Tibetans and their supporters brought attention to China’s systematic suppression of the Tibetan language and recent school closures in Tibet during a United Nations Human Rights Council side event in Geneva. The event, held on the sidelines of the Council’s 54th session, was hosted by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and served as a platform for Tibetan advocates to voice their concerns about Beijing’s policies that threaten Tibet’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
The discussion was moderated by Kai Mueller of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including Palmo Tenzin, a senior researcher at ICT, Tenzin Choekyi from Tibet Watch, and Gloria Montgomery from the Tibet Justice Center. The event was well-attended by representatives from various UN missions, reflecting growing international concern over the Chinese government’s actions in Tibet.
Suppression of language and culture
The panelists detailed China’s restrictive policies in Tibet, particularly regarding language education. Tenzin Choekyi opened the event by tracing the history of Tibetan resistance to Chinese efforts to curtail the use of the Tibetan language. She explained that over the years, Tibetan activists, intellectuals, and community leaders who have spoken out in favor of language rights have faced severe consequences, including detention, torture, and imprisonment.
“Speaking out for the right to use our mother tongue is seen as an act of defiance,” said Choekyi. “Tibetans who do so risk losing their freedom, facing brutal reprisals from the Chinese authorities.”
The situation has worsened in recent years, with Beijing implementing policies that increasingly favor Mandarin as the language of instruction in schools, even in Tibetan regions. As a result, many Tibetan children are growing up with limited or no proficiency in their native language, making it difficult for them to connect with their culture and heritage.
Impact of school closures
Palmo Tenzin provided further insight into how recent educational reforms have adversely affected Tibetans. She discussed the alarming closure of Tibetan monastic schools and public institutions that previously offered instruction in the Tibetan language. These closures, combined with policies that promote the use of Mandarin in classrooms, are seen as part of a broader strategy to assimilate Tibetans into the dominant Chinese culture.
“Tibetan children are losing their mother tongue, their ability to communicate with their relatives, and their connection to Tibetan culture and history,” said Tenzin. “This is not just an educational issue but a human rights crisis.”
Gloria Montgomery from the Tibet Justice Center echoed these concerns and pointed out China’s obligations under international law. “China has ratified various international treaties, including those that require the preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity,” she said. “By closing Tibetan schools and enforcing Mandarin as the medium of instruction, Beijing is violating these commitments.”
Montgomery emphasized that the Chinese government’s actions run counter to the principles enshrined in the United Nations’ international covenants, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. “China must be held accountable for failing to protect the rights of Tibetans to receive an education in their native language,” she added.
China’s response and continued Denial
In a rare move, China sent official representatives to attend the side event and respond directly to the allegations. However, their response was marked by a complete denial of the testimonies presented. The Chinese delegation dismissed the claims as baseless, asserting that Tibetans enjoy cultural and linguistic freedom under Chinese governance. Beijing has long rejected accusations of repression in Tibet, framing its policies as efforts to modernize the region and promote economic development.
Despite China’s denials, the testimonies of Tibetan advocates underscored the reality of ongoing repression. Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, praised the panelists for highlighting the harsh realities facing Tibetans under Chinese rule.
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“Instead of lying to the world, China must acknowledge that Tibetans have every right to be educated in their mother tongue,” Gyatso said. “China should stop trying to forcibly erase Tibet’s rich cultural heritage.”
International attention and growing advocacy
The significance of the event was heightened by a recent appeal from 100 Tibetan and Himalayan scholars to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. The petition urged the UN to take a stronger stance against China’s forced assimilation policies in Tibet and demanded an end to the closure of Tibetan schools. The scholars expressed deep concern over China’s actions, which they argued are aimed at erasing Tibet’s distinct cultural identity.
The gathering at the UN Human Rights Council marked a critical moment for Tibetan advocates. While the situation in Tibet remains dire, events like these provide a platform for raising awareness and calling for international intervention.
As Tibetan advocates continue to push for recognition of their rights, the global community is increasingly paying attention to their struggle. The suppression of the Tibetan language and culture, they argue, is not just an issue for Tibet but a violation of fundamental human rights that demands urgent global action.
