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.

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.

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.