It was an unforgettable day, when Beijing being awarded the 2008 Olympic Games in Moscow 2001. We, the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) protest against the anniversary. Two-year has been passed since the IOC’s decision and the commitments made by the Chinese government to make progress on human rights concerns in line with the economic situation as a result of hosting the Olympics. However, in the past few years, China’s economy has been growing rapidly while its poor and minority peoples have continued to bear its corrupt policies. There is no human rights progress in Tibet and even in China human rights abuses have gone from bad to worse. The IOC’s negligent decision is like giving a stamp of approval to Beijing’s poor human rights record, and it encourages China to escalate its oppression.
TWA deeply regrets the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to award China the right to host 2008 Olympics and believe that this decision goes against the lofty principles that this committee stands for Ironic as it may sound, but IOC hopes China to improve its human rights record after winning the Olympic bid. However, the events in Tibetan, especially the forced repatriation of 18 Tibetans from Nepal, apparently under pressure from China, was in violation of UN practices, the China’s ruthless demolition of the famous Serthar Buddhist Institute, and the execution of Lobsang Dhondup after a secret trial, are one of the many instances that sent a strong unmistakable message worldwide that human rights situation in Tibet had worsened over the years.
Although the China has released few political prisoners very publicly before the IOC and the international community does not signal a change in China’s repressive policies. Even after eight long years, the whereabouts of the world’s youngest political prisoner, the 11th Panchen Rinpoche recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is still unknown despite repeated calls from the United Nations. It is believed that the child Panchen Lama is held incommunicado along with his parents.
We strongly urge IOC to investigate the current human rights situation in Tibet and take the immediate measurements. We recall here IOC’s warning to China of the possibility of losing the Games rights if no improvements are made in human rights. Beijing human rights record has been deteriorating and the Chinese Communist Party is controlling more tightly the information out of Tibet.
We have a great hope and confident that the IOC’s disapproving action to China will make a big difference to Chinese government in future and to make them realise their blunder policies. We are believed that IOC has full authority and responsibility to save the Tibetan citizens suffering in Tibet.
July 13, 2003
The Tibetan Women’s Association
Mcleod Ganj
Tel: 221198/221527
