[Witness spoke in Tibetan, interpreted as follows:]
Tashi delek, everyone.
As the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, I would like to take this opportunity today to make some fervent appeals to the Canadian government on behalf of the followers of Tibetan Buddhism around the world, human rights, religious freedom and child rights advocates, as well as the millions of disciples of His Holiness the Panchen Rinpoche—more well known as the Panchen Lama—across Tibet and the Himalayan region.
Currently, we see the Chinese government undertaking ruthless and restrictive policies in Tibet. The situation is worsening day by day. We see human rights being trampled, religious freedom and the rights of the child being denied. Those Tibetans who disagree with the Chinese government are being arbitrarily detained, with many being disappeared. Today I'd like to explain the situation in Tibet and the context of the disappearance of an eminent spiritual leader, namely His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama.
In 1989, the 10th Panchen Lama died suddenly and mysteriously while in the town of Shigatse in Tibet. Subsequently, as per Tibetan Buddhist convention, His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced on May 14, 1995, his recognition of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima from Nagchu in Tibet as the unmistaken reincarnation. Sadly, three days after the announcement, on May 17, 1995, the Chinese authorities detained the less than six years old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, his parents and entourage. They have not been seen since then, and 28 years have passed. To make matters worse, later in 1995, the Chinese government interfered in our religious process and forcefully appointed a child by the name of Gyaltsen Norbu as a fake 11th Panchen Lama. Since then, he has been used as a political tool by the Chinese government.
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama worked tirelessly his entire life and even sacrificed his precious life to preserve Tibetan language, religion and culture across Tibet—including the 70,000 character report. His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama is very crucial to continue the legacy of the 10th Panchen Lama and further realize his great works and visions. All efforts made regarding His Holiness the Panchen Lama for the past 28 years have resulted in no significant proof of his whereabouts; hence, we urge the Canadian government to take more concrete actions.
Therefore, with great concern, we would like to make the following five appeals to the Canadian Parliament and administration.
One, I urge the Canadian Parliament to pass a motion urging the Canadian government to instruct the ambassador in China to meet with the 11th Panchen Lama and ascertain his whereabouts and well-being.
Two, I urge the Canadian government to honour the 11th Panchen Lama with an award recognizing him as a victim of enforced disappearance for 28 years and as someone who has been denied his human rights, religious freedom, the rights of a child and other fundamental rights of movement, residency and action.
Three, in order to enable his early release and as a way to draw attention to his situation, I urge the Canadian Parliament to observe both the birthday and the day of the disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama on April 25 and May 17 respectively.
Four, I urge the Canadian government to intervene in the forced colonial boarding schools for Tibetan children so that we can ensure the continuity of Tibetan culture.
Five, the aspirations of —