UN experts call upon China to explain Larung Gar demolitions
February 27, 2017
Canada Tibet Committee, February 24, 2017 – In a joint inquiry to the Government of China, released this week during the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council, a group of six UN Special Rapporteurs have requested a formal response from China about “severe restrictions” on religious freedom in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The inquiry had been sent to Chinese authorities in November 2016.
The rapporteurs, who are independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council, represent mandates in the fields of cultural rights; the right to enjoy a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; the right to adequate housing; the rights of minorities; and the right to freedom of religion or belief.
In their report, the UN Special Rapporteurs highlight the mass expulsion of religious practitioners from Larung Gar and Yachen Gar Buddhist centres. They also bring attention to the “cultural and environmental” impacts of mining activities at Gong-ngon Lari mountain in Amchok township, including the arbitrary arrest and detention of peaceful protesters.
As is standard UN procedure in such matters, the rapporteurs have requested additional information from China’s delegation in Geneva to clarify the legal grounds for the Larung Gar demolitions and evictions, and what efforts have been made by authorities to avoid negative environmental impacts of mining in Amchok township.
The full text of the rapporteurs’ letter of inquiry can be viewed here: https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=22816