Dear High Commissioner Arbour,
During your recent visit to China, the \'International Herald Tribune\' reported that you had delivered to Chinese authorities a list of ten longtime political detainees of concern to the UN Human Rights Commission. On the list was the name of the missing 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.
On Friday 30 September 2005 the independent UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) released its \'Concluding Observations on the Second Periodic Report of China to the CRC\'. During questioning at the CRC\'s session on China at Palais Wilson on 19-20 September, the Chinese delegation reiterated the repeated claim of the PRC that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was well and leading a normal life and did not want to be disturbed. In its Concluding Observations, the CRC noted that it \'remains concerned that it has not yet been possible to have this information confirmed by an independent expert\' and recommended that China \'allow an independent expert to visit and confirm the well-being of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima while respecting his right to privacy, and that of his parents.\'
The case of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima has now lasted over 10 years with the full knowledge of the United Nations. China is fully aware of the international concern for this young boy. The time for waiting must surely be at an end.
I would like to respectfully urge you to be uncompromising in your efforts to ensure that both your own request for information and the recommendations of the CRC lead to an appropriate response from the government of the PRC in a timely manner. In this year of the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, a resolution of this issue would be an important signal to the Tibetan people that their faith in the UN matters.
Yours sincerely,
The lack of transparency surrounding the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remains a profound concern for everyone following this case. While there is no official word from the authorities, the persistent international focus on this recommendation serves as a necessary reminder that his situation cannot be forgotten. I continue to monitor all reports from official bodies to track any shift in the official stance.
April 17, 2007
Seeing the growing momentum behind this petition highlights a collective refusal to let this case fade into history. The persistence of your interest confirms that the world has not forgotten the Panchen Lama despite the long silence from the authorities. We must continue to press for the independent verification that justice requires.
7 Comments
J
Julie Griffin
19 years ago
Featured
Just let an independent expert see him already. If he is fine like they say then what are they hiding?
D
David Ross
19 years ago
Featured
How can anyone just disappear like that? Its been way too long. Let the family see him.
E
Elena Sinclair
19 years ago
Featured
My heart goes out to his family. Cant imagine what they go through every day not knowing where he is.
M
Mark Mason
19 years ago
Featured
10 years is long enough. The world needs to keep pushing until we get real proof he is safe.
S
Sarah Nichols
19 years ago
Featured
FREE HIM NOW. This is absolutely shameful behavior by a world power.
K
Kevin Snyder
19 years ago
Featured
Human rights matter more than politics.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
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Dear High Commissioner Arbour,
During your recent visit to China, the \'International Herald Tribune\' reported that you had delivered to Chinese authorities a list of ten longtime political detainees of concern to the UN Human Rights Commission. On the list was the name of the missing 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.
On Friday 30 September 2005 the independent UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) released its \'Concluding Observations on the Second Periodic Report of China to the CRC\'. During questioning at the CRC\'s session on China at Palais Wilson on 19-20 September, the Chinese delegation reiterated the repeated claim of the PRC that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was well and leading a normal life and did not want to be disturbed. In its Concluding Observations, the CRC noted that it \'remains concerned that it has not yet been possible to have this information confirmed by an independent expert\' and recommended that China \'allow an independent expert to visit and confirm the well-being of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima while respecting his right to privacy, and that of his parents.\'
The case of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima has now lasted over 10 years with the full knowledge of the United Nations. China is fully aware of the international concern for this young boy. The time for waiting must surely be at an end.
I would like to respectfully urge you to be uncompromising in your efforts to ensure that both your own request for information and the recommendations of the CRC lead to an appropriate response from the government of the PRC in a timely manner. In this year of the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, a resolution of this issue would be an important signal to the Tibetan people that their faith in the UN matters.
Yours sincerely,
The lack of transparency surrounding the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remains a profound concern for everyone following this case. While there is no official word from the authorities, the persistent international focus on this recommendation serves as a necessary reminder that his situation cannot be forgotten. I continue to monitor all reports from official bodies to track any shift in the official stance.
April 17, 2007
Seeing the growing momentum behind this petition highlights a collective refusal to let this case fade into history. The persistence of your interest confirms that the world has not forgotten the Panchen Lama despite the long silence from the authorities. We must continue to press for the independent verification that justice requires.
7 Comments
J
Julie Griffin
19 years ago
Featured
Just let an independent expert see him already. If he is fine like they say then what are they hiding?
D
David Ross
19 years ago
Featured
How can anyone just disappear like that? Its been way too long. Let the family see him.
E
Elena Sinclair
19 years ago
Featured
My heart goes out to his family. Cant imagine what they go through every day not knowing where he is.
M
Mark Mason
19 years ago
Featured
10 years is long enough. The world needs to keep pushing until we get real proof he is safe.
S
Sarah Nichols
19 years ago
Featured
FREE HIM NOW. This is absolutely shameful behavior by a world power.
K
Kevin Snyder
19 years ago
Featured
Human rights matter more than politics.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
help!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
100 signatures.
Your share link
Couldn't copy automatically. Long-press to copy:
Share directly
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
or sign with Email
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Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Just let an independent expert see him already. If he is fine like they say then what are they hiding?