Tibet's Struggle for Freedom Overshadows the Olympics

In a time of globalization, it seems incongruous that nations and people are still oppressed. Basic human rights, detailed in the document, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were adopted by the United Nations. One of those member nations appears to be guilty of violating it. The People's Republic of China, or Communist China, holds the small nation of Tibet under its control. The people of Tibet have been crying out for liberation for many years and their cries go unanswered.

Brief history of the Tibetan struggle
Tibet has never been formally recognized as an independent county. Since the 13^th century, this nation has had loose ties with China, primarily because of its proximity. It was understood, however, that the Dalai Lama had authority over the Tibetans and was largely ignored unless a people group or nation wanted Tibet's resources. In more recent history, in 1921 the Dalai Lama declared independence from China. It went ignored by China and in 1950, under military pressure, Tibet was forced to come back under the control of China. According to the 14^th Dalai Lama, "in order to develop Tibet materially as a modern nation, Tibet must remain within the People's Republic of China. Provided Chinese give us a full guarantee of preservation of Tibetan culture, Tibetan environment, Tibetan spirituality, then it is of mutual benefit." He wanted full autonomy of the Tibetans in any area they could "manage by themselves." (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet)

The People's Republic of China (PRC) thought that most of Tibetans lived as serfs, or slaves, to wealthy landowners and monasteries. In order to quell that, the PRC redistributed lands and caused a rebellion in 1959. The rebellion was supported by the CIA. Tens of thousands of Tibetans were killed in the uprising and the Dalai Lama had to flee to India.

Because of the rebellion, PRC exercised their authority over the small nation even stronger than before. Lands were redistributed. Claims of genocide surfaced. Tibetan culture was systematically being wiped out.

Protests in 2008
More protests flared up in 2008 and the PRC imposed severe curfews and strictly limited access to Tibetan areas. Protests against Chinese severity were held worldwide.

But to date, no country recognizes the Government of Tibet in Exile.

The current Dalai Lama has been quoted in the South China Morning Post as saying, "We are willing to be part of the People's Republic of China, to have it govern and guarantee to preserve our Tibetan culture, spirituality and our environment." But he clarified the position as a governmental connection only. He wants total autonomy of the Tibetans in the areas of religious and cultural life. But if the PRC is not willing to grant some autonomy to Tibet, they will continue to fight for complete liberation.

Human Rights Violations
Tibet is the lowest ranked province in China for human rights violations (meaning they have the most violations) acccording to the UN's Development Programme data. And Tibet ranks 153 out of 160 watched countries on the Human Development Index.

According to the Save Tibet website, these are a sampling of the human rights violations Tibetans have had to endure: self-determination, freedom of speech, assembly, movement, expression, and travel.

Since the ratification of the UN's Convention Against Torture by China in 1988, 69 documented Tibetans died in Chinese prisons as a result of torture.

The PRC still asserts that Tibet has some autonomy in rule. However Tibetologist, Thomas Laird, maintains that there is no evidence to support that claim. He also states that the PRC continues to encourage resettlement of Chinese into Tibetan areas. This threatens the survival of Tibetan culture, identity and religious life. According to Wikipedia, "The Free Tibet website claims that unemployment in schools, discussion of Tibetan cultural, religious and social issues is discouraged, and Chinese culture is promoted." (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet)

Human Rights groups are not allowed to enter Tibet without a PRC escort and are never allowed to speak to Tibetans without a member of the PRC delegation present. The PRC strictly controls access of any outsiders to Tibet.

On a more basic level, The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy claims that unfair taxation has exacerbated the poverty in the already poor areas of Tibet. Housing, health care, and education are routinely denied. (http://www.tchrd.org/publications/annual_reports/1999/09_subsistence.html)

Boycotting the Olympics
People say that we should forget all the politics and focus on enjoying the games. Maybe that has merit. Should we, as freedom-loving Americans, attempt to forget those without the basic freedoms? We go to war to protect the rights of the oppressed. Are not the Tibetans among those people groups oppressed?

The People's Republic of China have dark issues hanging over them as the Summer Olympics of 2008 begin.

More sources:
Laird, Thomas (2006). The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama, pp. 357-358. Grove Press, N.Y. ISBN 978-0-8021-827-1
http://www.tchrd.org/publications/annual_reports/1999/09_subsistence.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet