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In Exile

"Non–violent resistance implies the very opposite of weakness. Defiance combined with non-retaliatory acceptance of repression from one's opponents is active, not passive. It requires strength, and there is nothing automatic or intuitive about the resoluteness required for using non–violent methods in political struggle and the quest for Truth." Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi

His Holiness
His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

180 000 Tibetans live in exile as refugees worldwide with limited legal rights.

After violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising on 10 March 1959, H.H. the Dalai Lama and the members of Tibetan government followed by over 80 000 Tibetans escaped Tibet and sougth political asylum in India and neighbouring countries. In exile, His Holiness established a democratic government based in India. The Tibetan Government in Exile (TGiE) has scheduled a 4–point referendum whereby the Tibetans are to choose their future course of action. They are:

  • Middle Way
  • Independence
  • Self–determination
  • Satyagraha (Truth resistance)
His Holiness's policy is the first option, not to seek for independence but for "the Tibetan people to be given the opportunity to have genuine self rule in order to preserve their civilisation and for the unique Tibetan culture, religion, language and way of life to grow and thrive".

The TGiE has a policy of non–violence, dialogue with China to reach genuine Autonomy. Many governments around the world have acknowledged the need for a fair resolution in Tibet but have so far failed to recognise TGiE as legitimate.

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Coalition for Tibet society, University of Bristol Union, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LN