Tibet is a foundational member of the UNPO, founded in 1991. The region faces profound challenges in achieving its political and cultural aspirations due to the policies of the Chinese government, which administers Tibet and often suppresses Tibetan cultural and religious practices. The Tibetan people experience significant restrictions on their political freedoms, religious expression, and cultural heritage. 

The situation in Tibet, with its severe restrictions on religious freedom, cultural expression, and the right to education in one’s native language, parallels the repressive policies China has implemented in other regions such as Xinjiang (East Turkestan) and Inner Mongolia (Southern Mongolia). The international community has increasingly recognized these issues as part of a broader strategy by China to assimilate ethnic minorities and suppress their distinct identities.

Respecting Tibetans’ right to self-determination is not merely a matter of cultural preservation—it’s a fundamental human right that underpins their very existence as a distinct people. The relentless suppression of Tibetan religion, language, and traditional lifestyle by the Chinese government is a systematic attempt to erase their identity. This cultural and political repression threatens not only the survival of Tibetan heritage but also the stability of the entire region. The international community must take a stronger stance in supporting Tibetans’ right to self-determination, as this is crucial for preventing the complete erosion of their cultural identity and ensuring long-term peace and justice in the region.

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the people of Tibet as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Tibet. However, the main organization representing the rights of people of Tibet within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Government of Tibet in Exile. You can read more about the Government of Tibet in Exile here. 

The Tibetan language, one of the oldest in the world, belongs to the Tibeto-Burmese group of the Sino-Tibetan languages. Tibetan culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, which has shaped its identity since the eighth century, emphasizing values such as compassion, mental clarity, and a good heart. Before Buddhism, the Bon religion was predominant, and both religions continue to influence Tibetan culture today. Tibetan society is marked by a strong connection to spirituality, with religious practices deeply integrated into daily life and cultural traditions.

Tibet’s history as an autonomous region dates back centuries, with a unique cultural and spiritual identity that distinguishes it from its neighbors. Before China’s annexation, Tibet operated as an independent state with its own government, legal system, and theocratic leadership under the Dalai Lama. During all this period, Tibet maintained its cultural and religious practices, managed its own affairs, and engaged in diplomatic relations with other countries.

However, in 1950, the People’s Republic of China, under Mao Zedong, invaded Tibet, marking the beginning of a complex and often violent relationship between Tibet and China. The occupation of Tibet can be seen as a form of colonialism, reflecting patterns similar to those of traditional European colonial powers. Just as colonial powers in Africa and Asia sought to exploit the resources and labor of indigenous populations while suppressing their cultural identities, China has implemented policies aimed at assimilating Tibet into the broader Chinese state. 

Following the invasion, the Chinese government imposed the “17 Point Agreement” on Tibetan leaders in 1951, which ostensibly guaranteed Tibetan autonomy and religious freedom while acknowledging Chinese sovereignty. However, the promises of the agreement were quickly undermined as China began to assert more direct control over the region. This led to widespread resistance among Tibetans, culminating in the 1959 uprising, during which the Dalai Lama fled into exile in India.

Since the occupation, Tibet has undergone a process of systematic sinicization, where the Chinese government has sought to integrate Tibet into the Chinese state by suppressing Tibetan culture, religion, and language. This mirrors the methods of traditional colonial powers, who often imposed their language, religion, and governance structures on colonized peoples to erase indigenous identities and assert control.

The Chinese government has also exploited Tibet’s natural resources, much like colonial powers did in their occupied territories. Tibet is rich in minerals, forests, and water resources, all of which have been heavily extracted by China without significant benefit to the Tibetan people. The construction of infrastructure projects, such as railways and dams, has facilitated this resource extraction while displacing Tibetan communities and further eroding their traditional ways of life.

Moreover, the demographic changes enforced by China, such as encouraging Han Chinese migration to Tibet, parallel colonial strategies of population replacement, where settlers were used to assert control and dilute the indigenous population’s influence. This has led to Tibetans becoming a minority in some parts of their own homeland, further marginalizing them and diluting their cultural and political influence.

Tibet continues to endure extreme levels of repression under Chinese rule, with numerous human rights violations being reported regularly. The region has been virtually locked down, with heavy restrictions on freedom of movement, communication, and access, making it difficult for the outside world to understand the full extent of the issues faced by Tibetans.

One of the most concerning aspects of this repression is China’s interference in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly regarding the succession of the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government abducted Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama identified by the Dalai Lama, in 1995. He has not been seen since, making him one of the world’s youngest political prisoners. China has imposed its own candidate as the Panchen Lama, and there are widespread fears that China will attempt to manipulate the selection process of the next Dalai Lama, further eroding Tibetan religious and cultural autonomy.

In recent years, the Chinese government has intensified its efforts to assimilate Tibetans, particularly through the use of boarding schools. Tibetan children are being systematically removed from their families and placed in state-run boarding schools where they are taught in Mandarin and indoctrinated with Chinese Communist Party ideology. This policy aims to sever the cultural and linguistic ties between Tibetan children and their heritage, effectively erasing Tibetan identity over time.

Another significant issue is the forced sedentarization of Tibetan nomadic pastoralists. Historically, many Tibetans have lived as nomads, herding yaks and sheep across the vast Tibetan plateau. However, the Chinese government has been forcibly relocating these communities into permanent settlements, claiming that this is necessary for environmental protection and development. In reality, these policies have disrupted traditional lifestyles, led to the loss of livelihoods, and contributed to the destruction of Tibet’s unique culture.

Environmental degradation in Tibet is also a major concern. Large-scale dam projects, mining, and deforestation have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the fragile environment of the Tibetan plateau. The drying up of Lake Urmia and the broader impact on water sources originating from Tibet, often referred to as the “Third Pole,” have repercussions not only for Tibet but for large parts of Asia.

The situation in Tibet, with its severe restrictions on religious freedom, cultural expression, and the right to education in one’s native language, parallels the repressive policies China has implemented in other regions such as Xinjiang (East Turkestan) and Inner Mongolia (Southern Mongolia). The international community has increasingly recognized these issues as part of a broader strategy by China to assimilate ethnic minorities and suppress their distinct identities.

Respecting the right to self-determination for Tibetans is crucial for ensuring their cultural preservation and political autonomy. The ability of Tibetans to freely practice their religion, maintain their language, and continue their traditional ways of life is not only a matter of human rights but is also essential for the stability of the region. By supporting Tibetans’ right to self-determination, the international community can help prevent further cultural erosion and contribute to long-term peace and stability in Tibet and beyond.