China's New Rules Limit Tibetan Children's Cultural and Religious Freedom

In a recent development, Chinese authorities have introduced new measures that significantly restrict the cultural and religious freedoms of Tibetan children. These measures, which began on December 30, coincide with the winter school break in Tibet. The restrictions aim to limit the use of the Tibetan language and reduce participation in religious practices.

Prohibition of Tibetan Language Lessons

One of the key aspects of the new policy is the ban on private Tibetan-language lessons. Students across Tibet, including those in the capital city of Lhasa, are now prohibited from engaging in any extracurricular Tibetan education during the two-month winter break. Instead, the focus is on improving Mandarin skills, with lessons centered on Chinese political education and state-approved content.

Restrictions on Religious Activities

In regions such as Dzoge (Zoige) and Ngaba (Aba) counties in Sichuan province, local authorities have further restricted children's involvement in religious activities. This includes a ban on wearing religious symbols and participating in religious ceremonies. Families are not allowed to take children to monasteries or involve them in any religious practices.

Broader Campaign to Assimilate Tibetan Culture

The new measures are part of a broader campaign to assimilate Tibetan culture into Han Chinese culture. Authorities are particularly focused on eradicating the use of the Tibetan language, viewing it as a barrier to full integration. Tibetan students are now only permitted to engage in academic activities that align with the Chinese government's curriculum, which emphasizes political indoctrination.

Strict Enforcement

Reports from various Tibetan regions, including Golog (Guoluo) in Qinghai province and Kardze in Sichuan, indicate strict enforcement of these policies. Authorities are conducting random checks in residential areas and commercial establishments to ensure compliance, closely monitoring students for any involvement in unauthorized private lessons or religious activities.

These measures are seen as part of an ongoing effort by Beijing to erase Tibetan identity and further integrate Tibet into China's political and cultural framework.