German MP Anna-Elisabeth von Treuenfels-Frowein Visits Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile | Credit : Tibet (dot) net
Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile recently hosted Anna-Elisabeth von Treuenfels-Frowein, a Member of the Hamburg Parliament in Germany, along with her husband and representatives from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The meeting, held on March 23, 2024, served as a platform to provide comprehensive insights into the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile's evolution, functions, and composition.
During the session, the Deputy Speaker shed light on the dire situation prevailing within Tibet under Chinese occupation. She highlighted the recent mass arrests of over 1000 individuals in Kham Dege for peacefully protesting against the construction of a dam over the Drichu River. This construction project threatens to displace villages and monasteries, sparking concerns over human rights violations. Additionally, attention was drawn to forced DNA collection from Tibetans, the establishment of colonial boarding schools infringing upon Tibetan children's psychological well-being, and various other egregious violations.
Emphasizing the imperative for Western nations, including Germany, to prioritize ethical considerations over economic interests, Deputy Speaker Teykhang underscored the profound significance of safeguarding Tibetan culture, rooted in principles of compassion, non-violence, and co-existence. She urged international support for Tibetans struggling under Chinese repression.
Addressing misconceptions propagated by China regarding Tibetans' identity, Teykhang clarified that Tibetans are not merely an ethnic minority within China but constitute a distinct Tibetan nationality. She called upon parliamentarians to amplify the voices of oppressed Tibetans living under Chinese rule.
The visit also included an observation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile's ongoing session, where the guests were warmly welcomed by the assembly.
Anna-Elisabeth von Treuenfels-Frowein, born in Freiburg (Elbe) in 1962, brings a wealth of experience to her role. A lawyer by training, she pursued studies in Hamburg and Munich before entering politics. Her involvement in various social initiatives and her tenure as a member of the Hamburg state parliament since 2017 reflect her commitment to public service and advocacy for human rights.
The meeting between Deputy Speaker Teykhang and Anna-Elisabeth von Treuenfels-Frowein underscores the importance of international solidarity in addressing the plight of Tibetans and advocating for their fundamental rights amidst ongoing oppression.