Our official response to the sanction against the Canada-Tibet Committee’s members by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
1.The Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) has been engaged in Tibet Advocacy work in Canada for some 38 years, always within the framework of democratic processes and in the spirit of non-violence and human rights in line with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long-held stance on Tibet.
2. The CTC’s advocacy is therefore informed by HH the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way approach, which seeks to reach a peaceful accommodation on the Tibet issue with justice and dignity.
3. The threat to withdraw access to the PRC is just a formalization of a long-standing practice to deny diaspora Tibetans access to the High Plateau and families — public participation in an open democratic society is not a crime in Canada.
At this juncture, we call on the Govt of Canada to ensure that those sanctioned do not come to harm within Canada or other democratic entities. We note that we are privileged to be in good company with our Uyghur and Canadian partners and friends.
This move actually strengthens our resolve to keep on this path and continue to advocate for policies that bring about a just and equitable solution to the harsh occupation and repression now ongoing in Tibet.
Canada Tibet Committee
Contact: sherap@tibet.ca