Dear Venerable Tang

ATC SPECIAL UPDATE – National Action in Canberra on 10 March, New Protests in Tibet, Tibetans to Honour Deceased During Losar

The 50th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising on 10 March is only weeks away and Australia’s Tibetan communities are preparing to converge on Canberra for a day of action to mark this important day. Meanwhile, news is filtering through of new protests inside Tibet, with Tibetans in Kardze and other regions bravely defying Chinese government repression. This week also sees the start of Losar (Tibetan New Year). Tibetans worldwide are abandoning traditional celebrations in recognition of those who have died or remain missing in Tibet. Click here to view the web version of this email

Commemorating the 1959 Tibetan Uprising - National Day of Action in Canberra
10 March marks 50 years since Tibetans rose up against occupying Chinese forces. Tibetans and Tibet supporters from across Australia are heading to Canberra to protest the continuing repression and human rights abuses in Tibet and to appeal for stronger action by the Australian Government. Read more...

Note: We have a coach booked to take people from Sydney to Canberra. The coach will pick up from Dee Why and Central Station early morning and return in the evening. Cost is $50 per person. Phone Simon on 0404 859 806 for more details and to book a place.

Tibetans To Honour Deceased During Losar
Losar (Tibetan New Year) begins on Wednesday 25 April. This year Tibetans across Tibet are abandoning traditional celebrations out of respect for those who have died, remain missing or are otherwise suffering as a result of the crackdown on the Tibet-wide protests following 10 March 2008. It is also an act of peaceful defiance towards provocative efforts by Chinese authorities to force Tibetans into organizing festivities. Across the world Tibetan exiles and Tibet supporters are joining in solidarity with those in Tibet, organizing simple gatherings and prayer vigils in place of the usual Losar celebrations. Click to find a gathering near you

Protests Erupt in Eastern Tibet
As the 50th anniversary approaches, Tibetans are once again rising up to protest China’s oppressive policies which are undermining their religion, culture and livelihoods. Despite ever more extreme measures to silence dissent, monks, laypeople and nomads in Lithang have staged the largest protest in Tibet since demonstrations swept across the Tibetan plateau in March 2008. Read more...