Statement From His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Published: Thursday, 11 December, 2008

I am greatly encouraged by the launching of a Charter '08 by academics, artists, farmers and lawyers in China on the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Their call for political, legal and constitutional reform is admirable.

I personally believe that President Hu Jintao's call for a harmonious society is a laudable initiative that can provide space to the viewpoints being expressed by a growing number of Chinese people. A harmonious society can only come into being when there is trust among the people, freedom from fear, freedom of expression, rule of law, justice and equality.

I would like to urge the Chinese leadership to consider making efforts to bring about unity and stability in a civilized way.

I would also like to take this opportunity to call upon the government of the People's Republic of China to release prisoners of conscience, including Hu Jia, who have been detained for exercising their freedom of expression.

THE DALAI LAMA

Friday, December 12, 2008

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His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Statement From His Holiness the Dalai Lama