China’s forced relocation policy on Tibetans has raised serious concerns regarding human rights violations. Chinese government officials have been using extreme pressure and coercion to relocate rural Tibetans to new locations, often hundreds of kilometers away. Despite claiming that the relocations are voluntary, official media reports contradict this claim. Residents who refuse to move face serious repercussions, including threats and punishment. Chinese officials have been using tactics such as repeated home visits, denigrating the villagers’ ability to make decisions, and banning criticism to obtain consent for relocation. These coercive tactics violate international human rights standards that protect individuals from forced evictions.
The international community has expressed growing concern about China’s forced relocation policy on Tibetans. During China’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle, 21 countries raised serious concerns about human rights violations in Tibet and made recommendations for improvement. The statements by these member states brought attention to China’s repression of cultural and religious rights in Tibet. Several countries called for the release of arbitrarily detained Tibetans, the abolition of colonial boarding schools that separate Tibetan children from their families and culture, and unhindered access for UN representatives to Tibet. Calls for compliance with international human rights laws and cultural preservation have been made, urging the Chinese government to cease its assimilationist practices that undermine Tibetan identity and way of life.
The UN Human Rights Council has also been urged to undertake an independent investigation into human rights violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet. The report by Human Rights Watch provides evidence of widespread violations and calls for an expert review of existing policies and practices to ensure compliance with Chinese laws, international law, and standards concerning forced evictions. The international community has a role to play in pressuring the Chinese government to respect the rights of Tibetans and allow them to express their concerns regarding relocation policies without fear of reprisals.
As Rights Defenders, we believe that the growing international attention and condemnation of China’s policy of forced relocation of Tibetans calls for an urgent need for the Chinese government to review its policies and practices. The long-established villages and their residents should be protected from coerced relocation, respecting their rights and preserving their cultural heritage. It is crucial for future actions to be based on comprehensive and independent reviews, ensuring the compliance of Chinese laws with international human rights standards. The Chinese government must demonstrate its commitment to respecting the rights of all ethnic groups, including Tibetans, and work towards a more inclusive and culturally diverse society.
Source:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/22/tibet-mass-relocations-tibetans-not-voluntary
