The Human Rights Situation in Tibet and the International Response

In this hearing, the Commission will examine the current situation facing Tibetans, both inside China and globally; explore restrictions on linguistic and religious rights in Tibet and elsewhere in China; and evaluate diplomatic and strategic options for the United States and other like-minded countries to address restrictions on access to the TAR and the process of religious succession.

Amid the worsening human rights climate in China, Tibetans continue to experience egregious human rights abuses, as Chinese officials have increased harsh restrictions on religious and cultural life and maintain extensive limitations on access to Tibet by foreign diplomats, journalists, and visitors. Repressive policies pioneered in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) are now being implemented in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR), where new limits on Mongolian-language instruction recently sparked large-scale demonstrations.

The Chinese government and Communist Party are also expanding campaigns to “sinicize” Tibetan Buddhism, compelling religious institutions and communities to support the Party and its policies. Chinese authorities assert that they have sole authority to select and recognize reincarnated religious figures, including the future 15th Dalai Lama, and have disappeared the Panchen Lama since 1995, making him one of the world’s longest serving prisoners of conscience.  

In this hearing, the Commission will examine the current situation facing Tibetans, both inside China and globally; explore restrictions on linguistic and religious rights in Tibet and elsewhere in China; and evaluate diplomatic and strategic options for the United States and other like-minded countries to address restrictions on access to the TAR and the process of religious succession.

Hearing will be livestreamed on the CECC’s YouTube Channel

Witnesses:

Zeekgyab Rinpoche: Abbot, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (traditional seat of the Panchen Lama).

Matteo Mecacci: President, International Campaign for Tibet

Sophie Richardson: China Director, Human Rights Watch

Tenzin Dorjee: Senior Researcher & Strategist, Tibet Action Network