Dear John,

For generations of my people, Nepal was the gateway to freedom.
Tibetans knew that if they could evade the authorities, pass through the
perilous mountains and set foot in Nepal, they could safely make their way to a
life of liberty outside of Chinese control.

But now, the Chinese government’s persecution has become so relentless that it
includes the sealing of the border with Nepal, and even if Tibetans complete the
dangerous journey to Nepal, their freedom is no longer guaranteed.
In fact, new agreements between China and Nepal mean that Tibetan refugees
could end up right back where they started: in their severely oppressed
homeland.
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Previously, Nepal had an understanding with the UN and other governments: the
Nepali government would permit Tibetans fleeing Chinese-controlled Tibet to
enter Nepal, and then go to the UN High Commission for Refugees to process for
settlement in India.

But as ICT reported last month, new agreements commit Nepal to returning
“persons found while crossing [the] border illegally” within seven days and
could allow China to intervene in issues related to Tibetan refugees living
there.

China has enormous economic and political influence in Nepal. But Tibetans have
supporters like you who will stand up for their freedom.


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As a member of ICT’s community, you fuel our efforts to raise awareness about
these troubling developments. And you give us the support we need to advocate
for US Congress members to push back on China’s interference in the lives of
Tibetans in Nepal. Late last year, several Congressional leaders wrote to
Nepal’s ambassador and prime minister, asking them to uphold Tibetans’ universal
rights.

It’s horrible enough that China’s iron fist is squeezing Tibet.
But we must not allow the long arm of the Chinese government to capture
Tibetans even when they escape into exile in Nepal.
Together, we must stand up for Tibetans’ freedom.

Sincerely,

Tencho Gyatso
Director of Outreach

P.S. Your support for our monitoring and advocacy is vital for ensuring that
China’s repression in Nepal doesn’t go unchallenged. Please help us continue to shine a light—and take action—on crucial issues like
this one by making a donation today.
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