“Intimidation, security raids and surveillance of the sites and religious activities” is the allegation. China insists that it is an internal issue. Nonetheless, UN experts voiced their concern over reports of severe human rights restrictions on Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China’s Sichuan province, “Such restrictive measures not only curtail the right to freedom of religion or belief, but further exacerbate the existing tensions, and are counterproductive,” according to Heiner Bielefeldt, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. Heavy security measures have been reported in and around the area of the Tibetan Buddhist Kirti monastery, which houses some 2,500 monks, and other monasteries in Aba county, an area of the south-western Chinese province of Sichuan with many ethnic Tibetans.(PHOTO circa 2008 - Courtesy Guardian during last round of broad alleged repression/violence) Enforced Disappearance? The heavy security measures are contributing to increased tensions between the Chinese authorities and members of the monastic community, in particular since March 2011, a period which has witnessed an escalation of protests by both lay persons and members of the monastic community, calling for religious freedom. “The severe restrictions on freedoms of religion, expression and association, have led to hundreds of monks reportedly leaving the monastery, with many being arrested or subjected to enforced disappearance.” According to a Statement released by the Experts. “Any enforced disappearance is unacceptable and such practices are in violation of international law,” said the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Mr. Jeremy Sarkin, expressing concern that a proposed revision to the Chinese Criminal Procedure Law will legalise enforced disappearances in the country. “This heinous practice is not permitted under any circumstances. No exceptional circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify an enforced disappearance.” (READ – “China Claims Reeducating Tibetan Monks” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/china-claims-reeducating-of-tibetan-monks-by-ambassador-mo/28808 Another UN expert panel, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, expressed concern about the recurring practice of arbitrary arrests and detention of monks in the area of Sichuan province. “No individual can be arrested on the ground of peacefully exercising the rights and freedoms guaranteed under international human rights law,” stressed Mr. El Hadji Malick Sow, the Group’s Chair-Rapporteur. (READ – 1”st UN Day of Disappeared” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/1st-un-day-of-disappeared-by-ambassador-mo/34872 Deployment of Security Forces: The recent deployment of security forces is reported to include officers in riot gear, soldiers with automatic rifles, and trucks and armed personnel on the streets leading to the monastery. “Intimidation of the lay and monastic community must be avoided, and the right of members of the monastic community, and the wider community to freely practice their religion, should be fully respected and guaranteed by the Chinese Government,” stressed the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt, Further measures are reported to include security raids and surveillance within monasteries, with police presence inside and outside monasteries to monitor religious activities. The Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr. Maina Kiai, who warned that “such measures seriously impede the exercise of the right to association of members of the monastic community.” Right to Practice Religion: “Intimidation of the lay and monastic community must be avoided, and the right of members of the monastic community, and the wider community to freely practice their religion, should be fully respected and guaranteed by the Chinese Government,” stressed Mr. Bielefeldt. The measures have resulted in increased tensions between the Chinese authorities and members of the monastic community, particularly since March, a period which has seen a rise in protests by both lay persons and members of the monastic community calling for religious freedom. Restriction to Access of Internet: Frank La Rue, the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, voiced his “deep concern about allegations of restrictions to Internet access and mobile messaging services within Aba county, as well as journalists’ lack of access to the region.” He stated that rather than taking such measures, the Government should instead “listen to and address the legitimate grievances of the monastic community.” READ – “Obama Meets the Dalai Lama & China Seethes” -http://www.filmannex.com/posts/blog_show_post/obama-meets-dalai-lama-china-seethes-by-ambassador-mo/32323 READ – “Dalai Lama Victim of BRICS Solidarity?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/dalai-lama-victim-of-brics-solidarity-by-ambassador-mo/35787 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow at DiplomaticallyX “War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice