Chemi Lhamo

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Chemi Lhamo is a Tibetan-Canadian human rights activist known for her advocacy on behalf of the Tibetan community. Born in South India, she has dedicated her efforts to promoting Tibetan rights and cultural preservation. [1] As a speaker, Lhamo has addressed international forums, such as the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, where she highlighted issues faced by Tibetans under Chinese governance. [2] She has also spoken at the Oslo Freedom Forum. [3] Lhamo protested the 2022 Winter Olympics that were held in Beijing, China. [4] [5]

Contents

Early life and education

Lhamo was born in South India to Tibetan refugee parents. She later moved to Parkdale, Toronto, Canada, where she attended Parkdale Collegiate Institute [6] and pursued higher education at the University of Toronto Scarborough, studying Neuroscience and Psychology. During her time at the university, she became actively involved in student governance and advocacy. [7]

In 2019, Lhamo was elected President of the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) at the University of Toronto. Her election garnered significant attention due to her Tibetan heritage and activism, leading to some online harassment and threats. [7] [8] Others supported her during this time. [9]

Organizations

Lhamo has been involved with various organizations, including serving on the board of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario and Students for a Free Tibet Canada. She also represented Canada on the International Tibet Network's Steering Committee. [10] She was a board member of the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre. She ran the Centre's Tibetan Youth Alliance Committee. [11]

Government

In 2022, Lhamo ran for the Toronto City Council. [12]

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References

  1. ↑ "Free Tibet". The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  2. ↑ "Dissenting voices face violence due to global inaction, says Tibetan activist at Geneva Summit 2024". Phayul. 2024-05-17. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  3. ↑ "Tibetan activist Chemi Lhamo speaks at Oslo Freedom Forum in Taiwan | Taiwan News | Oct. 18, 2023 19:58". taiwannews.com.tw. 2023-10-18. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  4. ↑ "Tibetan activists announce the "death" of the IOC after brazen collaboration with Chinese government". Free Tibet. 2021-11-26. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  5. ↑ Burack, Emily (2021-12-10). "Young Women Are Leading Calls to Boycott the 'Genocide Olympics'". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  6. ↑ Strader, Matthew (2022-10-21). "URBAN HEROE: Advocating for the community started at a young age for Chemi Lhamo". Toronto.com. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  7. 1 2 "Candidate Profile: Chemi Lhamo, President". The Varsity. 2019-02-05. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  8. ↑ "'China is your daddy': Backlash against Tibetan student's election prompts questions about foreign influence: Chemi Lhamo, 22, got thousands of hateful comments after becoming U of T Scarborough student president". CBC News. Feb 14, 2019.
  9. ↑ "Op-ed: In support and solidarity with Chemi Lhamo". The Varsity. 2019-03-01. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  10. ↑ "All for the Land of Snow: A Story of Tibetan Resilience". Oslo Freedom Forum. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
  11. ↑ "How one woman is helping to empower youth in Parkdale's Tibetan community". CBC News.
  12. ↑ says, Khenrap (2022-10-28). "Tibetan youth leader narrowly misses out on Councillor Elections in Toronto". Phayul. Retrieved 2025-01-18.
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