Passed on March 12 and set to take effect on July 1, the law could convert existing regional and experimental policies into binding nationwide rules. UN experts cautioned that broadly worded provisions, particularly those targeting acts that “undermine ethnic unity”, may be used to curb dissent, restrict academic freedom and suppress cultural expression, with serious implications for Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongols.
Education is a central concern. The legislation promotes Mandarin as the primary medium of instruction, a shift experts say could marginalise minority languages and accelerate cultural erosion among younger generations. In practice, minority languages risk being relegated to a secondary role in public and institutional life.
Religious freedom is another flashpoint. Clauses mandating the “Sinicisation” of religion require faith groups to align with state ideology, raising fears of deeper state intrusion into spiritual practices. UN experts argue such measures may contravene internationally recognised protections on freedom of religion and belief.
The law also touches social organisation. Policies encouraging “integrated” settlements could reshape housing patterns and traditional community structures, while sweeping references to maintaining public order may be invoked to limit peaceful gatherings, cultural events and civic participation.
From a legal standpoint, experts say the law appears inconsistent with China’s obligations under international treaties, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Earlier, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, calling for global intervention, passed a unanimous resolution on March 24 rejecting the law as “legally illegitimate and morally invalid”. The motion, introduced by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, called for its immediate withdrawal.
Tsering asserted that the legislation goes beyond promoting unity and instead targets the very roots of Tibetan identity, culture and religion and international community to hold China accountable.
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