2010 - 19th Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium

Session Time : 4/22/10 10:30 AM - 4/22/10 11:45 AM

Content Area : Sociology & Anthropology

Student Presenters :
Ashley Renee Stephens International Studies

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
D. Murray Chass-Dean's Office

Abstract Title : China's Human Rights Violations in Tibet and Xinjiang

Abstract :
China has been under scrutiny for its lack of protection for human rights, even though the nation has declared itself a sponsor for liberty. Critics suggest otherwise, as China has taken control over the autonomous regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. In spite of China’s advocacy of civil liberties, numerous case studies demonstrate its unwillingness to adhere to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. China has almost 20% of the world’s population, making the problem of human rights crucial for its massive population. China has been scrutinized for its lack of social development, most notably in Tibet. Instances of human rights violations include the suppression of Buddhism and the assimilation of Tibetan youth into Chinese schools. China has also maintained control over Xinjiang, where it recently discovered an oil resource. China, who accuses independence activists of trying to disrupt national unity, strengthened its grip over the territory because of the prospect of a valuable natural resource. Chinese media has a lack of transparency, resulting in Google’s recent threat to pull out of China, leading to questions about the validity of the information that the general public in China receives. This research examines evidence of human rights violations in China within a global context. Human rights activists have proposed some solutions for these issues, although China’s ties to the major economic powers complicate these efforts. This research concludes that international economic and political relationships are considered more central to the Chinese government than human rights violations in the so-called ‘autonomous’ regions.