Dharamshala: A delegation of Tibet supporters from Estonia, led by Roy Strider, Coordinator of the Tibet Support Group in the Estonian Parliament, visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on December 27, 2024. They met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and toured the parliament hall.

Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was presented with a letter (Christmas card) from Speaker Lauri Hussar of the Estonian Parliament by Strider, along with gifts from MP Juku-Kalle Raid, Chair of the Tibet Support Group in the Estonian Parliament, and from the Parliament of Estonia.

Presenting the letter from the Estonian Speaker, Roy Strider remarked that it was a huge step in their support for the just cause of Tibet. A similar letter from the Estonian Speaker was presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier today during their audience with him, and a similar letter will be presented to Sikyong Penpa Tsering later as well.

During their meeting, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel reflected on his first encounter with Roy Strider, his visit to Estonia, and the ongoing journey in advocating for Tibet. He emphasized the strong and unique relationship between Tibet and Estonia.

Speaking about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message of love, compassion, and kindness, the Speaker highlighted Kashag’s initiative to celebrate His Holiness’s 90th birthday next year as the “Year of Compassion.” He also suggested the possibility of a related initiative or commemoration from the Estonian Parliament or the public to mark this special occasion.

The Speaker then provided an overview of the work undertaken by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, emphasizing how, with the blessing and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the support of India, the USA, Estonia, and other allies, the Central Tibetan Administration has successfully preserved and promoted Tibet’s unique cultural heritage, language, and religion. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the supporters of Tibet in Estonia for their invaluable contributions and appealed for their continued support in the future.

Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, in her address, emphasized that supporting Tibet is a stand for justice and truth. She underscored that their presence at the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration sends a clear message that Tibet is not isolated, as China seeks to portray. She also reaffirmed that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration are not separatists, contrary to China’s claims.

Speaking about the critical situation inside Tibet, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the Chinese government’s practice of forcing Tibetan children into colonial-style boarding schools. This policy deprives them of their birthright to learn their language, culture, and religion, while subjecting them to indoctrination with communist ideology. She emphasized that this systematic effort to Sinicize Tibetan children is causing both psychological and physical harm.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed gratitude to the visiting guests from Estonia for their ongoing support of Tibet and for their visit to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.