Janet Rice

My regular reminder to remember that that no matter how awful the US and Israel are China is also an authoritarian human rights denying oppressive state.

‘She didn’t realise how dangerous it was’: London-bound student held in China over Tibet support Zhang Yadi was due to begin a degree in the UK but the activist vanished on holiday amid tensions over Dalai Lama

Arc’teryx, global outdoor clothing brand, partnered with Chinese Communist Party-affiliated pyro-technician to explode massive fireworks in the remote and extremely fragile environment of Shigatse in occupied-Tibet. Arc’teryx has displayed a lack of sensitivity towards Tibet’s fragile ecosystem and Tibet’s ongoing conflict with China. The company’s irresponsible action demonstrates it does not comprehend the grave human rights crisis in Tibet under Chinese occupation, which includes denying Tibetans the right to their ancestral lands such as the mountains of Shigatse. The pyro-technician behind the fireworks, Cai Guo-Qiang, is closely associated with the Chinese Communist Party. He delivered a similar display during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a period of intense crackdown on human rights in Tibet. He is known to emphasise Chinese Communist Maoist themes in his displays. Arc’teryx has since apologised and clarified their explosives “used entirely biodegradable materials”, according to a BBC article. Arc’teryx has said it would work to mitigate the “social impacts of this event”. We ask Arc’teryx to acknowledge Tibet is not part of China and to commit to working for freedom for Tibet. #freetibet #arcteryx

I’m about to head off at a rehearsal with my string quartet. The very first time I’ve played in a string quartet! We are a group from the Newport Strings who together with others are playing a concert on 13 September.
I was just thinking about the privilege I have to play music with others and thought of Gaza of course. And found this beautiful article.

Gaza's young musicians sing and play in the ruins of war Amid the chaos of war in Gaza, a different sound rises—music. These sounds, emerging from makeshift music classes and impromptu concerts, are the work of the Edward Said Conservatory of Music.

The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, tens of thousands of people have already died. Millions are trapped, starving, and denied essential aid. Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

Our government must take decisive action NOW:
- On holding Israel accountable for their violations on International Law.
- On discontinuing supply of parts to F-35 that are being used in the military bombardment in safe zones of Gaza.

They remain complicit in all our names.
I refuse to accept this,
I refuse to be a bystander.

That's why I say, , Not In My Name.

Sign Oxfam Australia’s open letter calling for urgent action: a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access, and accountability and tell the Australian Government, Not In My Name.



Photo Leon Rice-Whetton