Andrews calls for renewed pressure on China to improve treatment of Tibetan people

Chris Andrews TD has called for on the international community to renew pressure on China to improve their treatment of the Tibetan people.

This week marked the 50th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising against Chinese occupation, which resulted in the Dalai Lama fleeing into exile in India. To highlight this anniversary and to protest at the hundreds of Tibetans killed and thousands injured and imprisoned by the Chinese authorities following last year's demonstrations throughout Tibet, the Tibetan Community in Ireland and Tibet Support Group - Ireland held protests in Dublin.

Deputy Andrews said, "In all Tibetan areas, the Chinese authorities took action to prevent or minimise 10th March demonstrations this year by sending in an estimated 20,000 extra soldiers and armed police, imprisoning community leaders, implementing even tighter controls in all monasteries, and denying access to all media and foreign visitors."

"Despite these actions, in recent weeks Tibetans have been risking, and in some cases losing, their lives to protest at Chinese rule. International pressure on the Chinese Government must be maintained if any change is to occur in their treatment of the Tibetan people," said Deputy Andrews.