“If…human rights are not acted upon to our satisfaction then we will act.”
Jacques Rogge, IOC President on China, BBC’s Hardtalk, April 2002

December 10th, International Human Rights Day, is a day set-aside to recognize the inherent rights of every individual. The IOC promised in 2001, when they awarded China the 2008 Summer Olympics, that the Games would bring an improvement in the human right situation in China.

In reality, the human rights situation in China and Tibet is growing steadily worse. In the lead up to the Beijing Olympics, Chinese authorities are intensifying their crackdown on freedom of religion, assembly and expression in Tibet.

Just last month in Eastern Tibet, Runggye Adak, a 52 year-old father of eleven, was sentenced to eight years in prison for simply calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

China is clearly a human rights failure. And yet, the IOC remains silent.

But Tibetans and their supporters around the world are speaking out. In the lead up to August 2008, we are shining the spotlight on China’s brutal occupation of Tibet and failed human rights record.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1)      Download and watch SFT HQ’s “Beijing: We are Ready” video and spread the word on UTube/ Flickr/ Facebook/ Hi5/ Blog/
......... website or other social networking site. Screen the film on campus or in your community.

2)      Create your own “Beijing: We are Ready” video, upload it to YouTube, and send the link to tv@studentsforafreetibet.org.

3)      Call on the International Olympic Committee to speak out for Tibet: www.studentsforafreetibet.org/IOC

4) .....Take part in our Text/SMS action.  Text: teamtibet   To: 67463
......... spread the word and tell all your friends, family and colleagues to take action for Tibet by sending a simple text.

5)      Join Team Tibet - a movement of people around the world who believe in freedom and justice for Tibet. Click here to add your .........name to the international list of Team Tibet supporters.

6)      Check out SFT’s stylish line of Team Tibet Gear and spread the world about Team Tibet!

7)      Click here to find out more about SFT’s 2008 Beijing Olympics campaign.