The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) calls upon the Chinese government to inquire into reports that have received worldwide attention of attacks against Tibetan protesters in Lhasa and Sangchu County and other places by the Chinese security forces and to take steps to stop the use of force against the protesters. The exercise of restraint in responding to protests and creating opportunities to discuss grievances would help create stability and promote reforms within China for better relationships benefiting all communities, including the countrys minorities.
We also call upon the secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, to initiate a constructive dialogue with the Chinese government on the present crisis in Tibet as well as to find ways for a lasting solution to the grievances expressed by the Tibetan people.
While confirmed details of the protests and acts of suppression by the security forces are not available due to restrictions on information, there are many reports alleging arrests, detentions and even deaths. There are also fears that sterner action may be taken in the coming days. Under these circumstances, the intervention of the central government to inquire into the issues underlying the protests and to ensure that provisions guaranteeing peoples freedoms in both Chinese and international law are respected would go a long way to ease the current tension.
In recent years, China has embarked on many reforms and has made endeavours to develop the rule of law and respect for the rights of people to find redress for their grievances through the legal process. The issues of the Tibetan people have been one of the most prominent problems that has needed the attention of the Chinese government for a long time. While the problems of minorities are not easy to resolve, the neglect of the countrys minorities can lead to serious situations that can undermine whatever achievements a nation has attained in other areas.
China is a member of the U.N. Human Rights Council, and the endeavours of that council in recent times is to facilitate peaceful dialogue on all issues, particularly those affecting minority groups, and to develop ways to resolve these problems within a framework of respect for international law on human rights. As China has repeatedly stated its wish to respect international norms and standards, the circumstances that are afforded by the present protests should provide an opportunity for China to respect these obligations.
We call upon the release of all people who may be detained due to their peaceful participation in the protests and also for inquiries into all alleged violations which have taken place in the past few days. Access to local and international media will also facilitate proper information being received on what is taking place in these provinces, both for Chinese audiences as well as the outside world.
