Tibet Support Group Netherlands Stands with Tibetans in Tibet

Statement of Sympathy and Solidarity with the Victims of the Earthquake in Shigatse, Tibet.

The Tibet Support Group Netherlands expresses its deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims of the devastating earthquake that recently struck the Shigatse region in Tibet. We mourn the loss of more than 100 lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts also go out to the many injured and to those who now face immense challenges in rebuilding their lives.

At the same time, however, we are deeply concerned that the victims of this disaster may not receive the desperately needed humanitarian aid they deserve. The ongoing Chinese occupation of Tibet and the repressive policies imposed on the Tibetan people create structural barriers to adequate disaster response and relief.

Moreover, the official Chinese authorities often downplay natural disasters to give the impression that they have everything under control. This frequently leads to disastrous consequences for the affected population. The persistent lack of transparency from the Chinese government remains a major source of concern.

Furthermore, the Chinese government does not allow foreign journalists and observers into Tibet, partly to avoid being confronted with, among other things, 70 years of Chinese occupation and mismanagement in Tibet.

As a result of this stance, it remains, unfortunately, virtually impossible for the international community and Tibetans worldwide to provide humanitarian aid or obtain reliable information about the situation of the affected population.

Nevertheless, we call on the Chinese government to set aside political considerations in this crisis and prioritize the lives and well-being of the Tibetan people. This moment calls for courage and compassion—to let go of political issues and provide the urgently needed humanitarian aid.

In this time of unimaginable adversity, we stand in solidarity with the Tibetan people and wish them all the strength and courage needed to endure and overcome these difficult days.