Geneva, Switzerland, February 13: Namkyi, a former Tibetan political prisoner, arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 9, 2025, to attend the Geneva Summit 2025. Namkyi is participating in a five-day advocacy campaign, running from February 10 to 14, 2025, in advance of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The campaign aims to spread awareness about human rights in Tibet and to share Namkyi’s personal testimony as a former political prisoner under China’s regime, according to a report by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Three-Phase Advocacy Campaign
The CTA outlined that the advocacy campaign was structured into three phases:
- Phase One: Meetings with officials from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically the China desk.
- Phase Two: Meetings with members of UN Permanent Missions.
- Phase Three: Meetings with UN Special Rapporteurs.
These meetings, still ongoing, have provided a platform to raise crucial concerns regarding Tibet’s human rights situation, specifically under China’s rule.
Diplomatic Support for Tibet
The campaign has involved representatives from both smaller and larger UN member states. While smaller countries, unfamiliar with the Tibet issue, discussed their diplomatic reliance on larger nations, they expressed support for Tibet and vowed to offer direct assistance when the time is right. Larger countries with established ties to China were also part of the campaign, reflecting a broader diplomatic push for Tibet’s rights.
Numerous diplomats have shown their support for Tibet, acknowledging the critical importance of addressing Tibet-related issues within the international community. Despite challenges, this advocacy campaign may encourage UN members to reconsider their diplomatic stance and their future engagements with China.
Namkyi’s Powerful Testimony
The CTA emphasized that Namkyi’s testimony effectively conveyed the grim realities of China’s oppressive rule in Tibet. Although this advocacy may not have immediately led to UN approval of specific resolutions, the campaign serves as a vital effort to draw attention to Tibet’s situation and pressure international stakeholders to reconsider their policies regarding China.
Closed-Door Meetings
The advocacy efforts included closed-door meetings with key figures, including Namkyi, Swiss Representative Thinley Chukki, Dukthen Kyi (Head of the Department of Information and International Relations’ Advocacy Section), and UN Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal. Throughout the five-day campaign, these representatives held advocacy meetings with officials from six countries. Additional meetings with UN Special Rapporteurs and OHCHR China desk staff are also planned.
Ongoing Campaign for Tibetan Human Rights
The CTA’s efforts in Geneva are part of a larger strategy to shine a light on Tibet’s human rights issues at the UN and global forums, and to garner international support for Tibet’s struggle for freedom and human dignity under the Chinese regime.