Human rights in Tibet

Abstract

The dispute regarding the status of Tibet has raged for more than four decades. In September 2002 for the first time in nearly a decade, representatives of the Dalai Lama's Tibetan Government in Exile have been hosted - both in Beijing and in Tibet - by the Chinese government. Direct talks between the Dalai Lama's representatives and high PRC officials over the status of Tibet and relations between Han Chinese and Tibetans last took place in 1993. lnternal and international factors have put added pressure on China and the Dalai Lama to compromise and moderate positions are gradually emerging. A breakthrough on the Tibet Question is by no means foreclosed. The fact that improved economic conditions and a somewhat liberalized political environment in Tibet have led to increased nationalist expression is indicative of the essential issue for Tibetans. Tibetan demonstrations have been distinguished by their nationalist emphasis, especially the carrying of the banned Tibetan flag and shouts for Tibetans independence. Tibetans' desire for self determination is the ultimate political purpose which must be satisfied in order to achieve any solution - short of political genocide - to the conflict between Chinese and Tibetans. Until that purpose is achieved the conflict will likely continue to the detriment of human rights for Tibetans and of human rights and democratic standards in China