The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
On June 26, 2024, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Students for a Free Tibet, and the Tibetan Women’s Association, commemorated the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The event featured a panel discussion with former political prisoners, commencing with an introductory address by Miss Tenzin Dawa la, the director of TCHRD, followed by insights from Miss Phurbu Dolma, a researcher at the Centre, who presented 20 case studies of former Tibetan political prisoners. The discussion then shifted to a panel comprising five former political prisoners moderated by TYC General Secretary, Mr. Sonam Tsering la. The panel commenced with a video message from Nyima Lhamo la, the niece of the late Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
The five invited political prisoners included Geshi Tsering Dorji, a student of the late Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche; Lobsang Yonten, who endured over 17 years in prison; Gedhun Rinchen; Sherab Gyatso; and Geshe Ngawang Delek. Each shared their harrowing experiences of inhumane torture endured in prison. Following a Q&A session with attendees, the event concluded with words of gratitude from Mrs. Tsering Dolma la, the President of the Tibetan Women’s Association.