DHARAMSHALA, September 20: The 79th PEN International Congress has unanimously passed a seven-point resolution on the ongoing “critical situation” inside Tibet. This was announced here by the PEN Tibet Writers Abroad.

The resolution includes an appeal to unconditionally release all imprisoned Tibetan singers, writers and artistes; relaxation of restrictions on Tibetan writers; a probe into the causes of 120 self immolations inside Tibet; and ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and incorporate its provisions into Chinese law, among others.

The resolution was submitted by the delegates of PEN Tibet Writers Abroad whose members Lobsang Choedak and Woser, attended the Congress in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland.

“It was really great to see the members vote in favor of the resolution on Tibet despite Chinese representatives being present during the tabling,” said Woser.

The duo also noted that a copy of the resolution will be submitted to the United Nations, international institutions and various governments and their leaders.

The 79th Pen International Congress between September 9 to 12 was attended by more than 190 delegates from seventy countries including a six member delegation from PEN China.

The Congress elected new executive committee, formed two new branches in India and Myanmar, deliberated on the After Action Report submitted by each PEN branch and discussed freedom of expression and the condition of imprisoned writers around the world.

PEN International was started in London in 1921. Currently, it has 144 branches all around the world. PEN Tibetan Writers Abroad was recognized as a PEN branch in 2002 and presently, it has over 90 members.