Tibet Lobby Day 2024

Tibet Lobby Day is an annual event where Australia Tibet Council (ATC) takes Tibetans to meet with their representatives in Parliament to talk about different issues concerning the Tibetan-Australian diaspora communities living in Australia.

We strive to make human rights issues in Tibet an important part of Australia’s relationship with China. We do this by engaging our political leaders and ensuring the voices of Tibetan communities in Australia are heard.

This year’s will be the 13th Tibet Lobby Day organised by ATC. Our delegation travelled to Canberra in September to talk to their Representatives about what’s important to them – Freedom in Tibet.

Meet Our Delegates

My name is Nyidon, I am a daughter of former political prisoner. I was born in Tibet and came to exile in 2006. I came to Australia in 2016 under the humanitarian visa and reside in Queensland. I am currently a cultural executive member for the Queensland Tibetan community.

I am participating in this year’s Tibet Lobby Day because I wanted to share my personal story and learn from people with similar experiences as me. My father suffering as a political prisoner in Chinese-occupied Tibet, has had a huge impact and affect different aspect of my life. My father and I, we’ve always wanted share the Tibet cause to the wider Australian community and people in power.

I grew up in Tibet and came to Australia at the age of 12. My father was imprisoned when I was 4 months old and escaped shortly after. He was hunted down so they had left Tibet for India, however, I was too young to travel through the dangerous mountains and border security so I was left behind with my extended family.

I grew up under the CCP’s oppression and experienced first hand of their attempts to destroy Tibetan language and culture. I am currently in Newcastle NSW, serving as a volunteer language and dance teacher. I am studying Masters of primary teaching and looking forward to learn how I can contribute.

I was born in Golok, in the Amdo region of Tibet. At 15, I became a monk and studied for several years at Serta Larung Gar, one of the largest Buddhist monastic universities in the world.

In 2008, sporadic peaceful protests occurred across Tibet in defiance of Chinese repression and the colonisation of Tibet. During one such protest, I removed the Chinese flag at the local Chinese authority’s office and hoisted the Tibetan national flag—a bold act of defiance in Tibet, where possession of the Tibetan flag can result in harsh prison sentences.

In retaliation, the Chinese authorities placed a bounty of 100,000 Yuan for information leading to my capture. To avoid arrest, I fled and hid in the remote mountains for months before escaping to India. I was later granted a humanitarian visa to Australia in 2016.

I am the son of a Tibetan refugee and was born and raised in Australia. Despite being only half Tibetan, I am deeply engaged with and passionate about Tibetan culture and community.

I am Dadon. I came from Tibet at a very young age. I did my schooling at the Tibetan Children’s Village in Gopalpur and Selakui-model school.

After completing double BA in Tibetan studies at Sarah Tibetan college and Delhi University, worked as Research and Translation Officer at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

I have joined the Tibetan community in Australia recently in 2024.

Tashi Delek, My name is Norzin and I’m a Tibetan refugee born in exile. I grew up in Dharamsala India and moved to Australia at the age of 12.

I am deeply committed to engaging with the local community, sharing my culture and the untold stories of my people with the diverse multicultural community in Australia.

I formally started my advocacy journey through V-TAG (Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group) where I’m currently the National Coordinator for V-TAG Australia. As the voice for Tibetans in Tibet, I am dedicated to advocating for the Tibet’s cause by creating awareness of the deteorating situation in Tibet and strengthening international support. I also prioritise preserving our language and culture by reconnecting the youth in diaspora with their Tibetan identity and heritage.

I am an Australian Tibetan, born in India. First came to Australia in 2015 with both my parents as a 14 year old. I graduted high-school in 2019 and currently doing my bachelors in Biomedical science.

I currently have the opportunity to serve as a coordinator for the Tibetan youth group – Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (VTAG) Australia, and work as a health practitioner as part time while finishing my further studies.

I am a Tibetan refugee born in the Northern India. I believe every Tibetan born after 1959 is born an activist therefore I always try my best to advocate for the cause of my country always having a hope in my heart to see my family members who I haven’t seen before.

I am currently studying Journalism and Politics and International Relations. Through this I hope I can cover stories on how Tibetans inside Tibet are suffering under the hands of the cruel CCP. I hope to be the voice for not just Tibet but all other nations whose stories are being covered under the CCP money.

Tashi Delek, My name is Tenzin Pema, and I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree as a first-year student. I was born and raised in India, and I moved to Australia with my family when I was 8 years old. My parents, who both fled Tibet to India as refugees when they were young, instilled in me a deep understanding and commitment to advocating for Tibet’s cause. Growing up in a family that was actively involved in the Tibetan community, working towards the cause and advocating for Tibet, I was constantly surrounded by stories of resilience and the ongoing struggle for our homeland, which profoundly shaped my sense of identity and purpose.

Today, as a young Tibetan-Australian, I am very dedicated to raising awareness about Tibet’s issues and working towards a free Tibet. I believe that by educating others and advocating for our cause, we can make a meaningful difference in the pursuit of justice and freedom for Tibet. I am honoured to be one of the delegates at Tibet Lobby Day 2024 and to continue the work that my family has long been committed to.

My name is Kunga and I’m from the Victoria Tibetan Community. At a young age I moved here to Australia and ever since, have lived here. After recently graduating University, I now pursue a career in the financial industry. Over the years, I have been contributing to community events in hope to inspire those younger than me in the Tibetan community to always be connected with their heritage and culture.

Tashi Delek and Hello, My name is Zomkyi, I am an Australian-born Tibetan and the proud daughter of refugee parents. I am a first-year university student majoring in International Relations and a volunteer member of Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) Australia.

Learning my parents’ story, the stories and sufferings of many other Tibetans as well as hearing the recent humanitarian crimes occurring in Tibet, strengthens me as a Tibetan-in-exile to strive in Tibetan advocacy and also build a responsibility to listen to other oppressed stories from differing ethnicity groups.

I look forward to initiating and building discussions on the inhumane violations committed against the Tibetan population in Tibet, and how Australian politicians can further politically support the Tibetan movement.

I’m a second generation refugee, I was born in India Himchal Pradesh Dharamshala. I came to Australia when I was two years old with my parents. Currently I’m a second year student in University, I’m completing a degree in media, culture and communications majoring in social media and public relations as well as a major in sociology.

I’m an active participant in community events including MCing in cultural events and being a part of Tibetan dance groups.

I am Bhuti, currently studying Diploma of business. I was born in India and lived there until I was 13 before relocating to Australia in 2016. Since childhood, I’ve been deeply passionate about the Tibetan cause. However, as I grew older, my focus shifted, and my interest waned as I became preoccupied with other things. But now I’ve realized that simply shouting “Free Tibet” isn’t enough. I understand that to make a real impact, I need to actively work towards change and fight for the Tibetan cause.

Hello, I’m Tenzin Chozom, I’m a first-year student pursuing my bachelor’s degree in the medical field. Born and raised in India, I moved to Australia with my family when I was 8 years old. My parents, both Tibetan refugees who fled to India in their youth, have instilled in me a deep commitment to advocating for Tibet’s cause. Growing up in a family actively involved in the Tibetan community, I was constantly surrounded by stories of resilience and the ongoing struggle for our homeland. These experiences have profoundly shaped my identity and sense of purpose.

As a young Tibetan Australian, I’m dedicated to raising awareness about Tibet’s issues and working towards a free Tibet. I believe that through education and advocacy, we can make a meaningful difference in the pursuit of justice and freedom for Tibet. I’m honored to be one of the delegates at Tibet Lobby Day 2024, continuing the work my family has long been committed to.

Born in Tibet to a former political prisoner, Pema fled Tibet at the age of six. She was raised and educated at the Tibetan Children’s Village school in India. She moved to Canberra in 2015 through the Humanitarian program and pursued higher education at the Australian National University. She joined the Australian Public Services and is currently working as an Economic Analyst. She has been an active member of the ACT Tibetan Community since arriving in Canberra and has also served in the Executive Committee from 2021 – 2023.

I was born in India and moved to Australia in 2005 where I grew up amongst the NSW Tibetan Community. I am also a member of the Tibetan youth group, Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (VTAG).

My name is Zomkyi and I am a child of Tibetan refugees. I was born in India and came to Australia when I was two years old and grew up in Sydney.

Currently, I’m working as a Dental Nurse but want to further my studies in dentistry at University.

I was born in Delhi, India, and spent my early years in Dharamsala, before moving to Australia when I was five. Growing up, I navigated both the local Australian culture and my Tibetan heritage, which has deeply influenced my sense of identity and purpose. My early experiences in Dharamsala fostered a strong connection to my roots and a commitment to the Tibetan cause.

Currently, I going to University, where I remain committed to advocating for Tibetan rights and cultural preservation. My passion for Tibet drives me to engage actively in community efforts and awareness campaigns, aiming to highlight the cultural heritage of Tibet and the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetans in Tibet. Through my advocacy, I hope to strengthen the global understanding of Tibet’s unique identity and the need for its cultural and human rights.

I moved to Australia when I was 7 years old, after my parents were imprisoned for their political beliefs. Growing up in Sydney, I’ve always been deeply connected to my Tibetan heritage and committed to supporting my community. Over the years, I’ve been actively involved in organising sporting events and promoting youth inclusion, which has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also participated in two lobby days and am looking forward to another successful one in the near future.

Currently, I serve as the Sydney regional coordinator for Vtag Australia, where I continue to advocate for Tibetan causes and community engagement. I also had the privilege of serving as a committee member for the Tibetan community from 2021 to 2022, during which I contributed to various initiatives aimed at strengthening our community ties.

Action: Help end the impunity for Human Rights abuses in Tibet

This Tibet Lobby Day, Tibetan community delegates and the Australia Tibet Council are asking the Australian Government to hold the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials responsible for Human Rights violations in Tibet to account.

We are asking for your support. Send your email to Foreign Minister Penny Wong today.

This action is now complete.

Tibet Lobby Day over the years