Pelosi Statement on the 63rd Anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement in recognition of the 63rd anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, which commemorates Tibet's resistance to occupation by the People's Republic of China and the subsequent exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama:

"Today, Americans and allies of freedom around the world commemorate the courage, determination and resilience of the Tibetan people and recommit to supporting their struggle for liberty and autonomy in the face of escalating aggression by China's government. Sixty-three years ago, thousands of Tibetans put their lives on the line to defend their families, their faith and their way of life from violent occupation. In the decades since, Tibetans have braved brutal crackdowns as they continue speaking out against religious and cultural oppression.

"Moved by the resilience of the Tibetan people and inspired by the peaceful, steadfast leadership His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the United States is committed to holding Beijing accountable and will continue working to facilitate a productive dialogue. In 2020, the House of Representatives proudly led the way in enacting the Tibet Policy and Support Act, promoting the distinct religious, linguistic and cultural identity of the Tibetan people – including the right to select religious leaders in accordance with their own belief system. And yesterday, the House voted to reauthorize the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, enabling the United States to impose sanctions on human rights violators in China and across the world.

"Having traveled to Tibet and met with Tibetan advocates around the globe, I have learned firsthand about the cultural stakes of this fight and the reality of Tibetans' oppression. Congress is proud to stand with the people of Tibet, for if we do not speak out against human rights abuses in China due to commercial interests, then we will lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights anywhere else in the world. We will never waver in advancing human rights and dignities for all freedom-loving people, while working to build a future with liberty and justice for all."

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