US Report: Religious Freedom in Tibet Deteriorates/ENG

2012. július 31./CTA/TibetPress

http://tibet.net/2012/07/31/us-report-religious-freedom-in-tibet-deteriorates/

DHARAMSHALA: In its 2011 International Religious Freedom Report released yesterday, the US State Department said there was a marked deterioration in the Chinese government’s respect for and protection of religious freedom in Tibet.  (SEE REPORT)

“There was a marked deterioration in the government’s respect for and protection of religious freedom in the TAR and other Tibetan areas, including increased restrictions on religious practice, especially in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries,” the report said.

“Official interference in the practice of Tibetan Buddhist religious traditions generated profound grievances and contributed to a series of self-immolations by Tibetans,” it said.

The report said, “Government and CCP control over religious practice and the day-to-day management of monasteries and other religious institutions tightened, particularly at Kirti Monastery, which saw the highest concentration of self-immolations.”

The report also stated tightening of repression by the Chinese government on the Tibetan people ahead of and during sensitive anniversaries and events such as the 10 March and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday on 7 July.

The US government repeatedly urged Chinese authorities at multiple levels to respect religious freedom for all faiths and allow Tibetans to preserve, practice, and develop their religious traditions.

US government officials urged the Chinese government to engage in constructive dialogue with the Dalai Lama and his representatives, and to address the policies that threaten Tibet’s distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity and are a primary cause of grievances among Tibetans.