial issues basic to humanity. Every time when nations come together, it becomes essential for us to make our presence felt, that Tibet’s cause is a humanitarian cause and we cannot just let it go. As an Indian, I understand the fall of rupee but I cannot also leave my friends alone while they are suffering.”
The summit gives us an opportunity to highlight the ongoing self-immolation protests in Tibet and to urge the group of world leaders to unite for Tibet, he further says.