The Laogai Research Foundation is teaming up with the Lantos Foundation, the International Campaign for Tibet, and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to host a conference on the China’s forced-labor prison camps in Tibet, focusing on the testimonies of Tibetan survivors of the Laogai. It will be an opportunity to expose the abuse of the Tibetan people by the Chinese Communist government, especially as Tibetan self-immolations continue to make headlines around the world.
More than 30 Tibetans have set themselves afire to protest the Chinese government’s oppressive policies. While all China’s people face human rights abuse, marginalized minorities like the Tibetans suffer the most, as their cries for help are muffled by the Communist Party. Tibetans who try to escape persecution often flee to Nepal, but are turned away because of China’s close ties with the Nepalese government. They are often sentenced to a term in the Laogai – China’s forced labor prison system.
Tibetan Laogai survivors will share their gripping experiences, including Tsewang Dhondup, Tubten Khetsun, Dolkar Kyap, Ghang Lhamo, Jampel Monlam, Ngawang Sangdrol, Lukar Sham. Also speaking will be Rep. Frank Wolf, Rep. Chris Smith, Dalai Lama representative Lobsang Nyandak, ICT President Mary Beth Markey, and ICT Vice President for Special Programs Bhuchung Tsering.
For a complete agenda and speaker biographies, please see our program.
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Rayburn House Office Building, Room B339, 45 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20515
Breakfast and lunch will be served. Please RSVP here.
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Laogai Museum, 1734 20th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009. Please RSVP here.
TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Victims of Communism Memorial, Massachusetts Ave. & New Jersey Ave. NW (two blocks from Union Station). A ceremony to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the memorial’s dedication, with remarks by Members of Congress, Ambassadors, other VIPs, and the presentation of wreaths and flowers from around the world. Light refreshments will be served.
LRF Contacts:
(202) 408-8300 x104, [email protected]
Raymond (English), [email protected]
Gathar Tulku (Tibetan), [email protected]