Stories
Tibetan Groups in Europe Unite to Fight China Assimilation Drive
- •Tibetan civil society organizations across Europe have united to oppose China's ethnic unity legislation, fearing threats to their language, culture, and religion.
- •The Third Regional Meeting of Tibetan Civil Society Organisations in Norway brought together 25 representatives from seven countries to strategize coordinated international advocacy.
- •Discussions centered on China's Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which experts warn aims to enforce assimilation and political loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
- •Participants proposed joint initiatives including coordinated lobbying campaigns, parliamentary delegations, and the establishment of Tibetan language and cultural centers.
- •Leaders also addressed the declining use of the Tibetan language among younger generations, urging community leaders to promote mother-tongue education.
Key Questions Answered
Tibetan civil society organisations from across Europe gathered at the Karma Shedrubling Retreat Centre in Oslo to coordinate international advocacy against China’s ethnic unity legislation, raising deep concerns over its impact on Tibetan language, cultural identity, and religious heritage.
European Tibetan groups are strongly opposing China's so-called Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which participants warned could further accelerate forced assimilation and undermine unique Tibetan identity.
Participants proposed coordinated lobbying campaigns, sending parliamentary delegations to Dharamshala, distributing informational leaflets outlining the law's implications, and strengthening cooperation among Nordic countries to safeguard Tibetan heritage.
