USCIRF Concerned Over China's New Regulations for Tibet, Sees Growing Pattern of Religious Freedom Restrictions One Year Before Olympics

August 31, 2007

WASHINGTON -- The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom voices its strong concern over the People's Republic of China's new regulations requiring government approval of "Living Buddhas," which goes into effect on Saturday, Sept. 1. The regulations are clearly designed to undermine the influence of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetans' preeminent spiritual leader, and constitute continuing state violation of internationally guaranteed religious freedom rights in China.

The measures elaborate on Article 27 of China's National Regulations on Religious Affairs issued in March 2005. The new regulations instruct all reincarnate Tibetan lamas to "respect and protect the principles of unification of the state" and declare that no "foreign organization or individual" shall "interfere" in the process of recognizing or enthroning Living Buddhas. In cases where reincarnate lamas have "a relatively large impact," "a great impact," or "a particularly great impact," the regulations state, it is necessary to obtain approval from the provincial or regional governments, the national State Administration of Religious Affairs, or from the State Council, the highest government body in China.

"The Chinese government's policy of suppressing religious freedom in Tibet, including its denial of the right of Tibetan Buddhists to select their own religious leaders, again demonstrates Beijing's violation of international covenants recognizing the basic right of religious communities to choose their religious leaders and teachers," said Commission Chair Michael Cromartie. "China continues to pursue unacceptable policies repressing Tibetan Buddhists."

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