October 21, 1959 - Human Rights Violations in Tibet

Human Rights a Day

UN speaks out against human rights violations in Tibet. Ever since China invaded the country of Tibet in 1949, the world has been calling for Tibet’s independence. When the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s political and spiritual leader, appealed to the United Nations on the question of Tibet, the UN adopted three resolutions in 1959, 1961 and 1965 that called on China to respect the human rights of Tibetans and their desire for self-determination. The UN General Assembly’s resolution on October 21, 1959 condemned China’s actions and declared its suppression of human rights in Tibet deplorable. Despite these and subsequent resolutions, China continues to prevent Tibet from celebrating its culture or spiritual independence. The Dalai Lama has traveled the world in his unending efforts to garner sufficient international pressure to force China to reintroduce freedoms in his country. For decades, he has set up institutions dedicated to Tibetan education, culture and religion in order to preserve its heritage and identity. The Dalai Lama has received numerous awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, recognizing his message of peace and non-violence. Despite his message, whenever any government leaders agree to meet with him, China sends messages of strong condemnation about this man, who describes himself as “a simple Buddhist monk.”