WHAT IS STUDENTS FOR A FREE TIBET (SFT)?


STUDENTS for a FREE TIBET (SFT) New Zealand/Aotearoa (est.1997), is a network of active people with an interest in human rights - particularly autonomy for Tibet. In Dunedin is a Tibetan Community, Buddhist Centre with real live incarnate Lamas (escaped from Tibet under fire to exile in 1959). There is even a Peace Stupa! This is a constant reminder to the SFT Uni of Otago chapter... the living culture of Tibet is "all right here!"

Student activists play a historic role in matters of conscience! SFT members see results from their actions... whatever time and energy always makes a difference. One rule: to abide by the Tibetan's long-standing resolve for non-violent action.

SFT activities can be anything that will raise awareness about Tibet and its vanishing culture, heritage and environment. Writing letters, camping "fasts", info nights, Tibetan food, Market Days, music... "Freedom for Tibet Concerts" are one of our infamous fun-raising activities! 2003 Concert included Tenzin Choegyal, Rhombus, DLT, No Artificial Flavors, The Chills, Ariana Tikao, Zuvuya, Francisca Griffin, the Transients..it was an amazing vibe. The ETHICS of people who chose to get involved and put their name towards the cause of Tibet, shows how important this issue still is in today's world. Usually SFT have one or two concerts a year, expose people to Tibet, fly prayer flags, generally be creative!

History can be "twisted". We are keen for people to investigate, and come to their own conclusions about what is the truth. SFT strongly believe in the peaceful stance taken by the Tibetans, what that means in the world, and encourage as many other businesses and individuals to contribute what they can in support of peaceful resolve and human rights - not war to solve the atrocities.

Tai Chi and Chi Kung classes have been offered by SFT here, with authentic lineages to some of the best Chinese healing systems. It is important to realise to support Tibet, is not anti-China. For Tibetans and Chinese to be able to live in Tibet with equal human rights is the aim. Compassion is important in our world, and as fellow human beings, we hope China can find room for rights not only for Tibetans, but for its own people, maybe even within the Communist system. We feel China has a lot to offer the world, but the deception over Tibet is not truthful, and highlights people's weakness for trade ahead of human rights.

The motivation for the "peaceful liberation" of Tibet in 1950 became clear by 1959, when the invaders tried to assassinate the Dalai Lama, ongoing bloodshed amounting to 1.2 million Tibetans, and destruction of nearly all of Tibet's 6000 Buddhist Monasteries. 16 articles of the UN declaration of Human Rights are in violation since the invasion - and to this day. Minimal improvements have been made, and come at a huge cost. UN has passed resolutions on Tibet. UN's peacekeeping role has been highlighted with recent wars. It seems with Tibet, it has been too easy for countries to ignore the situation. Do we want to lose this rare potential the human animal has, to apply conscience and fix mistakes?

Tibet's environment has suffered dramatically, such as near extinction of many species, flooding downstream also as a result of deforestation, modification of river flows for dams, depletion of virgin resources (and good sources of uranium - we all know what that is used for) which the Tibetans deliberately left where they belonged - in the ground. The unique language, dress, performance and religion are in a state of police controlled oppression. Drapchi Prison - horrific violations. Most of its inhabitants - Tibetan Prisoners of conscience (mainly Monks and Nuns) - saying "Free Tibet!", flying the Tibetan flag, having a picture of the Dalai Lama ... Dunedin Amnesty workers are very active in highlighting the atrocities in this prison.

MAJOR CAMPAIGN: Meet the scariest six year old boy in the whole world! Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised by the 14th Dalai Lama according to the traditional Tibetan system May 1995. Within days the boy, his family and family doctor were abducted and have not been seen since. Chinese Government officials promise he is alive and well but have denied access to the boy to everyone who asks, including UN rights of the Child, Amnesty International, and the Red Cross, and have failed to provide even a photograph to the world to back their claim Around 25th April (Panchen Rinpoche's Birthday) we acknowledge his missing presence, and continue to question the New Zealand Government about what they are doing to enact his release. Meanwhile, Beijing has installed their "own" Panchen Rinpoche.

Get in contact with us - email sftibet.dunedin@clear.net.nz