UNHRC 51st Session
Geneva: UN Member States raised concern over China’s systematic repression in Tibet in the ongoing 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. States have highlighted “draconian controls” over freedom of expression and other human rights violations by China, including in Tibet.
States including the United States, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Lithuania and the European Union, on behalf of 27 member states, expressed concern over the situation in Tibet, while bringing the spotlight on human rights violations by China.
The delegate of the United States expressed concern about “serious human rights abuses” committed by China. With regard to Tibet, the United States remains concerned over “severe repression against Tibetans and their distinct religious, linguistic and cultural identity” in Tibet.
Delivering the statement of the European Union, on behalf of the 27 member states, the Czech Republic said the “latest documentations confirm the seriousness of the human rights situation in China”, including in Tibet. The EU urged China to “abide by its obligations under national and international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms for all”, including in Tibet.
Aligning with the EU statement, Denmark is “deeply concerned” by human rights violations by China, including in Tibet. Germany and Lithuania echoed the same concern over the “disturbing” situation in China, including in Tibet.
Furthermore, Sweden remained “deeply” concerned over the human rights situation in China, including in Tibet. Sweden urged China to “respect international law including human rights, especially the right to freedom of expression and the rights of persons belonging to minorities.”
Recalling the report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Form of Slavery Mr Tomoya Obokata, Switzerland expressed concern over arrangements of forced labour by China, including in Tibet. Switzerland said the findings from the report of the Special Rapporteur and that of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights report on Xinjiang indicated that “some of the human rights violations” by China “could constitute crimes against humanity”.
Delegates from Japan, Iceland, Finland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom, along with others continued to remain concerned over human rights violations by China.
– Report filed by Tibet Bureau in Geneva.
