In August 2008, the eyes of the world will be focused on China, as it hosts the 2008 Beijing Olympics. But when the opening ceremonies begin, one flag will be missing: the flag of Tibet, the country occupied by China since 1949.
In Tibet today, the Chinese government severely restricts freedom of religion, assembly, education, and speech. Arbitrary arrest and torture are commonplace. Every year, thousands of Tibetans escape on foot across the Himalayas - the highest mountains in the world - in search of freedom.
The Chinese government is using the Beijing Olympics to whitewash its rule in Tibet and its abysmal human rights record in China and abroad. It has staked its international prestige on the 2008 Games, trying to sweep its human rights problems under the carpet.
However, for people of conscience around the world, the Olympics are an unprecedented opportunity to focus a spotlight on China and show the Chinese government that the time has come to negotiate an end to its occupation of Tibet.
The Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay is part of a larger campaign by Tibet organizations around the world to use the Beijing Olympics as a platform to pressure the Chinese government for changes in the human rights and political situation in Tibet. The campaign has been devised by member organizations of the International Tibet Support Network (www.tibetnetwork.org).
Click here to learn more about how you can help make the Olympics act as a catalyst for change in Tibet!
For more information about Tibet, China, and the Olympics, please visit:
Team Tibet, www.teamtibet.org
Race for Tibet, www.racefortibet.org
Students for a Free Tibet, www.freetibet2008.org
Human Rights in China, www.ir2008.org