UN rights chief urges China to address human rights situation in Tibet News
UN rights chief urges China to address human rights situation in Tibet
Photo source or description

[JURIST] UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay [official profile; JURIST news archive] on Friday called on China [press release] to remedy long-held frustrations in Tibet that have led to recent extreme protest tactics, including self-immolation. Pillay expressed concern that the Chinese government is suppressing Tibetans’ freedom of expression and that the government is using excessive force against peaceful protestors. Pillay also urged Tibetans to not resort to self-immolation or other extreme protest measures. In the press release, Pillay emphasized that mutual understanding, rather than force, is needed to ensure peace in Tibet:

Social stability in Tibet will never be achieved through heavy security measures and suppression of human rights. Deep underlying issues need to be addressed, and I call on the Government to seriously consider the recommendations made to it by various international human rights bodies, as well as to avail itself of the expert advice being offered by the UN’s independent experts on human rights.

Pillay suggested as a remedial measure [UN News Centre report] that China allow independent monitors to assess the situation in Tibet.

China has long imposed rigid restrictions on Tibet. In February Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] demanded [JURIST report] that China release Tibetan prisoners who were forced into re-education camps. In November 2011, the UN formally expressed concern [JURIST report] over China’s treatment of Tibet. In June 2011, concern over an influx of missing persons prompted a UN rights body to demand a report on disappearances [JURIST report]. That same month, the US requested China release peaceful protesters [JURIST report] arrested in Tiananmen Square. In July of 2010, HRW published a report alleging China violated international law [JURIST report] in its treatment of Tibetan protesters. Secrecy in China’s judicial system [JURIST comment] often raises human rights concern over prisoners being held there.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.