Geneva – 15 countries expressed serious concern about human rights violations in Tibet, including 'the detention of Tibetans for peacefully expressing their political views, restrictions on travel, coercive labour arrangements, the separation of children from their families in boarding schools and the erosion of linguistic, cultural, educational and religious rights and freedoms in Tibet'.
Australia and Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Lithuania, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America released a joint statement on the human rights situation in East Turkestan and Tibet, during the United Nations General Debate in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 22, 2024.
The statement was delivered by His Excellency Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations on behalf of the above 15 countries. The Ambassador James Larsen said, "I have the honour of delivering this joint statement on behalf of the following countries Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Lithuania, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, and my own country, Australia. These countries are all committed to universal human rights and have ongoing concerns about serious human rights violations in China."
Ambassador added by saying, 'We are also seriously concerned about credible reports detailing human rights abuses in Tibet, these including the detention of Tibetans for the peaceful expression of political views; restrictions on travel; coercive labour arrangements; separation of children from families in boarding schools; and erosion of linguistic, cultural, educational and religious rights and freedoms in Tibet'.
"China has had many opportunities meaningfully to address the UN's well-founded concerns. Instead, China labelled the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment as 'illegal and void during its Universal Periodic Review adoption in July," the joint statement said.
"We urge China to uphold the international human rights obligations that it has voluntarily assumed, and to fully implement all UN recommendations including from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment, Treaty Bodies and other United Nations human rights mechanisms. This includes releasing all individuals arbitrarily detained in both Xinjiang and Tibet, and urgently clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing family members," the statement of 15 countries said.
The Ambassador said, "Transparency and openness are key to allaying concerns, and we call on China to allow unfettered and meaningful access to Xinjiang and Tibet for independent observers, including from the UN, to evaluate the human rights situation. No country has a perfect human rights record, but no country is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations".
Following this joint declaration by 15 countries, Tibetan activists and Tibet supporters stressed the importance of this declaration and urged members of the United Nations to hold Chinese officials accountable for their crimes against Tibetans inside Tibet in a more concrete way.
Lhadon Tethong, Director of Tibet Action: “This damning joint statement at the UN General Assembly’s 3rd Committee demonstrates grave global concern over the Chinese government’s war on Tibetan identity, including Beijing’s system of colonial boarding schools where an estimated one million Tibetan children, some as young as four, are being forcibly assimilated. The statement amplifies similar concerns raised at China’s January 2024 review by the UN Human Rights Council and shows Beijing can’t conceal its crimes against Tibetans. Now these states should focus on holding Chinese officials accountable.”
Pema Doma of Students for a Free Tibet said: “Despite China’s relentless crackdown in Tibet, the Tibetan people have persevered in speaking out and fighting for their fundamental rights. This unprecedented joint statement shows that governments are paying attention and can hear their voices. Here we see the international community has a choice: to either stand together on the right side of history by taking action to protect Tibetan children and Tibet’s ancient identity and way of life or be complicit in China’s erasure and decimation of Tibet. This statement is a powerful sign that governments will do the right thing and that grassroots advocacy can make a difference."
Gloria Montgomery of Tibet Advocacy Coalition said: “We urge all UN member states to pay heed to this landmark development, echo these vital calls, and stand in unwavering solidarity with the Tibetan people. The systemic violations in Tibet demand our continued scrutiny and accountability. For years, UN treaty bodies and experts, along with civil society, have documented these violations, making them impossible to ignore. UN member states are finally awakening to the urgent warnings about the crisis unfolding in Tibet.”
Mandie McKeown of International Tibet Network: “After a hiatus at the UN General Assembly, Tibet is finally being brought into this important multilateral forum with a bang. This strong joint statement is not only necessary in the push for China’s accountability but also for Tibetans who continue to resist China’s illegal rule and severe repression of rights. It also acts as a reminder that the struggle of the Tibetan people has not gone unnoticed, and an influx of hope will support Tibetans continued push for freedom. It is essential that this momentum continues.”
