In a significant move, the American Bar Association (ABA) has adopted a resolution urging both the United States and the United Nations to investigate human rights violations in Tibet. Resolution 502, which was passed on August 5 during the ABA’s Annual General Meeting in Chicago, is notable for being the first instance of the organization taking an official stance on Tibet. The resolution “recommends measures to address ongoing atrocity crimes in Tibet.”
Furthermore, it calls for the US Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice to investigate and publish updated findings on potential genocide, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations in the region. The resolution also urges the UN Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur on the situation in Tibet and to include Tibet on its agenda.
The resolution was proposed by the ABA’s International Law Section (ILS) and garnered unanimous support from its delegates. Sara Sandford, Attorney and former Chair of the ILS, emphasized that “the American Bar Association stood up for rule of law and protection of human rights” by adopting this resolution.
In her comments to JURIST, Regina M. Paulose, an international criminal law attorney and Co-Chair of the International Criminal Law Committee in the ILS, welcomed the decision and expressed hope for future actions by the ABA to further dialogue on the rule of law, justice, and accountability concerning Tibet. She stated, “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 ensuring international court rulings are adhered to.”
Tsering Passang, Founder and Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), also expressed his satisfaction at the adoption of Resolution 502, stating, “This is a new avenue for the Tibetans to pursue justice in the eyes of international laws. 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 development comes on the heels of US President Biden’s significant action last month, in which he signed into law the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act. This legislation unequivocally recognizes the distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical identity of Tibetans, which has been systematically eroded by the Chinese government’s actions and human rights abuses.
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