ES China's white paper claims all good in Tibet despite 122 self immolations

Phayul[Friday, October 25, 2013 11:43]

DHARAMSHALA, October 22: China’s Information Office of the State Council issued
a White paper titled ‘Development and Progress of Tibet’ on the day UN members
states reviewed China's human rights record at the Universal Periodic Review in
Geneva. 

The White Paper claims comprehensive development and rapid progress over the
past 60 years in Tibet.

The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy based here called the timing
of the White Paper a "strategic move". The right group says the White paper not only
distorts just the current reality of Tibet, but also Tibet’s history, denying its distinct
identity as a nation and civilisation having its cultural influence beyond its Himalayan
borders.

China consistently justifies human rights abuses in the name of ‘stability

maintenance’ policy, the TCHRD says. "So long as China denies civil and political
rights, Tibetans can never be able to meaningfully exercise their economic, social
and cultural rights."

The White Paper accuses the exile Tibetan leader Dalai Lama and his 'clique' of
separatist activities to sabotage Tibet's development and stability. It further adds that
the true aim of the 14th Dalai Lama and his 'clique' in exile is to rock the systemic
foundations that have ensured the development and progress of Tibet. However, the
Tibetan leader has said in the past he supports development and economic growth
in Tibet but insists that the Tibetan people's basic rights must be respected.

Figures from the White Paper show rise in number of students, gross regional
product, per-capita net income of farmers and herdsmen and per-capita disposable
income of urban dwellers in Tibet.

"The development and changes in Tibet are obvious to everyone. Any fair-minded
person would be filled with amazement, and anyone who cares about Tibet will be
pleased to see all this," says the White Paper.

The Tibetan right group however says the Chinese government will not be able to
achieve its goal to secure real stability and harmony in Tibet without accepting the
reality inside Tibet, the aspirations of the Tibetan people for more religious, cultural,
linguistic, political freedoms, and most importantly, to see the return of their beloved
spiritual leader Dalai Lama to Tibet.