Chinas New Law Poses Threat to Tibetan Identity: ICT

Washington, July 11: China is intensifying human rights violations in Tibet and is providing legal backing for policies that force people to conform to its culture through a new law. This statement was made by Ryan Fiori, Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).

Fiori expressed concern over the alarming situation in Tibet and urged the governments of the United States and other countries to pressure China to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives.

“The situation inside Tibet is quite serious. Human rights violations by the Chinese government are on the rise,” Fiori stated.

He referred to China’s “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,” which came into effect on July 1. According to him, this law legitimizes policies aimed at undermining Tibet’s distinct identity.

“The Chinese government implemented this law just a few days ago on July 1, which incorporates several of Beijing’s coercive cultural integration policies into Chinese law,” he added.

Fiori pointed out that many aspects of this law contradict China’s own constitution and international human rights commitments.

The ICT has been working to draw global attention to this law, appealing to various governments, the United Nations, and religious leaders to speak out on the issue.

“We have urged governments, the UN, and religious leaders to condemn this law, to inform the world about what China is doing to erase Tibetan identity, and to demand that Beijing change its policies,” he said.

Fiori made these remarks during an event in Washington commemorating the 91st birthday of the Dalai Lama, attended by U.S. officials, diplomats, members of the Tibetan community, civil society representatives, and journalists.

He emphasized the importance of the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion and non-violence in today’s world, where conflicts are prevalent in many regions.

“In the current global and political climate, it is crucial to remember the core ideas of the Dalai Lama’s message. It addresses many challenges faced by different countries, communities, and peoples,” Fiori noted.

He also called for increased international pressure on China, highlighting that the U.S. has been working with the Tibetan movement for many years, with support from both major political parties on this issue.

“We urge the governments of the U.S. and all countries to tell China to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, so that a resolution to the Tibetan issue can be found through negotiation,” he stated.

Fiori emphasized that such discussions should include the long-standing concerns of the Tibetan people, ensuring they receive genuine autonomy and their fundamental rights.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and has since been residing in Dharamshala, India. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts to peacefully resolve the Tibetan issue.

The U.S. established the position of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues under the Tibet Policy Act of 2002, which coordinates U.S. policies regarding Tibet and promotes dialogue between Chinese officials and Tibetan representatives.