UN expresses concern of China’s detention of Tibetan singers and musicians

Geneva, 9 July: Seven Special Procedures experts of the UN Human Rights Council wrote to the Chinese authorities to highlight UN’s concern about the human rights situation of Tibetan singers and musicians. Since 2008, China has especially cracked down on Tibetan intellectuals.

In a communication sent to China on 3 February 2014, UN stated “Serious concerns are expressed that the alleged arbitrary arrest and detention or enforced disappearance of the aforementioned 10 Tibetan singers and musicians may be linked to their legitimate human rights activities.”


The Communications report of Special Procedures spoke of the alleged arrest and detention of ten Tibetan singers and musicians. The report said that UN has received information of artists Gongpo Tsezin, Trinley Tsekar, Kelsang Yarphel, Lolo, Pema Trinley, Chakdor, Khenrap, Nyagdompo, Shawo Tashi, and Achok Phulshung, who were either currently being detained or their fate and whereabouts are unknown.

The Communication to China “alleged that the Tibetan artists have been arrested in connection with their songs supporting Tibetan culture and reflecting the situation in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.”

Seven UN Special Rapporteurs who signed the communication were Arbitrary detention; Cultural Rights; Disappearances; Freedom of expression; Freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Freedom of religion and Minority issues. The Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council are independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective.
[tibet.net]
9/7/14