More than 100 participants joined in a prayer ceremony at the 2/28 Peace Park in Taipei on Sunday, hoping the international community will face up to the human rights condition in Tibet and help Tibetans resist Chinas intimidation.
"The Pray Day for World Peace and Human Rights in Tibet," organized by the Taiwan-Tibet Exchange Foundation, began with several Tibetans playing traditional Tibetan instruments, followed by two monks reading Tibetan scriptures; the atmosphere of the ceremony was solemn and peaceful.

There were many participants wearing "I am Taiwanese and I support the Tibetans independence" T-shirts. A large number of Tibetan monks dressed in traditional attire were present as well.

According to the foundation, the activity of "Pray Day for World Peace and Human Rights in Tibet" made its first stop in Bangkok last Sunday, passing through Cambodia last Tuesday. Taiwan is the third stop of the global prayer activity. The foundation said monks from Japan and Cambodia also took part in the activity to pray for Tibetans who still suffer in their homeland.

Liu Shih-fang （劉世芳）, secretary-general of the foundation, said that democracy, freedom, and human rights, the three values which Taiwan people enjoy, are still out of reach for Tibetans living in China. She added that Taiwan is willing to help Tibetans and share its own experience of pursuing the three values with people in Tibet.

Taiwan Advocates （群策會） Director Chou Mei-li, the host of the ceremony, said that holding the event on the eve of Tiananmen Square Massacre is special in its meaning, as the event could also be taken as a ceremony to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in exchange for freedom and democracy in the bloodshed that took place 18 years ago.

"Chinas suppression of the Tibetan people has risen during the past year. The release of the video footage that showed Chinas military men shooting Tibetans across the borders has generated harsh criticism in the international community," said Chou, adding that the only way to change the situation in Tibet is by rendering support to Tibetans.

In Chouss view, the launch of Qinghai-Tibet Railway last year was another invasion imposed upon Tibetan people. "Through this railway, China can tighten its control and seize Tibetans culture, religion, and economy."

She said that she hopes people in Taiwan can know more about the pain and suffering facing Tibetans and give them assistance with love and mercy.

"Many people in Taiwan associate Tibet with Tibetan prayer beads only, but Tibet is not just about beads," said Sun Yu-lien, chief executive officer of Taiwan Labor Front. He added that yesterdays ceremony is not just held to pray for Tibetans, but is also a call for the public to support and speak for oppressed Tibetans.

The prayer ceremony ended with monks from international circles reading prayers and Tibetans singing their national anthem.