Whereas on March 5, 6, and 7, 1989, Tibetans engaged in peaceful demonstrations in Lhasa were fired on by Chinese authorities, reportedly killing 30 to 60 persons and injuring hundreds;

Whereas on March 8, 1989, martial law was declared in Lhasa and its environs, and there were subsequent reports of mass arrests and mistreatment of Tibetans by Chinese authorities;

Whereas despite some Chinese efforts to address the grievances of the Tibetan people, reports issued by the International press and credible human rights organizations, including Asia Watch and Amnesty International, confirm mounting allegations of very serious violations of human rights in Tibet, including arbitrary arrest and detention, the use of excessive force on peaceful demonstrators, restrictions on religious freedoms, torture, and a systematic pattern of discrimination;

Whereas the government of the People's Republic of China has endorsed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has expressed its concern about human rights conditions in other countries, including South Africa and the United States;

Whereas Congress passed, and President Reagan signed into law on December 22, 1987, legislation stating that "the Government of the People's Republic of China should respect internationally recognized human rights and end human rights violations against Tibetans ... and should actively reciprocate the Dalai Lama's efforts to establish a constructive dialogue on the future of Tibet";

Whereas although both the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama has declared an intention to enter into negotiations concerning the situation in Tibet, no talks yet have taken place; and

Whereas the Dalai Lama has called on Tibetans to refrain from violence; "There is no justification for violence -- to use guns, or to stone people, or to burn houses,": Now therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress--

(1) Condemns the use of excessive and lethal force by the Chinese authorities in Tibet against individuals engaged in the peaceful expression of their political beliefs;

(2) Urges the People's Republic of China to exercise restraint in response to future peaceful demonstrations, to respect internationally recognized human rights, and to end human rights violations in Tibet;

(3) Urges the People's Republic of China to lift martial law in Lhasa and its environs at the earliest possible date and to admit foreign journalists and human rights monitors to Tibet;

(4) Urges the People's Republic of China to allow representatives of respected international humanitarian organizations to have access to prisons in Tibet;

(5) Consistent with section 1243 of Public Law 100-204, urges the President to continue to make respect for human rights (including the treatment of Tibetans) an important factor in United States conduct of relations with the People's Republic of China;

(6) Urges the executive branch, through the Secretary of State, to call attention to violations of human rights in Tibet; and

(7) Supports all efforts, including those of the Dalai Lama, to peacefully resolve the situation in Tibet and urges both sides to pursue a constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the situation as early as possible.

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Last updated: 14-Aug-97