UN experts concerned over rights restrictions of Tibetan monks

PTI

From Yoshita Singh United Nations, Nov 2 (PTI) A group of experts at the UN today expressed concern over reports that Tibetan Buddhist monks in China are subjected to "severe human rights restrictions", saying such measures will only exacerbate Tibet-China tensions. Heavy security measures have been reported in and around the Tibetan Buddhist Kirti monastery, which houses about 2,500 monks and other monasteries in Aba county in the Chinese province of Sichuan where many ethnic Tibetans live. The measures include security raids and surveillance within monasteries, with police presence inside and outside monasteries to monitor religious activities, the UN experts said in a statement here today. "Such restrictive measures not only curtail the right to freedom of religion or belief, but further exacerbate the existing tensions, and are counterproductive," said Heiner Bielefeldt, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. Security officers in riot gear, soldiers with automatic rifles, and trucks and armed personnel have been deployed on the streets leading to the monastery. "Intimidation of the lay and monastic community must be avoided, and the right of members of the monastic community, and the wider community to freely practice their religion, should be fully respected and guaranteed by the Chinese government," Bielefeldt said. The experts said the measures have resulted in increased tensions between the Chinese authorities and members of the monastic community. Frank La Rue, the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, voiced "deep concern about allegations of restrictions to internet access and mobile services within Aba county, as well as journalists' lack of access to the region."


(2011-11-2/IBNLive)