27 March 2008
Tibetan exile parliament seek UNHCR investigation
(AP; Phayul) The speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile says the UNHCR should conduct an independent inquiry into the recent unrest in Tibet. Karma Chophel says he wants the UNHCR to hold a special meeting on the situation in Tibet because it is the duty of the body to intervene to stop rights abuses taking place there. Chophel spoke at the UN in Geneva as he was seeking support from the 47 council members. He said the protests in Tibet are increasing with Chinese repression leading to many monks and nuns committing suicide. One-third, or 16, of the council's members are needed to hold a special meeting. Western nations supportive of Tibetans have seven seats on the council.