Every year, thousands of Tibetans risk their lives crossing the Himalayas, to escape political and religious persecution, imprisonment and torture. They are fleeing a country where they are now in a minority and where their culture and language have been systematically wiped out. This has been the terrible reality for Tibet since China invaded in 1950. A third of the refugees will be children; many will leave home without their parents.
Scattered in 53 settlements across Nepal, India and Bhutan, those who survive the perilous journey into exile now face a harsh future rebuilding their lives. Many will have been traumatised by their experiences in Tibet. The UN High Commission for Refugees provides no long-term help to Tibetans, since the UN does not recognise Tibet as an independent country.
Those who remain in Tibet can face a life of extreme poverty, without functioning systems of healthcare or education. Disease and infant mortality rates within communities are exceptionally high.
17.08.2009. 09:29