Melody in Prison: Ngawang Choephel
	UPDATE 1 May 1999

The press release below was issued by the TYC in Geneva.

TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS CALLS OFF HUNGER STRIKE IN GENEVA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Geneva, May 1, 1999

Hunger Strikers Receive Appeals from Governments and UN Agencies

The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) is calling off the indefinite hunger strike launched in Geneva on 5 April with the participation of three dedicated Tibetans, Mr. Tempa Tsering Reting, Mr. Pema Lhundup and Mr. Karma Yeshi. This hunger strike was a continuation of the action undertaken in New Delhi last year, which was halted after 67 days after receiving assurances from governments, parliaments as well as the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, Ms. Mary Robinson, and the office of the UN Secretary-General.

While the hunger strike in Geneva succeeded in drawing the attention of the delegates to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to the plight of the Tibetan people, we regret that some of our demands were not addressed during this Commission session. Nevertheless, our action generated great concern within the United Nations circles. Two of the hunger strikers also had the privilege of delivering formal statements before the Commission on the Tibetan issue while a special briefing on Tibet was held within the United Nations.

Government representatives from Germany, India, Finland, Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, the United States, Sweden, the Netherlands, Nicaragua and Denmark visited the hunger strikers. They assured the Tibetan Youth Congress that they will continue to pay attention to the Tibetan issue and raise it with the Chinese authorities. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations Rights of the Child Committee, and governments of Germany and Sweden sent written communiqué. Further, on April 30, High Commissioner Robinson referred to the Tibetan hunger strike in her concluding press conference. Thereafter, she paid a special visit to the hunger strikers and told them that she will take very seriously the issues raised by them during her continuing dialogue with China. In her written communication, she said, " I ... should like to reassure you that the situation in Tibet will continue to be addressed." She appealed to them to call of the hunger strike.

The German Ambassador, Dr. Wilhelm Hoeynck in his communication, said, "For the future it will be of critical importance to see tangible improvements in the human rights situation on the ground. It is in the light of such results that we may have to reconsider our policy for the next session of this Commission."

The Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss in her communication said that Switzerland would continue to make an effort to protect the rights of the Tibetan people. The Swedish Ambassador Catherine von Heidenstam wrote a letter saying, "You have reminded us of the importance to keep Tibet on our agenda."

The Chairperson of the 55th Commission session, Mrs. Anne Anderson, highlighted our action, in her concluding remarks to the Commission on April 30. She said, "Neither can we forget about those - whether in this room or outside this room - who truly believe in the justice of their cause and who feel this Commission has failed them. Many are willing to pay a high personal price for their convictions, as all of us who have recently passed through the Place des Nations have borne witness."

Concerning our first demand, a resolution against China's human rights abuses in Tibet and China was introduced in the Commission. In its statement, the United States referred to the case of the Panchen Lama and the status of China-Tibet dialogue. China used a procedural action to block this resolution. On our demand for the Committee on the Rights of the Child to send a mission to study the situation of the Panchen Lama, we have received a communication from the Committee saying, "The contents of your letter will be brought to the attention of the Committee on the rights of the Child for possible future action at its next session scheduled to take place in May-June 1999 at Geneva." On the release of political prisoners, High Commissioner Robinson said that these issues would be raised with the Chinese leadership while several thematic mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights have been approached to call for the release of Tanak Jigme Sangpo, Ngawang Sangdrol, Ngawang Choephel and Ngawang Phulchung.

Prominent Chinese democracy leaders and international NGO representatives visited us to express their support.

On account of these developments we decided to call off the hunger strike. High Commissioner Robinson personally offered the three hunger strikers orange juice to symbolise their breaking of fast. The Tibetan Youth Congress deeply appreciates the patriotism and selflessness of the three Tibetans. We believe the 26 days of fasting they have undertaken have not gone in vain. Their action has served as the alarm bell for the United Nations and the international community to be proactive on Tibet.

The situation in Tibet is grave. Tibetans inside Tibet are risking their lives every day for the freedom of our country. But under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan people have adopted a non-violent approach to find a solution to our issue. The present tragic events in Kosovo clearly demonstrate that conflicts left unresolved peacefully eventually lead to immense human suffering and bloodshed. In the case of Tibet, if there is no positive development, the situation there can further escalate.

We are thankful for the support and cooperation of Tibetans and Tibet supporters. While the hunger strike in Geneva has ended, this is not the end of our action. Our Tibetan brethren and supporters in Switzerland witnessed the situation that we have had to face in the last 26 days. This and the indomitable courage of Tibetans inside Tibet should make us Tibetans in exile more determined to find an early solution. The course of our freedom struggle may not be easy and smooth sailing. We will continue our struggle until we regain the freedom and independence of Tibet.