by Phurbu Thinley
Repression of Tibetan people demands NZ government attention – Amnesty
International
New Zealand, June 19: As the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama’s visit to New Zealand comes to an end; Amnesty International has issued a press statement challenging the NZ government “to demonstrate that it is making a genuine diplomatic effort to address the severe persecution of Tibetan people by the Chinese government.”
The NZ PM, Helen Clark, in a bid to avoid a formal meeting with the Dalai Lama, had earlier reportedly said, “On a number of occasions I have raised with Chinese leaders the issue of the treatment of people in Tibet, and I will continue to do so.”
Citing some examples of recent Chinese abuses on Tibetans documented by Amnesty International, the statement demands that the NZ government must address the central issue of the Chinese government’s persecution of the Tibetan people, especially in light of ongoing FTA negotiations between the two governments.
“The New Zealand government should take serious thought before letting or trade or economic interests close their eyes to human rights abuses perpetrated by Chinese authorities, against Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike,” Amnesty International Campaigns Manager, Gary Reese was quoted as saying in the statement.
The statement takes strong note of the Dalai Lama’s expressed anguish that Tibetan culture and language could disappear in next 15 years, if Chinese repression continues.
“Now is an appropriate time for the government to demonstrate their commitment to raising human rights abuses with the Chinese government,” Gary demands.
“Many Tibetans, including Buddhist monks and nuns, continue to be detained or imprisoned for observing their religion or expressing opinions, and Tibetans generally continue to experience severe restrictions on their rights to freedom of religious belief, expression and association. Discrimination in employment continues against Tibetans, and excessive force has been used against Tibetans seeking to flee repression,” Gary was quoted as saying.
The Dalai Lama had, earlier during his trip to Australia, repeatedly warned that without meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people, Tibet along with its culture and tradition could face extinction in just 15 years.
Following is the full text of the Press statement released by the Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand
Dalai Lama leaves, Chinese wrongs remain
Repression of Tibetan people demands NZ government attention
MEDIA RELEASE
19th June 2007
As the Dalai Lama’s visit to New Zealand comes to an end, Amnesty International challenges the New Zealand government to demonstrate that it is making a genuine diplomatic effort to address the severe persecution of Tibetan people by the Chinese government. In whatever capacity the NZ government representatives met with the Dalai Lama, what must be addressed is the central issue of the Chinese government’s persecution of the Tibetan people, especially in light of ongoing FTA negotiations between the two governments.
Amnesty International Campaigns Manager Gary Reese said: “The New Zealand government should take serious thought before letting or trade or economic interests close their eyes to human rights abuses perpetrated by Chinese authorities, against Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike. Now is an appropriate time for the government to demonstrate their commitment to raising human rights abuses with the Chinese government.”
The Dalai Lama frequently speaks out against the treatment of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government, and has recently suggested that Tibetan culture and language will disappear within 15 years if Chinese repression continues.
Gary Reese said: “Many Tibetans, including Buddhist monks and nuns, continue to be detained or imprisoned for observing their religion or expressing opinions, and Tibetans generally continue to experience severe restrictions on their rights to freedom of religious belief, expression and association. Discrimination in employment continues against Tibetans, and excessive force has been used against Tibetans seeking to flee repression.”
Some examples of recent Chinese abuses documented by Amnesty International:
* In September 2006, witnesses saw Chinese border patrol guards shooting at a group of about 70 unarmed Tibetans attempting to reach Nepal. At least one member of the group was confirmed killed, and at least 25 were taken into custody, where they reportedly suffered interrogations and beatings with rubber batons and electric-shock prods.
* Woeser, a leading Tibetan intellectual, had her weblog shut down several times after she raised questions about China’s role in Tibet.
* Sonam Gyalpo, a former monk, was sentenced to 12 year’s imprisonment in mid-2006 for “endangering state security” after the authorities found videos of the Dalai Lama and other “incriminating materials” in his house. His family learned of his trial and sentencing when they tried to visit him in detention.
* Tashi Gyaltsen and four other monks were assigned to between two and three years “re-education through labour” in Xiling, Qinghai province, in February 2005, for publishing a newsletter which contained poems and articles deemed to be politically sensitive.
ENDS
