In 2016, for those under China\u2019s rule, freedoms have continued on a steep downward spiral.<\/p>\n
Dorjee Tseten<\/strong>: [Tibetan, English] +91 9882511636 10 December 2016<\/p>\n 2016 has been a year of tumultuous, global social injustices and human rights violations. From Syria to Brazil, Russia to Burundi, governments around the world have openly broken fundamental, international laws that exist to protect the freedoms of people around the world, and give them justice. For those living under China\u2019s rule human rights conditions have continued on a steep downward spiral.<\/p>\n Human rights defenders in China remain casualties of the State\u2019s aggressive campaign against peaceful dissent, underling a direct contradiction with President Xi\u2019s vow to promote the \u201crule of law.\u201d<\/p>\n In the past 12 months the Chinese regime has rounded up hundreds of human rights defenders in an unprecedented, indefensible crackdown against lawyers and activists; has flagrantly disregarded religious freedoms by implementing a ban on fasting during Ramadan in East Turkestan, and forcefully evicted thousands of Tibetan monks and nuns from their homes at Larung Gar in eastern Tibet. The Party has enforced draconian surveillance laws and systematic, long-term security measures as part of an intensified agenda based on controlling dissent, and undertaken strict regulation and confiscation of passports to Uyghurs and Tibetans further limiting the ability to travel freely. During 2016, China has continued with plans to extinguish the traditional nomadic way of life in occupied Tibet, East Turkestan and Southern Mongolia, where the traditional way of life of thousands of nomads and herders is additionally threatened by environmental destruction wrought by Chinese mining companies and People\u2019s Liberation Army (PLA) military bases.<\/p>\n On 8 December a Tibetan set their body on fire in protest against the deplorable situation in Tibet under China\u2019s oppressive rule; since 2009 there have been at least 144 self immolations in Tibet, a vast majority of whom have called for freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama.<\/p>\n As Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians and Chinese in exile we join together this Human Rights Day in solidarity to support and champion those who continue to resist Beijing and to push for gains in their, and our, human rights. More than 70 years of hard work and human progress (in rights protection) are at risk. We wholeheartedly urge governments around the world to do more, and to do it now.<\/p>\n In today\u2019s global community there is no room for bystanders, especially among governments with strong economic and diplomatic relations with China. We ask you to stand on the right side of history by publicly supporting the Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Chinese and people of Hong Kong who are putting their lives on the line daily to defend principles of human rights recognized by all nations. Governments must not remain silent but must champion the bravery of the oppressed, not just with lip-service, but with strong, coordinated diplomatic pressure.<\/p>\n We also pay special tribute on this day to China\u2019s jailed Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo, the Chinese literary critic, professor, and human rights activist charged with \u201cincitement of subversion of state power,\u201d and serving a sentenced to 11 years in prison; remember the thousands of Tibetan human rights defenders and political prisoners including Tashi Wangchuk, an advocate for greater Tibetan language education in schools in Tibet who has been detained and charged with \u201cinciting separatism\u201dand could face up to 15 years in prison; Ilham Tohti, the renowned Uyghur intellectual who worked for two decades to foster dialogue and understanding between Uyghurs and Han Chinese, and who is serving a life sentences charged with \u201cseparatism\u201d, and Southern Mongolian activist Hada who served a total imprisonment of 19 years and was repeatedly tortured in detention and despite his physical release from prison, remains under house arrest.<\/p>\n Our collective message on this Human Rights Day to China\u2019s rulers and to global change-makers is that no amount of oppression will extinguish the aspirations of our people \u2013 Chinese, Tibetan, Uyghurs and Southern Mongolians \u2013 to in future years celebrate this day in freedom.<\/p>\n Signed:<\/p>\n Dorjee Tseten, <\/strong> International Tibet Network<\/a>, Students for a Free Tibet<\/a> | @Dotseten <\/a><\/p>\n Yang Jianli<\/strong>, Initiatives for China<\/a> | @yangjianli001<\/a><\/p>\n Rebiya Kadeer<\/strong>, World Uyghur Congress<\/a> | @UyghurCongress <\/a><\/p>\n
Yang Jianli<\/strong>: [Chinese, English]+1 (857)472-9039
Dolkun Isa <\/strong>(Rebiya Kadeer<\/strong> contact): [Uyghur, German, English] +49 89 54321999
Enghebatu Togochog<\/strong>: [Mongolian, English] +1 (917) 698-4367<\/p>\nIn 2016, for those under China\u2019s rule, freedoms have continued on a steep downward spiral.<\/strong><\/h4>\n