On March 10, 2025, Tibetans globally remember the 1959 uprising against oppressive Chinese rule, highlighting the pressing need for government support. Nearly 70 years under China’s harsh governance have worsened recent policies favouring assimilation of non-Han communities, particularly Tibetans under Xi Jinping’s leadership. While the plight of Uyghurs has drawn attention, the grim realities faced by Tibetans—evident through increased surveillance and repression—remain overlooked.
In Tibet, freedoms vanish like shadows at dusk; there is no independent civil society, and basic rights to expression, assembly, and religion are obliterated. Recent national campaigns, citing anti-crime measures, have decimated the remnants of Tibetan civil society, extinguishing websites that cherish Tibetan language and culture, and shutting down private schools—even those adhering strictly to government curricula.
Tibetans now navigate a maze of governmental control: they must communicate through Mandarin in schools and migrate from ancestral homes to state-managed settlements, while witnessing devastation to their rivers for mining and energy projects. Any dissent can lead to severe consequences, including arrest and torture.
Crossing the Himalayas, the traditional escape route for many Tibetans post-1959, has all but vanished due to border policing increases since 2008 and passport restrictions imposed in 2012. Communication with relatives abroad has also become fraught with danger, with very real repercussions for Tibetans daring to reach out.
As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, the threat of Chinese interference in selecting his successor looms large. Meanwhile, the Tibetan government-in-exile and diaspora groups find their efforts stifled, especially as international support wanes due to a global freeze on foreign aid. In addition, Tibetan communities in Nepal and the West face targeted silencing from the Chinese government.
It is crucial for nations advocating human rights to bolster their support for Tibetan organisations documenting abuses and working to uphold Tibetan culture and identity on the international stage.
On March 10, 2025, Tibetans commemorate the 1959 uprising, reflecting on the severe repression they face under Chinese rule. Recent policies have intensified their struggles, diminishing their cultural identity and freedoms. With the threat of alienation growing, it is essential for governments to enhance their support for Tibetan rights groups to ensure their voices are maintained internationally.
The situation for Tibetans remains dire as oppressive policies endure and their freedoms diminish. With increased surveillance and repression, and governmental interference looming over Tibetan leadership, the need for international assistance is more pressing than ever. Governments must amplify their support for Tibetan groups working diligently to document human rights abuses, advocate for Tibet, and preserve its rich cultural identity, ensuring that the voices of Tibetans are heard.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
