Statement
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For over 1000 years, the Tibetan people have maintained
a sovereign national identity that is distinct from the
national identity of China. In 1950, the People's Republic
of China invaded Tibet and embarked on a policy of occupation
and oppression that seriously threatens the continued
survival of the unique Tibetan culture. Tragically, a
world that condemns colonialism has largely ignored China's
occupation of Tibet.
Since 1951, hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have been killed
outright or died as the result of aggression, torture
or starvation. Over 6,000 monasteries and temples have
been destroyed in an attempt to eradicate the Tibetan
religion and culture. The continued population transfer
of Chinese to Tibet threatens the existence of the unique
national, cultural and religious identity of the Tibetan
people. China's exploitation of Tibet's environmental
resources seriously threatens the ecology of the fragile
Tibetan plateau.
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Tibetan people have demonstrated repeatedly against the
Chinese occupation. Their struggle is nonviolent and worthy
of special attention. Indeed, in 1989, the international
community honored the Tibetan freedom movement when the
Dalai Lama, the leader of the Tibetan people, was awarded
the Nobel Peace Prize. We are extremely concerned about
the continuing human rights abuses in Tibet. Over forty
years of Chinese occupation have demonstrated that there
can be no guarantee of human rights for Tibetans until
Tibet has genuine political autonomy.
We have joined together in a Committee of 100 for Tibet
to support the Tibetan people's struggle. We ask the
peoples and nations of the world to recognize that Tibet
is illegally occupied by the People's Republic of China
and demand the cessation of practices that deprive the
Tibetan people of their fundamental human rights and
freedoms, including their right to self-determination.
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