WHEREAS, on March 10, 2024, Tibetans throughout the world will gather to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against the brutal occupation of their country and pay tribute to the more than one million Tibetans who lost their lives in their struggle for the freedom of Tibet; and
WHEREAS, the occupation and ongoing suppression of human rights and freedom in Tibet and the intentional marginalization of Tibetan language, culture, and identity should continue to be a concern for all freedom-loving people everywhere; and
WHEREAS, in December 2018, the United States Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, that called for an end to China’s isolation of Tibet and providing American citizens, including Tibetan Americans in Richmond, with the same opportunity of access to Tibet as enjoyed by Chinese citizens visiting our country; and
WHEREAS, in December, 2020 the United States Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Tibet Policy and Support Act, that makes it official US policy that the Dalai Lama’s succession is a strictly religious issue that only he and his followers can decide on and strengthens the landmark Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, addresses the issue of water security and environmental destruction in Tibet, provides humanitarian assistance for Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, and pushes China to negotiate with the Dalai Lama and Tibetan leaders without preconditions; and
WHEREAS, in 2023 a bipartisan, bicameral legislation, promoting a resolution to the Tibet- China Conflict Act, has been introduced in the United States Congress to strengthen the United States’ policy to promote dialogue between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Dalai Lama toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Tibet and the PRC; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: China published by the US Department of State, on the subject of Tibet, asserts, “Significant human rights issues included: forced disappearances; torture; arbitrary detention; political prisoners; censorship and website blocking; substantial interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association; severe restrictions on religious freedom; severe restrictions on freedom of movement; and restrictions on political participation.;” and
WHEREAS, the principle commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are: promotion of warm- heartedness, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline; religious harmony and understanding among the world’s major religious traditions; preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Tibet; and the study of ancient Indian knowledge of understanding and training of mind; and
Proclaiming Declaring March 10th, 2024, as Tibetan Uprising Day
WHEREAS, in 1989 His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his longstanding commitment to nonviolence, peace, and willingness to compromise and seek reconciliation despite China’s brutal occupation of Tibet; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was conferred the US Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards, in recognition of his contribution to Tibet and humanity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond is home to a vibrant community of Tibetan Americans who have contributed to the diversity of our culture and tradition and is the location of the Tibetan Association of Northern California’s community center, serving the third largest Tibetan community in United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond has long supported the Tibetan people, having welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama when he visited the Tibetan community center in 2014 and renaming a part of Huntington Avenue to Dalai Lama Avenue in honor of his 84th birthday; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond stands in solidarity with the Tibetan people and their just, peaceful, and non-violent movement to remind the world of the occupation, suppression, and degradation of culture, religion, land, and identity of the Tibetan people by China; and
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2024, at 8:45 a.m., community members will gather at the steps of Richmond City Hall to raise the Tibetan flag and commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against the Chinese Communist Party’s invasion and occupation.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and the Richmond City Council do hereby declare March 10, 2024, as Tibetan Uprising Day in the City of Richmond
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Mayor Eduardo Martinez
City of Richmond
February 27, 2024