From ‘Freedom From Torture’……From ‘Free Tibet’…..
by Bernie Bell - 08:47 on 16 May 2025
From ‘Freedom From Torture’……
Against a backdrop of the far-right rise and scaremongering comments by the Prime Minister, referring to the UK as an “island of strangers”, it’s easy to forget about the people that get caught in the political crossfire.
We know that shameful language like this risks blaming torture survivors and other migrants for the current state of our public services, rather than taking accountability for these political decisions.
Instead of appeasing the likes of Nigel Farage, the Government should be building a humane immigration system – with compassionate asylum process that can make the right decisions quickly – allowing survivors to rebuild their lives in united communities.
How you can help this month:
Welfare Appeal
Forced to get by on a meagre £7 a day, survivors of torture are struggling to make ends meet. Our welfare services step in to help those falling through the cracks in the UK system - but funds for these services are worryingly low.
https://secure.freedomfromtorture.org/page/170519/donate/1
UK Borders Bill
While it takes some welcome steps in repealing some cruel laws, the Bill focuses on punishment rather than protecting those seeking sanctuary in the UK. Our webinar breaks down what you need to know:
https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/news-and-stories/labours-new-immigration-bill?
Upcoming Events:
FEAST 2025
Your chance to join us for a world-class evening of gourmet street food and entertainment, celebrating food and cultures from around the world.
https://feast.freedomfromtorture.org/
Open Gardens
Visit our award winning Sanctuary for Survivors Garden, at our London office on 7th or 8th June. Join us for a walking tour – free for supporters like you!
https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/events/visit-our-sanctuary-garden
Protecting access to justice
Earlier this week, members of UK Special Forces made shocking claims that they witnessed war crimes in Afghanistan – killing of unarmed civilians and children. The allegations come as the ongoing inquiry has heard of attempts to cover up crimes like these.
This news highlights the importance of torture survivors campaigning against dangerous legislation like the Overseas Operation Bill - which would have made prosecution for war crimes like this almost impossible.
Running, running, running
n April, we celebrated 27 fundraising legends who took on the London and Manchester Marathons and London Landmark Half Marathon. Together, they’ve already raised a massive £26,000 for torture survivors and we know you’ll join us in saying a huge THANK YOU to them all.
But the miles don’t end here – on 25th May two teams of runners from our Glasgow Centre will be taking on the Edinburgh Marathon as a relay team! We can’t wait to see how they get on and, if you’ve been inspired by any of our runners, you can take on you own fundraising challenge or chip in to help the Glasgow team reach their fundraising target: “
https://www.justgiving.com/page/scotlandfreedomfromtorturemarathon
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From ‘Free Tibet’….
“17 May 2025 will mark 30 years since the Panchen Lama was abducted and ‘disappeared’ by the Chinese government, just days after being recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama.
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was a 6 year old boy when he was taken from his home in 1995, and he has not been seen since. It is not even known if he is still alive.
For 30 years, Tibetans around the world have been seeking justice, and calling for his safe return. Even in the face of increasing Chinese repression, they do not give up hope of seeing him again.
The CCP feared him, a 6-year-old child, not for his ability, but for his influence.
The Panchen Lama holds a special place in the hearts of the Tibetan people. His relationship with the Dalai Lama is as night and day; in Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is known as the sun, and the Panchen Lama as the moon. Traditionally, the Panchen Lama plays a key role in identifying and educating reincarnations of the Dalai Lama, as well as offering spiritual guidance and direction.
Immediately after Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was ‘disappeared’, the Chinese government installed their own appointed Panchen Lama in a rigged ceremony. Tibetans do not recognise the official candidate as an authentic leader, with Chinese authorities having to artificially inflate the audience at his engagements by paying and coercing people to attend. This young man, known as ‘China’s Panchen’ or ‘fake Panchen’, is now a central figure in China’s cynical plans to control the future succession of the Dalai Lama.
Please join Free Tibet and the Tibetan Community in Britain for a candlelight vigil and peaceful protest for the immediate release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama. We want to convey the clear message that the Panchen Lama is not forgotten, and we do not accept China’s imposter candidate.
The event will take place on Saturday 17th May from 17:00-19:00 outside the Chinese Embassy (Portland Place, W1B 1JL, London).
For 30 years, the Tibetan people have not given up hope for the Panchen Lama, and we will be there to stand alongside and support them in the fight for justice.
Cameron Clark
Digital Lead | Free Tibet
P.S. Have you read the latest article on our website, written by Sonam Topgyal from Tibet Watch?
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