Dharamshala: A delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, consisting of parliamentarians Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, and Konchok Yangphel, continued their Europe Tibet Advocacy efforts in Scandinavian countries with engagements in Sweden from 26th to 28th January 2025. They commenced their advocacy in Scandinavia on 23rd January 2025 from Denmark.

The parliamentarians accompanied by the representative and secretary of the Office of Tibet London were seen off from Copenhagen airport by Anders H. Andersen, Chair of the Tibet Support Group on 26th January 2025. Upon their arrival in Stockholm’s hotel, they were received by Lobsang, President of Tibetan association and Mattias Bjornerstdetd, Chair of Swedish Tibet Committee.

In the evening, the Tibetan Association hosted a public gathering at the Yeshin Norbu Centre, where the visiting MPs and the OoT representative addressed the audience. They spoke about the objectives of their visit, the responsibilities of the Tibetan diaspora in supporting the common cause of Tibet, and the importance of nurturing Tibetan youth into responsible members of the community. They also emphasized the need for unity among Tibetans in the face of Chinese oppression. A Q&A session followed, where participants discussed the situation of Tibetan residents in the country, cultural upbringing practices, and the voluntary contributions of Tibetans, among other topics. Later that evening, the Tibetan Association organized a dinner in honor of the visiting MPs. The event was well-attended by many Tibetans, including some who had traveled over 1000 kilometers to participate. The dinner served as an opportunity for productive discussions on the welfare of Tibetans both inside Tibet and in the diaspora.

On 27th January, 2025, they visited and learned about the famous VASA MUSEET (Vasa Museum) in Stockholm, along with about four different historical museums that represent the history, religion, and social conditions of that country. The visit was organised by Swedish Tibet Support Group members Anita Hagelin and Cecilia Darbae. Thereafter, they met with Margareta Cederfelt, MP and Chair of the Swedish Parliamentary Friendship Group for Tibet. During this meeting, the Tibetan Parliament members presented the Parliament’s sovenir and other relevant documents. They mainly discussed the critical situation inside Tibet, including the Chinese government’s repressive measures following the recent earthquake in Thingri and other areas. They also discussed ways to strengthen Tibet support and future participation in the World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet.

MP Cederfelt shared how she has been supporting the Tibet cause and provided guidance on approaches to advocate for Tibet to parliamentarians of free countries, particularly how to appeal to Swedish leaders, and ways to counter China’s oppression in Tibet as well as its pressure on many related countries. Afterwards, they toured the parliamentary halls and surrounding areas. The Office of Tibet London’s Representative and Secretary, along with the two aforementioned Tibet Support Group members, participated in this visit.

A dinner was hosted by the Swedish Tibet Support Group for the three parliament members, there were extensive discussions about their work for Tibet, future development plans, and ways to further strengthen Tibet support. Present at the dinner were Tibet Support Group Chair Mattias Bjornerstdetd, members Anita Hagelin, Cecilia Darbae, Sonia Alves, and Tibet supporter Gunilla Palo Nordlund.

Chaired by MP Maria Stockhaus, the Swedish Parliamentary Friendship Group for Tibet held a meeting in a Swedish Parliament chamber on 28th January, 2025. The meeting was attended by MPs of different political parties including Hanna Gunnarsson MP (Left party), Nima Gholam Ali Pour MP (Sweden Democrats), Björn Söder MP (Sweden Democrats), Jakob Risberg MP (Green Party), Erik Hellsbron MP (Sweden Democrats), and John E Weinerhall MP (Moderate).

The Tibetan Parliamentary delegation presented relevant documents and discussed the state of Tibetan democracy in exile, briefed about the critical situation inside Tibet, and requested support as outlined in their appeal letters. The MPs asked numerous important questions about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, the situation of the Panchen Rinpoche, Tibet’s environmental conditions, and international support for the Tibet cause, which were all addressed. The MPs promised to raise Tibet-related issues in the Swedish Parliament.

The Office of Tibet London’s Representative and Secretary, the President of the Swedish Tibetan Association Lobsang, and the Swedish Tibet Support Group’s Chair Mattias Bjornerstdetd and member Anita Hagelin also attended the meeting.

After successfully completing their advocacy effort in Sweden, they departed at 5:00 PM and arrived in Oslo, Norway at 7:35 PM.