China Continues to Undermine Tibetan Culture Through Coercive Policies
AP file photo
A man holds a girl as they pose for a photo in front of a large mural depicting Chinese President Xi Jinping, bottom center, and other Chinese leaders at a public square in Lhasa in western China’s Tibet Autonomous Region on June 1, 2021.
In the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report on China’s Forced Relocation of Rural Tibetans, China has accelerated the forced urbanization of rural Tibetans, moving them into towns and cities against their will, according to a report by HRW. The rights group accused China of violating Tibetans' rights to freedom of residence and movement through coercive policies aimed at assimilating them.
China has defended its policies in Tibet as bringing development and stability to the region. However, HRW stated that these policies are "radically undermining" Tibetans' ability to maintain their distinct culture, language, and traditions. The report cited evidence of Tibetans being forced to abandon pastoralist livelihoods and move into urban areas with substandard housing and limited employment opportunities.
HRW recommended that the UN Human Rights Council investigate human rights violations committed by China in Tibet and other areas. China has consistently restricted access to Tibet for foreign journalists and human rights monitors.
See the full report here.