Swedish Tibetan Groups Condemn China's Ethnic Unity Law: Oppression Will Not Bring Solidarity

(CNA Stockholm, July 8) China's "Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion" took effect on July 1, raising concerns that it will intensify pressure on ethnic minorities within China and provide a legal basis for Beijing's cross-border suppression. Swedish Tibetan groups stated that there is no freedom under this law, not only within China but also extending beyond its borders. Oppressing language, culture, and beliefs will not bring solidarity to a nation.

The "Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion" implemented by China on July 1 asserts that the cause of ethnic unity is led by the Communist Party of China and that organizations and individuals outside China can be held accountable.

On July 5, Swedish Uyghur and Tibetan communities held a commemoration event for the Urumqi July 5 incident in a square outside the Stockholm Parliament, condemning the "Promotion Law" and mourning Loga Rangzen, a Tibetan exile in the United States who self-immolated near the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2.

Choekyi from the Tibetan Community in Sweden told CNA that although she has never lived in Tibet, her language, culture, and religion have always kept her connected to her identity and cultural roots. She is very concerned about this law and its potential impact on the rights of Tibetans.

Tenzin Lodoe Choedon, chairman of the Tibetan youth organization V-TAG, stated that China's "Promotion Law" is tantamount to cultural genocide, attempting to eliminate the ways Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Southern Mongolians speak, pray, and learn.

She added that Article 63 extends legal responsibility to individuals outside China, who can be held accountable if their actions are deemed by China to "undermine ethnic unity." This is a direct warning to all overseas activists. Under this law, freedom is curtailed not only within China but also beyond its borders.

Shukur Samsak, chairman of the Swedish Uyghur Committee, criticized the "Promotion Law" not as the start of a new policy, but as the formalization, in legal terms, of decades-long genocidal policies against ethnic minorities within China. This law will transform forced assimilation into a governance principle, packaged to the world as so-called "unity."

Mattias Björnerstedt, chairman of the Swedish Tibet Committee, stated that oppressing language, culture, and beliefs will not bring solidarity to a nation. Only solidarity built on respect for human rights, diversity, and the dignity of all people can be sustained long-term. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150708

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