Students for a Free Tibet
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| Founded | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit |
| Location | |
| Fields | Tibetan independence, human rights, religious freedom |
| Website | http://studentsforafreetibet.org |
Students For a Free Tibet is a global grass roots network of students and activists working in solidarity with the Tibetan people for human rights and freedom. The group uses education, advocacy, and nonviolent direct action with the goal of achieving Tibetan independence. SFT advocates self-determination for Tibet because of Tibet's historical status as well as opposing the Chinese government's violation of the Tibetan people's human rights, cultural heritage, environment, language and religion.
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) was founded in 1994 by pro-independence Tibetans, supporters, and students in New York City to use the influence of youth in order to press for human rights and independence in Tibet. Initially, SFT's activities were focused on raising awareness amongst fellow students and young people on campuses and at events such as the 1994 Lollapalooza music tour. Students for a Free Tibet's profile and membership grew with the advent of the Tibetan Freedom Concerts, which provided a vehicle for youth involvement in the Tibetan independence movement.
Currently, SFT is an international network of more than 650 chapters at universities, colleges, high schools and communities in over 100 countries. SFT's International Headquarters remains in New York City. There are also a few satellite offices and organizing hubs; SFT Canada has an office in Toronto, Ontario, SFT India has an office in Dharamsala, India and SFT UK has an office in London.
SFT's campaigns focus on three areas: political, economic and human rights. SFT's political campaigns are focused on generally advocating for Tibetan independence by pressuring both Chinese officials as well as SFT members' government representatives. SFT is well known for high-profile protests against Chinese dignitaries when they visit foreign countries. SFT's human rights campaigns are focused on improving the situation for Tibetans in Tibet by advocating for increased freedoms and rights, and for the release of political prisoners and dissidents. But its website maintains, "When we say 'Free Tibet' we don't just mean, 'Make things better in Tibet.' We mean 'Free the nation of Tibet from Chinese occupation.'"
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