Rights group calls for governments to provide support to Tibetans in exile News
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Rights group calls for governments to provide support to Tibetans in exile

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Monday that governments should provide more support to Tibetans in exile, in a statement marking the 66th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China. On March 10, 1959, Tibetans gathered in Lhasa, to protest against Chinese occupation and protect the Dalai Lama, who was under the threat of assassination. The subsequent repression sent the Dalai Lama into exile, and marked the end of his autonomous Tibetan government.

HRW stressed the violation of human rights in Tibet by the Chinese government may be countered if governments that profess support for the human rights of Tibetans show their support by assisting Tibetan groups worldwide that document rights and report on abuses in Tibet, advocate for Tibetans in international organizations and forums, and help preserve Tibetan culture.

Tibet has historically faced cultural and political oppression by the Chinese government, with multiple violent crackdowns, eventually resulting in the escape of the Dalai Lama from Tibet in March 1959, along with thousands of other Tibetans. Tibetans in exile form a large refugee community, with a majority residing in India, however, further escape for those still residing in Tibet has become increasingly difficult due to stringent border policing policies by China.

The violation of human rights in the region has been denounced by many organizations, including the American Bar Association, which adopted a resolution urging the UN and the US government to investigate the condition of human rights in the area. US has also threatened sanctions against China for its attempts to forcibly assimilate Tibetan children through state-operated boarding schools, and impose Mandarin as a uniform language.

The current administration under Xi Jinping has also majorly restricted freedom of speech, tightened surveillance, and increased detention. Tibetans have also been victims of enforced disappearances and imprisonment, with civil society being almost completely shut down, Tibetan schools being closed promotion of Tibetan culture being policed.

 

 

 

 

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