Brussels, 03 June: In a letter expressing grave concern, Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the French Senate, has called on President Emmanuel Macron to raise concerns with the Chinese government regarding its recently adopted Law on the ‘Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress’, which was adopted on 12 March 2026 and scheduled to enter into force on 1 July 2026. She argues that the legislation formalises and strengthens China’s assimilation policies in Tibet and other regions by codifying them in national law, thereby accelerating the erosion of Tibetan cultural, linguistic, and religious rights.

The letter warns that provisions linking ethnic identity to national security could increase surveillance and restrictions on peaceful cultural and religious activities. It also raises concerns about the law’s extraterritorial reach, which critics say could facilitate transnational repression of Tibetans and human rights advocates abroad, including European citizens.

The appeal comes amid growing international concern over the legislation, notably, the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 30 April 2026 condemning China’s assimilation policies and related human rights violations in Tibet, calling for the law’s repeal and concerns reportedly expressed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Particular concern has also been expressed over the law’s extraterritorial reach, which could enable Chinese authorities to target individuals and organisations abroad for activities deemed harmful to “national unity” or for allegedly creating “ethnic divisions” raising fears of transnational repression against members of the Tibetan community and human rights advocates, and even European citizens, while also raising concerns about state sovereignty and international law.

The letter concludes by calling for French support to the efforts of the Tibetan people in preserving their identity, culture, language, and religious traditions, particularly during the year marking the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Welcoming the communication, Rigzin Genkhang, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, expressed appreciation for the senator’s efforts to bring this urgent issue to the attention of the French President. International engagement remains essential to safeguarding the rights, culture, and identity of the Tibetan people.

–Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels