[27 October 2016] On International Religious Freedom Day, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet has issued a statement expressing its deep concern over China’s crackdown at Buddhist institutes in eastern Tibet, urging the Chinese government to halt the expulsions and demolitions at Larung Gar and Yachen Gar, and calling on the UK government to raise its concerns with China and make a public statement.
Statement on religious repression in Tibet by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet 27 October 2016, London: “On International Religious Freedom Day, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet expresses its deep concern at reports of state-sponsored religious repression in eastern Tibet. The reports include the forced eviction of thousands of monks and nuns from Buddhist institutes, the destruction of dwellings of those evicted and government interference in the management of the institutes. “We call on the Chinese Government immediately to halt the expulsions and demolitions at Larung Gar Buddhist Institute and the expulsions at Yachen Gar Buddhist Institute. “We urge the Chinese authorities to permit all those evicted to return, for affected infrastructure to be rebuilt and for Buddhist leaders and residents to be able to run the affairs of their institutes without government intrusion. “In addition, we call on the UK Government to raise these matters directly with China; to ask for an immediate diplomatic visit with unrestricted access to Tibet, including Larung Gar and Yachen Gar; to remind the Chinese Government of its duty to respect religious freedom as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in its own constitution; and, to make a public statement expressing serious concern over the situation at Larung Gar and Yachen Gar and the repression of religious activities in Tibet.” Tim Loughton MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet Note: The current officers of the APPGT are: Tim Loughton MP (Chair); and (Vice-Chairs) Lord Alton; Nic Dakin MP; Kate Hoey MP; Chris Law MP; Mark Pritchard MP; David Mackintosh MP; Lord Steel and Catherine West MP. The stated purpose of the APPGT is: “To put pressure on Her Majesty’s Government to encourage negotiations between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, whilst recognising that Tibet is an occupied country which had independent links with Britain.” Contact: Background:
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