They asked China to guarantee the rights and access of external observers
International Tibet campaign (ICT)
Ginebra, 28 June 2012 – Government delegations spoke publicly before the UN Human Rights Council about the worsening human rights situation in Tibet today, as part of the point 4 of the Council's agenda (of the 20ª session), “Human rights situations that require the attention of the Council.” The countries that have raised the issue of Tibet were: Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Sweden and the United States. Denmark's statement on behalf of the European Union was also supported by non-EU member countries.: Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, y Liechtenstein.
Governments expressed specific concerns about the current crisis in Tibet, among others:
- Belgium: the severe repression of demonstrations by the Chinese authorities and the self-immolation of 42 Tibetans who feel that their religious and cultural rights are not fully respected;
- Canada: Chinese government policies restrict religious practices;
- Denmark: the deterioration of the situation, especially in Tibetan areas of Sichuan province, and news of mass arrests, followed by self-immolations in Lhasa and elsewhere, as well as reports that the Tibetan Autonomous Region has been closed to foreigners;
- France: acts of desperation, such as the self-immolation of Tibetans.
- Sweden: Heavy-handed measures against Tibetans by Chinese authorities; and
- USA: Chinese government policies that undermine language traditions, religious and cultural.
The governments asked the Chinese government to take action on:
- Denmark and Sweden: ensure that the human rights of people belonging to ethnic minorities, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang, be completely respected, including your rights to freedom of expression, of assembly and of religion or worship, as well as the right to enjoy their own culture and use their own language; and
- Czech Republic: allow unrestricted access to all Tibetan areas for independent monitoring, even by diplomats and journalists.
Tsering Jampa, executive director of the International Campaign for Tibet in Europe, said: “We have seen a significant and timely reaction to the crisis situation in Tibet by delegations during the 20thª session of the UN Human Rights Council. The concerns expressed must now be fully considered by the government of the People's Republic of China, according to its obligations under various international human rights conventions, and act accordingly without delay so that the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people are treated fairly. This has been the urgent matter of the UN Human Rights Council and is now the urgent matter of the Chinese government.-
Tibet office in New York
Email: phuntso@igc.org
