Tibet and Its Independence

Tibet Problem Tibet's Independence Tibet is currently undergoing significant change. The goal of the Tibetan Independence Movement is not only to gain independence for Tibet, but to bring about political separation between it and the People's Republic of China. Many people support it, including celebrities and people of other significance in a number of countries throughout the world. The United States and Europe are both home to Tibetan Buddhists who are part of the independence movement.

The 14th Dalai Lama, however, does not support it, and has changed his prior stance on the issue. He does indicate that autonomy for the Tibetan people within China would be acceptable, but no longer lobbies for Tibet to be completely separate. The independence of Tibet and its people is a serious issue, about which further study should be done. Reasons for independence include the idea that Tibet had been independent in the past, and that the people there are being denied their basic human rights at the current time.

Of course, the Chinese government, which has current control of Tibet, disputes these issues. There are also arguments regarding what constitutes human rights, and whether Tibet was ever independent in the past, based on a given definition of independence. Progress in human rights has allegedly been made by the Chinese government, but yet concerns about Tibet and the treatment of its people remain. As the concerns over human rights grew, various governments and individuals have begun overlapping campaigns to provide support for Tibet.

These campaigns have not only requested human rights, but have also demanded that there should be action taken against China because of its opposition to those rights. During World War I, the Chinese faction controlled just a part of Tibet. The 13th Dalia Lama and his government controlled the other part of the area. Then, 1950 and 1951 saw great upheaval throughout Tibet. There was a liberation agreement signed, which appeared as though it would allow for peaceful liberation.

However, the Chinese claimed that most of the Tibetans at that time were serfs, and were bound to the land. Rebellion broke out, and spread throughout Tibet. It was eventually crushed before 1960, and the 14th Dalai Lama and government principals fled the area. They went to India and lived in exile. There have been other uprisings since that time, but none of them have been successful in making Tibet free and unrestricted. It remains controlled by China.

There are a number of positions on Tibet, based on the country or region. Most of those positions have not changed throughout history, and are the same now as they were before 1950 and the rebellion that took place at that time. Countries that have supported independence with Tibet have continued to do so, and other countries have addressed Tibet as being a part of China. Until and unless Tibet is officially freed, it is likely that most countries will not recognize Tibet as having independence.

That will keep China in control, which continues to be detrimental to the human rights of the Tibetan people. The confusion generally.