ABOUT TIBET:
The term TIBET here means the whole of Tibet known as Cholka-Sum (U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo). It includes the present-day Chinese administrative areas of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, two Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures and one Tibetan Autonomous County in Sichuan Province, one Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and one Tibetan Autonomous County in Gansu Province an
d one Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. With a written history of more than 2,000 years, Tibet existed as an independent sovereign state prior to Chinese rule. But having no representation in the United Nations, the world largely stood by and allowed China’s occupation and destruction to happen. http://tibet.net/about-tibet/tibet-at-a-glance/
THE CHINESE OCCUPATION OF TIBET
Invaded by China in 1949, the independent country of Tibet was forced to face the direct loss of life that comes from military invasion and, soon after, the loss of universal freedoms that stemmed from Communist ideology and its programmes such as the Cultural Revolution (1966-76). However, it is erroneous to believe that the worst has passed. The fate of Tibet’s unique national, cultural and religious identity is seriously threatened and manipulated by the Chinese. China’s policy of occupation and oppression has resulted in no more or less than the destruction of Tibet’s national independence, culture and religion, environment and the universal human rights of its people. Time and time again, the infliction of this destruction sees China break international laws with impunity. http://tibet.net/about-tibet/issues-facing-tibet-today/
THE LEGAL STATUS OF TIBET:
Recent events in Tibet have intensified the dispute over its legal status. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) claims that Tibet is an integral part of China. The Tibetan government-in-exile maintains that Tibet is an independent state under unlawful occupation. The question is highly relevant for at least two reasons. First, if Tibet is under unlawful Chinese occupation, Beijing’s large-scale transfer of Chinese settlers into Tibet is a serious violation of the fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which prohibits the transfer of civilian population into occupied territory. Second, if Tibet is under unlawful Chinese occupation, China’s illegal presence in the country is a legitimate object of international concern. If, on the other hand, Tibet is an integral part of China, then these questions fall, a China claims, within its own domestic jurisdiction. The issue of human rights, including the right of self-determination and the right of the Tibetan people to maintain their own identity and autonomy are, of course, legitimate objects of international concern regardless of Tibet’s legal status. http://www.savetibet.org/resources/all-about-tibet/history-politics-legal-situation/
THE HISTORY OF TIBETAN COMMUNITY IN UK:
All the early British Visitors to Tibet, from George Bogle to the court of Panchen Rinpoche, Palden Yeshi in Shigatse (1774) to Mr Hugh Richardson, the last Officer in charge of both the British and Indian Mission in Lhasa (1936-40) and his second period of residence in Lhasa (1946-50) are well documented. http://tibetancommunityuk.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=2
THE HISTORY OF TIBETAN COMMUNITY IN ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH:
Aku Ugyen Norbu la, the first and the longest Tibetan living in the Royal borough of Greenwich was kindly requested to share his knowledge about the history of the local Tibetan community. According to Aku la, back in 1981, first Tibetans came and settled in the Royal borough of Greenwich. In fact the child was born in the Royal borough in 1983, just two years after the first Tibetans settled in this part of London. Since then, until year 2000, there were no other Tibetans coming to the Royal borough of Greenwich. After the gap of nearly 20 years, the majority of the Tibetans presently living in the Royal borough of Greenwich came in the years 2000 -2010. Thereafter more and more Tibetans come and settle in this area of London, writes Aku Ugyen Norbu la. In the delight of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a new community, by the name, “ Tashi Ling” was being formed loosely by us. The word Tashi Ling (eng. The Island of Good Luck) makes us feel, at least in spirit closer to our homeland, even though today we have our homes away from homes. In 2013, the largest group of Tibetans in United Kingdom are said to live in the Royal borough of Greenwich, precisely in its Woolwich area. The Tibetans here have now set up a community group called "Greenwich Tibetan Association". The community previously called, “Tashi Ling Greenwich” remains open to all the Tibetans and not only. A very well functioning,”Tashi Ling Tibetan School” is the biggest product of the local community in Greenwich borough. Greenwich Tibetan Association currently is bestowed with the membership of Tibetans from all the three traditional provinces of Tibet, U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo. AIMS & OBJECTIVES:
The main aims and objectives of our local Tibetan Community by the name, “GREENWICH TIBETAN ASSOCIATION” are mainy;
1. to preserve and promote the unique culture and traditions of Tibet, the great identities of a nation at a great risk of complete disappearance under the ongoing the Chinese occupation of Tibet, since year 1959.
2. integration of the Tibetans into the highly diverse populace of Royal borough of Greenwich. The exact aims and objectives to be publicized after the approval of the Charter of the Greenwich Tibetan Association. Board Members 2015/16:
President - Mr Kunga Tashi
General secretary - Mr Thinley Sangpo
Education secretary - Mr Lhugyal Dhondup
Treasurer - Mr Gawa
Cultural secretary - Mr Ngawang Lodup
Event co-ordinator - Mr Jamyang Choephel
Contact:
www.facebook.com/GreenwichTibetanAssociation
emial: [email protected]
