Latest news with #DalaiLama
Japan Forward
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Tibet in Focus as Global Lawmakers Convene in Tokyo
Lawmakers and experts from 29 countries gathered in Tokyo from June 2 to 4 for the 9th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet (WPCT). The event concluded with the adoption of the "Tokyo Declaration." A forceful rebuke of China's policies in Tibet, it calls for international legislative action to safeguard the region's culture, environment, and religious freedom. This was the first time Japan hosted the convention, reaffirming its growing voice in regional human rights diplomacy. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, the world's largest such group, jointly organized the convention. Coinciding with the upcoming 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in July, the timing and venue carried symbolic weight. At the heart of the Tokyo Declaration lies a stern condemnation of the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing efforts to forcibly assimilate Tibetans into Han Chinese culture. Lawmakers denounced the widespread use of colonial-style boarding schools, where over a million Tibetan children are reportedly separated from their families. These schools impose Mandarin-language curricula, erasing Tibetan cultural and religious identity. The declaration also reaffirmed that Tibet was historically an independent nation prior to its annexation by China in 1950. It explicitly rejected Beijing's narrative that Tibet has always been an inseparable part of China, calling it a "false claim" designed to legitimize authoritarian rule and suppress calls for autonomy. The 24-point statement urged global legislatures to adopt pro-Tibet resolutions, resist Chinese disinformation, and support the CTA, often referred to as Tibet's government-in-exile. One of the most sensitive topics discussed was the question of the Dalai Lama's succession. The declaration emphasized that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is solely a religious matter that must remain free from Chinese political interference. Delegates voiced concern that Beijing, by trying to appoint its own state-approved successor to the Dalai Lama, is attempting to undermine Tibetan Buddhism and use that control to legitimize its rule over Tibet. Chinese police patrol in front of the Potala Palace in Tibet's capital Lhasa in a file photo. (Radio Free Asia via Central Tibetan Administration) Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile addressed these concerns. "If Tibet is truly a model of harmony and development as Beijing claims, then show it to the world. Let truth speak for itself," she declared. In the face of growing surveillance and suppression, she praised the courage of Tibetan youth like Namkyi. A Tibetan activist and former political prisoner, Namkyi was arrested at age 15 for peacefully protesting Chinese rule in Tibet. After enduring years of imprisonment and torture, she escaped to India. Now, she speaks out internationally about human rights abuses under Chinese occupation. "Her bravery is not just a story of resistance," Teykhang said. "It's a call to the whole of humanity." The choice of Tokyo as host city was both strategic and symbolic. Japan, as a stable democracy and a Buddhist-majority country, has shown increasing interest in Tibet-related human rights issues. In 2024, several Japanese prefectural assemblies passed resolutions in support of Tibet, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, and Hong Kongers. "Japan values peace, the rule of law, and nature. Tibet does too," said Eriko Yamatani, Chairperson of the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet. She noted that Tibet's ecological significance, home to the headwaters of Asia's ten major rivers, makes its protection a global imperative. "This land sustains 1.8 billion people across Asia," she warned. "Protecting its environment transcends borders." Participants hailed Japan's hosting of the WPCT as a milestone that would strengthen Japan-Tibet ties and reinvigorate global support for Tibetan self-determination. Delegates from communities also facing Chinese repression, such as Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, and Southern Mongolians, attended the convention, reinforcing a broader alliance of victims of Chinese authoritarianism. The convention revived the International Network of Parliamentary Agents on Tibet to coordinate joint efforts, and also called for enhanced cooperation with groups like the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). "The issues we face, religious suppression, forced assimilation, and environmental devastation, are interconnected," Teykhang said. "A threat to human dignity in one corner of the world echoes across all borders." In addition to the Tokyo Declaration, the WPCT adopted an Action Plan that outlines concrete steps for national parliaments and international institutions. These include: Promoting legislation to counter CCP narratives. Protecting Tibetan diaspora communities from Chinese interference. Advocating for Tibet's inclusion in climate and biodiversity frameworks. Encouraging direct political support for the CTA and Tibetan civil society. The convention also adopted a resolution celebrating the Dalai Lama's lifelong advocacy for nonviolence, pluralism, and interfaith dialogue. Participants pledged to honor his 90th birthday on July 6 as a global "Year of Compassion." Still, challenges remain. A recent cut in United States government aid to the Tibetan exile community has raised concerns about the sustainability of its political institutions. CTA President Penpa Tsering noted that while financial setbacks were difficult, they would not derail the movement. "We are diversifying our funding sources, and we look to Japan and other allies for support," he said. CTA President Penpa Tsering. June 3, at the First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives (©Sankei by Shimpei Okuhara). As the curtains closed on the three-day convention, the mood was both solemn and resolute. "We have not just shared pain," Teykhang said in her final remarks. "We have forged purpose." Author: Daniel Manning
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dr Martens profits slump by more than 90%
The maker of an iconic brand of footwear have seen its profits fall by more than 90% in the last year. Dr Martens, based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, posted pre-tax profits for the year to March of £8.8m. The figure for the previous year was £93m The company said UK revenues had been hit by "a challenging market". The Dr Martens design originated in Germany in the 1940s and production started in the UK in 1959, when the Northamptonshire-based Griggs Group bought the patent rights. The familiar yellow-stitched boots, made at the factory in Cobbs Lane, Wollaston, have been bought by famous names from the Sex Pistols to the Dalai Lama. The company has been in the doldrums in recent years, with declining revenues exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis. Underlying profits in the year to March, which do not include anything exceptional or non-recurring, have dropped from £97.2m to £34.1m. The group said sales to consumers in the US started to grow in the second half of the year and had continued to increase, but UK revenues had remained lower since the year-end "due to a challenging market". Despite this, Dr Martens said it expected underlying profits to rise "significantly" over the financial year ahead, with analysts expecting a jump to between £54m and £74m. It flagged uncertainty over the impact of higher tariffs, including those imposed by the USA, but said it was holding off from price hikes for the the remainder of 2025. The group added: "We do recognise that there is continued macroeconomic uncertainty and the full outcome of tariffs is still unknown, and we will monitor this closely through the year and take action as appropriate." Dr Martens said it launched a new strategy on Thursday, which had been "very well-received by the market, with the share price up approximately 24% at market close". It added the company also beat market expectations across its key financial metrics. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Dr Martens take steps towards financial recovery Dr Martens shares plunge after profit warning Dr Martens kickstarts plan to join stock market Dr Martens PLC
BBC News
15 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Wollaston-based Dr Martens profits slump by more than 90%
The maker of an iconic brand of footwear have seen its profits fall by more than 90% in the last Martens, based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, posted pre-tax profits for the year to March of £ figure for the previous year was £93mThe company said UK revenues had been hit by "a challenging market". The Dr Martens design originated in Germany in the 1940s and production started in the UK in 1959, when the Northamptonshire-based Griggs Group bought the patent familiar yellow-stitched boots, made at the factory in Cobbs Lane, Wollaston, have been bought by famous names from the Sex Pistols to the Dalai company has been in the doldrums in recent years, with declining revenues exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis. Underlying profits in the year to March, which do not include anything exceptional or non-recurring, have dropped from £97.2m to £ group said sales to consumers in the US started to grow in the second half of the year and had continued to increase, but UK revenues had remained lower since the year-end "due to a challenging market". Despite this, Dr Martens said it expected underlying profits to rise "significantly" over the financial year ahead, with analysts expecting a jump to between £54m and £ flagged uncertainty over the impact of higher tariffs, including those imposed by the USA, but said it was holding off from price hikes for the the remainder of group added: "We do recognise that there is continued macroeconomic uncertainty and the full outcome of tariffs is still unknown, and we will monitor this closely through the year and take action as appropriate." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hans India
a day ago
- General
- Hans India
Dalai Lama urges peaceful dialogue with China
Dharamshala The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported that His Holiness the Dalai Lama's message for the convention was delivered in Tokyo by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile during the opening session of the ongoing 9th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet. According to the CTA report, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his message, 'The support of people's representatives is something that I particularly value and is of enormous significance to us Tibetans,' while extending greetings to all the attending parliament members from many nations. 'Today, the world is going through very challenging times. Sadly, there seems to be no end in sight to the use of violence in settling problems and disputes between nations and even between opposing groups within individual countries. History shows that violence only breeds more violence. We must therefore make concerted efforts to resolve problems and disputes through dialogue in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding. We Tibetans are committed to seeking a mutually acceptable solution with a peaceful, non-violent path to achieve freedom and dignity for the Tibetan people,' stated CTA report. The message continued, 'The spirit of Tibetans in Tibet remains firm like a mountain. Their dedication to our cause is strong, unwavering, and determined as it is based on truth and justice. I am hopeful that the Chinese people will recognise this. Ours is the peaceful struggle of a people with their language, profound philosophy, and rich culture. Tibetan Buddhism is a complete form of Buddhism based on reasoning and logic. It is a tradition that preserves and develops the pure teaching derived from the historic Indian University of Nalanda. Central to this is the cultivation of compassion and concern for the welfare of all being,' as quoted by the CTA report. The message also emphasises how Buddhism is becoming more and more popular among Chinese people, who acknowledge it as an essential component of their spiritual history. His Holiness has also acknowledged the importance of Buddhist philosophy and psychology in modern research and the increasing interest of scientists in these fields. The message emphasised the value of education that fosters both intellectual and emotional growth and recognised His Holiness' genuine support of programs like social and emotional learning instruction in schools. In the pursuit of a better future, His Holiness stated, 'I hope that over time, we will be able to incorporate such human values as kindness and integrity into mainstream education curricula,' according to the CTA report. His Holiness concluded by expressing gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support of the Tibetan people's noble struggle. 'I think the truth will win out in the end,' the CTA report emphasised.
Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Kite surfer's 30ft jump — and more news in pictures
Andrew Shield making beer at the family-owned World Top Brewery in Driffield, East Yorkshire TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES GLOSSOP Steve Wheeler, 76, has the largest collection of milk bottles in the UK, having amassed more than 26,000 since the 1980s. He recently admitted he hates milk and hasn't had a glass in 65 years EMMA TRIMBLE/SWNS The Greek army's Apache helicopters send vegetation whirling during a US-led military exercise in Petrochori, northern Greece THANASSIS STAVRAKIS/AP Camels and sheep at a livestock market before the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha — the Feast of Sacrifice — in Tripoli, Libya XINHUA/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK The Dalai Lama, 89, presides over an event in Dharamshala, India, during which exiled Tibetans gathered to pray for his long life ASHWINI BHATIA/AP The actor Hugh Jackman greeted fans and signed autographs outside Minetta Lane Theatre in New York before riding away on a bicycle BAUER-GRIFFIN/GC IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES Sun conures, also known as sun parakeets, huddle close together at Bird Gardens Scotland in Oxton PHIL WILKINSON Runners compete in the inaugural Annapurna Marathon in Myagdi, Nepal, marking 75 years since the first ascent of the world's tenth-highest peak PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES ATTILA KOVACS/EPA ZHOU SHEGEN/XINHUA/ALAMY ROBERT HUGHES/DEVON SEA SAFARI/BNPS Mexican women in traditional attire attend Pope Leo's weekly general audience in St Peter's Square, Vatican City FABIO FRUSTACI/EPA Inmates compete in a boxing tournament at the Central Prison in Sofia, Bulgaria VASSIL DONEV/EPA Dua Lipa performs at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, the Netherlands KRISTY SPAROW/ABA/GETTY IMAGES A photographer is photographed in front of Where Am I Now?, by the Cypriot artist Maria Loizidou, in Liverpool Cathedral, part of the Liverpool Biennial, Britain's largest free contemporary arts festival
