The European Parliament has condemned China’s new ‘Ethnic Unity Law’, warning that the law showcases a systematic attempt to erase the cultural, religious and linguistic heritage of the Tibetan people. Set to take effect on July 1, the law mandates state ideology and prioritising Mandarin over native languages in all public spheres. A resolution condemning the law was approved by a majority in the European Parliament this week, with as many as 439 European lawmakers voting in favour of it, 52 against and 71 abstentions.

The European lawmakers stated that the succession of the Dalai Lama is a religious matter that must be determined exclusively according to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, free from government coercion. Furthermore, the resolution called for the immediate and unconditional release of high-profile political prisoners, including the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Choktrul Dorje Ten Rinpoche and Palden Yeshi, whose detentions remain a matter of international concern.

Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) stated that lawmakers have requested all European Union nations to suspend extradition treaties with China to stop the transnational repression of Tibetans living in other countries. The resolution also demanded the activation of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against the officials responsible for drafting and enforcing these repressive policies.