VP/HR — Human rights violations and self-immolations in Tibet
6.2.2012
Question for written answer E-001360/2012
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 117
Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE)
Since March 2011, 12 young Tibetans have set fire to themselves in protest against repression by the Chinese authorities in Tibet. The Chinese authorities have tightened their control over religious life and practices in Tibet, particularly through ‘patriotic education’ campaigns and the permanent presence of Chinese authorities in monasteries, intensive and heightened surveillance, arbitrary arrests, the disappearance of Tibetans, the imprisonment of families and friends of Tibetans who have set fire to themselves, and deadly clashes with Chinese police forces during demonstrations.
Can the Vice-President/High Representative respond fully to the following questions:
- 1.The European Union has imposed sanctions for human rights violations in countries like Myanmar and Zimbabwe, but has not taken any steps to condemn the Chinese repression in Tibet. Why such an imbalance in sanctions?
- 2.Does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to issue a public statement or take steps to call on the Chinese authorities to put an end to repression in the areas of Ngaba, Kardze and Chamdo; withdraw military troops from these areas and the monasteries; authorise all monks to return to their respective monasteries without any conditions attached; release those who have been arrested in relation to these self-immolations; and authorise foreign diplomats and independent foreign media to gain unhindered access to all regions of Tibet?
- 3.As dialogue has until now been the European Union’s favoured approach in its relationship with China, to what extent is the human rights issue raised during the regular political dialogues on foreign policy matters between the Vice-President/High Representative and the Chinese State Councillor responsible for foreign affairs? As the second session of the EU‑China dialogue did not take place in 2011, has a schedule been set for 2012? Also, have attempts been made to develop projects under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in Tibet?
- 4.The European Union can offer reduced import tariffs in order to encourage countries that respect minimal basic standards and norms regarding working conditions set by the International Labour Organisation. Why have unfavourable import tariffs not been considered for countries, like China, which violate the basic rights of its citizens and the Tibetan minority?
OJ C 96 E, 04/04/2013