UN, EU, and Tibetan Administration Condemn China’s Enforced Disappearances in Tibet
The United Nations, the European Union, and the Central Tibetan Administration have jointly expressed their concerns over the ongoing enforced disappearances in the Tibetan region by China. They strongly condemned the Chinese government’s practice of torture and ill-treatment of Tibetans in custody.
According to the statement, each year, Chinese authorities arbitrarily arrest several Tibetans, including religious and community leaders, writers, musicians, and activists, for expressing their Tibetan national identity and opposing repressive policies. Many of these individuals face prison sentences based on false charges, and some remain unseen and unheard of.
The statement highlighted that enforced disappearances are a crime against humanity and violate international law. Despite being a UN member, China has consistently disregarded international human rights standards in its treatment of Tibetans and other nationalities under its control.
One of the most prominent cases is the abduction of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, in 1995 when he was just six years old. Despite numerous interventions by UN bodies, China has not provided credible information about his whereabouts for the last 29 years.
This year, several Tibetans have disappeared after being detained by Chinese authorities for various reasons, including peaceful protests and publishing books. Notable cases include Phuntsok, Pema, Samten, Zomkyi, Tamdin, and Lobsang Thabkhey, whose fates remain unknown.
Another significant case is the arbitrary arrest of Gendun Lhundup in 2020, with his whereabouts still unknown after more than three years. The impact of enforced disappearances extends to the victims’ families, who suffer from the uncertainty and lack of information about their loved ones.
Recently, the tragic death of Phude, a 53-year-old Tibetan mother, was reported. Her son, Tenzin Khenrab, was arrested in 2023 for having a photo of the Dalai Lama on his phone. After a year of worrying about her son’s well-being, Phude passed away in February 2023.
Human rights organizations urge international governments and supporters to press China to disclose information about the disappeared Tibetans, including the 11th Panchen Lama. Enforced disappearances are a severe violation of human rights, and China must ensure thorough investigations and reparations for the victims.
Doubts Revealed
UN -: The UN stands for the United Nations. It is an organization where countries come together to solve global problems and promote peace.
EU -: The EU stands for the European Union. It is a group of countries in Europe that work together on issues like trade, laws, and human rights.
Tibetan Administration -: The Central Tibetan Administration is a government set up by Tibetans who live outside Tibet. They work to protect the rights and culture of Tibetan people.
Enforced Disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away secretly by the government or other groups, and no one knows where they are.
11th Panchen Lama -: The 11th Panchen Lama is a very important religious leader in Tibet. He was taken away when he was a child, and no one knows where he is now.
Human Rights -: Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that every person should have, like the right to be safe and the right to speak freely.
International Standards -: International standards are rules and guidelines that countries agree to follow to make sure everyone is treated fairly and safely.