In a landmark development, the American Bar Association (ABA) has adopted a resolution urging the United States and the United Nations to investigate human rights violations in Tibet. Resolution 502, passed on August 5 at the ABA’s Annual General Meeting in Chicago, marks the first time the organization has taken a stance on the issue of Tibet, and “recommends measures to address ongoing atrocity crimes in Tibet”.

The resolution further calls on the US Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice to investigate and publish updated findings on the question of genocide, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations in Tibet. Additionally, it urges the UN Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur on the situation concerning Tibet and to include the situation of Tibet on its agenda.

The resolution was proposed by the International Law Section (ILS) of the ABA and received unanimous support from the delegates at the meeting. Sara Sandford, Attorney and former Chair of the ILS, stated that “the American Bar Association stood up for the rule of law and protection of human rights” by adopting the resolution.

Speaking to JURIST, Regina M. Paulose, an international criminal law attorney and Co-Chair of the International Criminal Law Committee in ILS, welcomed the news and expressed her hope for future actions by the ABA in promoting dialogue and conversations about the rule of law, justice, and accountability related to Tibet, saying:

The situation in Tibet has been ignored for far too long despite credible and well documented reports indicating the commission of international crimes. The steps taken in this resolution should be implemented by the international community at large — not just the United States; ensuring accountability for Tibet in the wake of PRC’s actions, upholding human rights, religious liberty, cultural heritage, and ensure international court rulings are adhered to.

Tsering Passang, Founder and Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), also expressed his delight at the adoption of Resolution 502. “This is a new avenue for the Tibetans to pursue justice in the eyes of international laws,” he said continuing; “This resolution, the first of its kind in ABA history, reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the legal and human rights issues faced by the Tibetan people.”

This comes as US President Biden made a significant move last month towards acknowledging the plight of the Tibetan people, in signing into law the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act. This landmark legislation unequivocally recognizes the distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical identity of Tibetans, which has been systematically eroded by the Chinese government’s claims and egregious human rights abuses.