In a significant move, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning the Chinese government’s policies regarding Tibetan children in state-run boarding schools, as reported by RFA. The resolution, introduced by Salima Yenbou of the Renew Party, points to the “abduction and forced assimilation” of Tibetan children as a means to eradicate their unique linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions.
According to the resolution, nearly one million Tibetan students are currently enrolled in these boarding schools, where they are often forcibly removed from their homes and placed in an environment that promotes the majority Han culture. The schools prohibit the teaching or discussion of Tibetan culture, history, or religion, with all classes conducted exclusively in Mandarin.
The resolution, which passed with a majority vote of 477 to 14, reflects the European Union’s growing concern over the boarding school system in Tibet. Vincent Metten, the E.U. Policy Director of the International Campaign for Tibet, noted that this adoption showcases the increasing international attention on the issue.
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Sikyong Penpa Tsering from the Central Tibetan Administration highlighted the resolution’s potential impact, emphasizing that it instructs the president to forward the resolution to the Chinese government. He also pointed out that the Mandarin-only policy for college entrance exams is part of Beijing’s strategy to erase Tibetan culture.
The discussion leading to the resolution’s adoption involved a debate among European lawmakers on the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet under Xi Jinping‘s rule. High Representative and Vice-President Josep Borrell expressed concern about the long-term effects of these schools on Tibetan language and culture, which he said “risks being erased.”
The resolution urges European lawmakers to adopt targeted sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for the boarding school system, similar to actions taken by the U.S. government. It also calls for raising the issue of human rights in every political and human rights dialogue with Chinese authorities.
Rigzin Choedon Genkhang of the Office of Tibet in Brussels welcomed the resolution and expressed gratitude to the European Parliament. He stated that the resolution brings to light the severe violations of the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people, including children’s rights, by the Chinese government.
This development marks an important step in the international community’s response to the human rights situation in Tibet, particularly concerning the education and cultural rights of Tibetan children.
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