-by International Campaign for Tibet 

Leaders of the Group of Seven nations say that the human rights situation in Tibet is a “major concern to us” and that they will continue voicing their concerns about it.

In a communiqué following the group’s just-concluded annual summit, the G7 leaders say: “We will keep voicing our concerns about the human rights situation in China, including in Tibet and Xinjiang where forced labor is of major concern to us.”

“This communiqué by G7 leaders shows that China’s abuses in Tibet have not escaped the attention of some of the most influential leaders on the planet,” said the International Campaign for Tibet, an advocacy group that promotes human rights and democratic freedoms for the Tibetan people.

“Rather than try to hide its oppression of Tibetans or lash out at criticism from foreign governments, the government in Beijing should get back to the negotiating table and respond positively to the initiative of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan leadership in exile to peacefully resolve the longstanding conflict in Tibet.”

The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the High Representative of the European Union acting as an observer.

G7 leaders met for their annual summit May 19-21 in Hiroshima. Click here to read more.