TCHRD condemns China’s internationalization of repression and sanctions imposed on Tibetan human rights group

The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) extends its wholehearted support and solidarity to the Canada Tibet Committee as it came under attack on 21 December when the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs imposed reprehensible sanctions.

The sanctions including asset freezes and bans on entry represent yet another attempt by the Chinese government to silence and undermine the legitimacy of overseas human rights organizations and the critical work they do in realizing a more fair and just world. 

This latest move by China represents the intensification of its transnational repression campaign to spread fear and disempower the Tibetan exile community and their supporters. As revealed in TCHRD’s recent report, Chinese transnational repression has intensified in recent years, threatening to disrupt and dismantle the exile Tibetan networks, and creating barriers for the continued survival of the Tibetan freedom movement in exile.

This sanction is a stark escalation—a first of its kind targeting members of the Tibetan exile community, and serves as a chilling reminder that no individual or organization advocating for human rights is immune from such repression. This precedent underscores the urgency for greater vigilance, effective counter measures and collective resistance against the growing tentacles of China’s internationalization of repression.

TCHRD commends the Canada Tibet Committee for its 37 years of unwavering advocacy for Tibetan rights and freedoms. We urge the Canadian government to take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety of the Canada Tibet Committee members and ensure that their vital work remains unhindered.

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

27 December 2024