Closure of Tibetan Language Schools in China Raises Concerns
Closure of Tibetan Language Schools in China Raises Concerns
The Chinese government has been closing privately-owned educational institutes that promote Tibetan language and culture, as part of a broader repression of Tibetan rights. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Jigme Gyaltsen Vocational High School, linked to Ragya Monastery in Qinghai province, was shut down in July 2024. This school had a 30-year history of teaching Tibetan language and culture alongside the Chinese national curriculum.
Humkar Dorje Rinpoche, a senior lama who founded a similar school in 2007, went missing in December 2024, reportedly due to forced disappearance by police. Concerns for his safety arose after another lama, Khenpo Tenpa Dargye, and 20 followers were detained in May. Gonpo Namgyal, a community leader, died shortly after being released from detention, possibly due to mistreatment.
Since 2021, at least five similar schools have been closed without explanation. Tibetan children are now required to attend state schools where education is conducted in Chinese, with Tibetan taught only as a separate subject. This policy contradicts both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Chinese Constitution, which protect the right to education in one's native language.
Reports indicate that Tibetan students in state schools receive political and military training. In January 2023, four UN special rapporteurs expressed serious concerns about China's educational practices in Tibet.
Doubts Revealed
Tibetan Language Schools
These are schools where the main language of instruction is Tibetan, which is the native language of the Tibetan people. They help preserve Tibetan culture and traditions.
Jigme Gyaltsen Vocational High School
This is a specific school in Tibet that focused on teaching vocational skills in the Tibetan language. It was one of the schools closed by the Chinese government.
Crackdown on Tibetan rights
This means the Chinese government is taking strict actions that limit the freedoms and rights of Tibetan people, including their right to use their own language.
Human Rights Watch
This is an international organization that monitors and reports on human rights issues around the world. They are concerned about the situation in Tibet.
Senior lama Humkar Dorje Rinpoche
A lama is a respected teacher in Tibetan Buddhism. Humkar Dorje Rinpoche is a senior religious leader who has reportedly disappeared, raising concerns about his safety.
State schools
These are schools run by the government. In this context, they teach mainly in Chinese, not in Tibetan.
UN rapporteurs
These are experts appointed by the United Nations to investigate and report on human rights issues. They have expressed concerns about the situation in Tibet.
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