MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Tibet: plans to make Chinese the main language of instruction

23.11.2010

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure

Véronique De Keyser, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg on behalf of the S&D Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0637/2010

B7‑0638/2010

European Parliament resolution on Tibet: plans to make Chinese the main language of instruction

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to its previous resolutions on China and Tibet, in particular its resolution of 10 April 2008 on Tibet,

-    having regard to Rule 122 of its Rules of Procedure,

 

A.  whereas the People's Republic of China has expressed a desire for harmonious ethnic relations among all 56 ethnic minorities,

B.  whereas, in order to ensure that Tibetans, China's one of major ethnic minority, can co-exist peacefully with the rest of Chinese population, it is essential to continue a mutually respectful dialogue,

C. whereas there is growing dissatisfaction and resentment among Tibetan population toward the Chinese authorities and complaints about religious, cultural and economic discrimination,

D. whereas protests by Tibetan school and college students over plans to restrict the use of their language and expressing their concern about the downgrading of the Tibetan language have spread from several areas of Qinghai to Beijing,

E.  whereas the scale of the protests across Tibet reflect the strength of feeling among Tibetans about the marginalisation and erosion of their language, the bedrock of Tibetan identity, religion and culture,

1.  Calls once again on the People's Republic of China to ratify the International Covent of Civil and Political Rights and deplore the often discriminatory treatment of ethnic and religious minorities in China;

2.  Calls on the Chinese authorities to make every effort to develop a genuine Han-Tibet dialogue, to adopt more inclusive and comprehensive attitudes to protect the cultural identity of the Tibetan population;

3.  Calls for the reopening of sincere and result-oriented dialogue between the China Government and the Dalai Lama's representative leading to a positive development in Tibet consistent with the principles outlines in the Constitution and laws of the People's Republic of China;

4.  Expresses its concern about how the new "bilingual" education system will be implemented and considers that every ethnic minority has the right to preserve their own language and writings; takes the view that a fair bilingual education system will lead to better cooperation and understanding when Tibetan people learn Chinese and at the same time Han people leaving in Tibetan areas learn Tibetan;

5.  Calls on the Chinese central and regional authorities to discuss together with ethnic minority representatives a cooperative approach in order to define a clear non-discriminatory and fair bilingual education system which will help young Tibetan people towards more inclusive economic development in Tibet;

6.  Is convinced that the promotion of a genuine Tibetan and Chinese bilingual education in the minority areas will lead to better understanding and will bridge the gap of linguistic and cultural disadvantage faced by Tibetans in urban employment;

7.  Asks the Chinese authorities to provide access to Tibet, including the Tibetan areas outside the Tibet Autonomous Region, for foreign media and to abolish the system of special permits required;

8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Governments and Parliaments of the Member States and the authorities of the People's Republic of China.