In Search of Tibetan Identity | Chemi Lhamo

The College Freedom Forum is an initiative of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), an organization that promotes the defense of human rights around the world. In the sixth edition of the event held at the Francisco Marroquin University, activists from different countries present their experiences in the pursuit of freedom and the fight against human rights violations.

In “In search of Tibetan identity”, Chemi Lhamo delivers a reflection of Tibet’s history, its culture and the ongoing struggles under Chinese occupation. She begins her speech by introducing Tibet as the “rooftop of the world”, and says it is a region that provides water to nearly 2 billion people. Before giving any more information, she gives context about the Chinese government’s occupation of Tibet in 1959, which resulted in destruction, death and exile of many people, including her own family. Therefore, Chemi was born in a Tibetan refugee settlement located in India, and she lived under precarious conditions. She narrates her personal story as one of the many stories there are, whose owners continue living in exile and with the hopes of returning back home one day.

Chemi states that the oppression inside Tibet in severe, and even mentions Tibet being ranked as one of the least free places on Earth, alongside Syria and South Sudan. She says Tibetan culture, religion and language are under constant attack. For example, something as simple as possessing a picture of the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan flag can easily end up in imprisonment or even death. This illustrates China’s attempts to systematically erase Tibetan identity.

”The violence, the re-education camps, the destruction of our environment, torture of political prisoners is not working on us because Tibetans continue to rise.” — Chemi Lhamo

However, despite this reality, Tibetan people continue to resist China’s rules. Chemi recounts the act of self-immolation as a form of protest, and emphasizes that, since 2009, over 159 Tibetans have set themselves on fire with the intention of drawing international attention to their plight. Tibetans demand two things: the return of the Dalai Lama, and freedom for their culture. These self-sacrifices represent the depth of Tibetan resilience.

”Thousands of protests are constantly happening across Tibet, but you don’t hear about it because Tibet has been on lockdown by design.” — Chemi Lhamo

Chemi also higlights a specific form of cultural genocide: the forced assimilation of Tibetan children. Currently, over a million Tibetan children are enrolled in Chinese boarding schools, where they are instructed exclusively in Mandarin. This system aims to alter their connection to their language and culture, ensuring China’s power over Tibetan culture.

”When we come together and we organize, we win.” — Chemi Lhamo

Chemi concludes with a call for global solidarity. On March 10th, Tibetans around the world commemorate the 1959 national uprising. and Chemi emphasizes the power of collective action. Therefore, she urges people to unite against this kind of regime. She has a clear message: unity and global awareness are crucial in the fight for justice, not just for Tibet, but for all oppressed people.

We invite you to watch the lectures and interviews from the College Freedom Forum 2020. http://bit.ly/40eTRm1

Organized by Francisco Marroquin University and the Human Rights Foundation
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