[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE OF TIBET

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the 
people of Tibet and to thank groups like Students for a Free Tibet for 
all the work they do to raise awareness on this issue. For too long, 
the Tibetan people have suffered numerous human rights violations at 
the hands of the People's Republic of China. In the fight for Tibetan 
freedom, 35 Tibetans have set fire to themselves since February 2009 to 
protest China's occupation of their land. At least 23 of them have 
died. Their sacrifice should not go unnoticed. They have given their 
lives to show the world the suffering the Tibetan people endure at the 
hands of Chinese government.
  Additionally, there are numerous Tibetans who have been arrested for 
speaking out against the government and advocating for the freedom of 
Tibet. These political prisoners need to be set free. Their only crime 
is standing up for the rights of the Tibetan people. While China 
continues to enforce policies that encroach on the freedoms of 
Tibetans, the people continue to conduct peaceful demonstrations. It is 
our responsibility to support the Tibetan people both politically and 
financially.
  As a body, we should carry on our support for the Tibetan people by 
continuing to fund areas such as development, refugee programs, and 
Radio Free Asia and Voice of America. By supporting programs such as 
these, we encourage Tibetan livelihood and culture. U.S. assistance has 
supported sustainable development, environmental conservation, and 
cultural preservation in Tibet since 2000. Let us continue this support 
to contribute to a better future for Tibet.
  We should also continue to support the Dalai Lama's efforts to 
negotiate a peaceful solution for Tibet with the Chinese government. 
The Tibetan people are a peaceful people and we should support their 
belief system in finding a peaceful solution to this problem. Let us 
lend our support to the people of Tibet so that they can continue their 
fight for freedom.
  I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the people 
of Tibet.

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