Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands MSP and the Scottish Conservative External Affairs Spokesman, today backed calls for increased transparency in terms of the international community being able to access Tibet, where there are continuing reports of alleged human rights abuses.
Jamie was speaking this evening at Holyrood, during a Member’s debate on Self-immolations in Tibet.
Speaking in the chamber, Jamie said:
“…I congratulate Maureen Watt on securing time for the motion and raising an extremely important issue that really needs to be debated.
“As we are all aware, the situation in Tibet has, for a long time, been very unstable. Recent increases in self-immolations, and subsequent actions taken by the Chinese authorities, mark a further decline in the region, which is highly unfortunate.
“I echo the words of Hugo Swire, Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, in calling for unrestricted access, for international media, diplomats, help organisations, and charities, to Tibet. Transparency in Tibet, and access for the surrounding world, could have a cooling-down effect on both sides, which might de-escalate the situation and prevent further tragic loss of life.
“Reports point out that the majority of recent self-immolations are the result of everyday oppression of the right of Tibetans to practise their religion and of severe restrictions on the use of the Tibetan language. As the Tibetan people are a minority group in China, with a distinct language, cultural heritage, and religion, they are, by international law and conventions, protected against discrimination and allowed to practise their religion. That is clearly set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration.
“With respect, it is deeply regrettable that the Chinese authorities seem to be ignoring even the most basic human rights of the Tibetan people.
“With China’s recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, I sincerely hope to see a changed approach from the Chinese authorities towards the Tibetans. Furthermore, I strongly believe that the respect of universal human rights will lay an important cornerstone in the stability and harmony of the region - something that Tibet and its people deserve.
“China’s rise to being one of the great powerhouses of our age is truly remarkable. However, history has shown time and again that, without social progress, economic growth and the consolidation of that growth will not be sustainable. By respecting the human rights of not only Tibetans but all the ethnicities within its vast borders, China will remain an economic powerhouse. That is surely in China’s own interest, but it could also help to stabilise the whole region, which, without doubt, would be in the interests of us all.
“The suffering of the Tibetan people must come to an end. Mighty China should ensure that all its citizens have the rights they deserve. Both sides should refrain from violence and extreme forms of protesting, so that any further loss of life can be avoided.
“I am convinced that if the Tibetans, with their age-old culture, and the Chinese work together as equals, great things will be achieved. By allowing the Tibetans to practise their own religion and live in accordance with their culture, the region will stabilise, and harmony will replace chaos and oppression”.