April 10, 2008

Washington, DC – The Institute on Religion and Public Policy commends the U.S. House of Representatives on today's passage of an important resolution concerning China's human rights abuses in Tibet.

The resolution, sponsored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, bluntly recounts China's March crackdown on Tibetan protestors in Lhasa and provides concrete and clear-eyed prescriptions for U.S. policy in the region. Among the recommendations, the House calls on China to "begin a results-based dialogue, without preconditions, directly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama" on the grievances of the Tibetan people.

In addition, the House calls on the U.S. State Department to consider placing China back on its list of the world's worst human rights violators for 2007, and implement 2002 legislation that provides for a U.S. government office in Lhasa to monitor Tibet's economic and political developments.

Though the House resolution deals only with the suppression of Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists, believers of all faiths who do not follow state-sanctioned religious observances are subject to harassment and persecution. Uighur Muslims, for example, are restricted from having "illegal" publications and activities, and their imams must undergo political training to preach. In the last few years, Falun Gong followers have been subject to imprisonments and torture. Members of underground Protestant churches have endured similar, and worsening, treatment in the last year. The underground Catholic Church also finds itself targeted by the state.

"As the Olympic torch makes its rocky journey to Beijing, the world is watching to see what China does regarding its atrocious fundamental rights record," said Institute President Joseph K. Grieboski. "At this stage, having Congress officially criticize China's actions puts tremendous-and necessary-pressure on Beijing to respect the rights of its people."

About Institute on Religion and Public Policy

Nominated for the 2007 Nobel Prize in Peace, the Institute on Religion and Public Policy is an international, inter-religious non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring freedom of religion as the foundation for security, stability, and democracy.

The Institute works globally with government policymakers, religious leaders, business executives, academics, international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and others in order to develop, protect, and promote fundamental rights – especially the right of religious freedom – and contributes to the intellectual and moral foundation of the fundamental right of religious freedom. The Institute encourages and assists in the effective and cooperative advancement of religious freedom.

Institute on Religion and Public Policy