For Immediate Release
April 8, 2008 |
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Levin Statement in Support of Resolution Calling on China to Ends its Crackdown in Tibet |
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(Washington D.C.)- Rep. Sander Levin spoke on the floor tonight in support of House Res. 1077 Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its crackdown in Tibet and enter into a substantive dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find a negotiated solution that respects the distinctive language, culture, religious identity, and fundamental freedoms of all Tibetans, and for other purposes.
Below are his full remarks, as prepared for delivery:
I rise in strong support.
“Chinese law includes protections for the distinctive culture, language and identity of ethnic minority citizens. China’s Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law guarantees ethnic minorities the ‘right to administer their internal affairs.’ More specifically, the term ‘regional ethnic autonomy,’ as the law itself defines it, ‘reflects the state's full respect for…ethnic minorities’ right to administer their internal affairs.’ Madame Speaker, China in recent weeks has reflected anything but “the state’s full respect” of ethnic minority rights, nor of basic human rights standards recognized in both Chinese and international law.
“Let us be absolutely clear: Tibetan protests continue not because China is hosting the Olympics. Tibetan protests continue not as a result of foreign influence. Tibetan protests began and continue for one reason: in spite of what the Chinese government has written in its laws, in practice it has created an ethnic autonomy system that denies fundamental rights to ethnic minorities. This could not be more clear than it has become in the last several weeks, and the time for change is now.
“Protest activity has included instances of rioting resulting in destruction of property and death of Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike. This is unacceptable in any context. Most protest activity, however, while at times disorderly, has been non-violent. The Chinese government’s reaction, however, has revealed a level of hostility toward Tibetans not seen in decades, and has heightened fears for the Tibetan people.
“The Chinese government would do well to consider a number of concrete steps to address the current crisis. I would ask, Madame Speaker, that a list of such steps, prepared by the staff of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, be submitted for the record [this document included below].
“I would urge all my colleagues and the general public to take full advantage of the Commission’s analysis not only of events in Tibetan areas, but across China. We cannot let recent events distract us from abuses of law and fundamental rights of the Uighur people of China’s Xinjiang province and other areas of China, and of the Han Chinese themselves. The Commission monitors and reports on human rights and rule of law developments in China on an ongoing basis, and I encourage all frequently to visit the Commission’s website—www.cecc.gov—to subscribe to the on line newsletter, and use the Commission’s work to remain up-to-date on developments in China.
“Finally, the resolution of Tibetan grievances can occur only with direct talks between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama. Moreover, as China plays an increasingly important role in the international community, other countries will appropriately assess China’s fulfillment of the commitments it has made in both Chinese and international law, including legal and constitutional commitments to ethnic minorities. The international spotlight will remain long after the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Summer Games. We hope that the Chinese government will welcome such attention with a full commitment to openness, and to the implementation of basic human rights.”
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