Kashag and Tibetan Parliament in Exile to Hold Joint Prayer Service and Peaceful March on 49th Day of Martyr Lobsang Palden’s Sacrifice
The United States and several other countries have condemned or expressed serious concerns over China’s new ethnic unity law, warning that it could have far-reaching implications for the preservation of the distinct identities of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities in the People’s Republic of China.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also raised concerns about the legislation during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council. He warned that the law could affect minority-language education and the ability of communities to freely practise and preserve their religious and cultural traditions.
The European Parliament has similarly criticised the legislation, citing concerns over its possible impact on ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic rights. It has called for the law to be repealed.
Speaking to the media on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, Central Tibetan Administration Sikyong Penpa Tsering said that the CTA leadership would participate in a peaceful march scheduled for August 20.
However, Penpa Tsering stressed that the march should not be seen as an endorsement of self-immolation as a means of expressing Tibetan aspirations. He said the loss of even a single Tibetan patriot represents a profound loss for the Tibetan cause and urged people to pursue peaceful forms of expression and resistance.
