Background: The Arrests
Today, a group of UN experts raised concerns over the imprisonment of nine Tibetan environmental activists in China. These activists, who campaigned for the protection of Tibet’s fragile environment, have been in custody for as long as 11 years, with their arrests spanning from 2010 to 2019.
Reasons Behind Their Detention
Anya Sengdra, Dorjee Daktal, Kelsang Choklang, Dhongye, Rinchen Namdol, Tsultrim Gonpo, Jangchup Ngodup, Sogru Abhu and Namesy faced backlash for their vocal protests. They vehemently opposed illegal mining activities taking place in sacred mountains. Moreover, they shed light on the hunting of endangered species across Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province, and the Tibetan Autonomous Province.
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Sparse Information & Growing Concerns
The exact circumstances leading to their arrests, the nature of their trials, and the details of their sentencing are hazy. Some activists received sentences ranging from seven to 11 years. But the UN experts question the fairness of these trials. They wonder if the activists had the chance to consult legal experts during their detention and if they have been receiving necessary medical care in prison.
China’s Silence on Details
For six of the detained activists, including Dhongye, Rinchen Namdol, and Tsultrim Gonpo, there’s another layer of obscurity. The Chinese authorities haven’t shared the length of their prison terms. The locations of their detentions and the conditions they are subjected to are also undisclosed.
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Urgent Plea from UN Experts
The United Nations has made its stance clear. They request China to share more details about the reasons for the activists’ detentions. They also ask about the activists’ health and the locations of their confinements. Furthermore, the UN stresses the importance of providing prisoners with proper medical care and allowing their families to visit.
Recognition of Environmental Rights
Recently, the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly globally acknowledged a vital right: the right to a pristine and sustainable environment. In light of this, UN experts assert that China should not persecute those defending the environment. Their suggestion? Release all nine activists without delay.
Conclusion
The UN experts claim they are currently engaged in discussions about the imprisoned activists with the Chinese government.
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