Swiss Government Acknowledges Transnational Repression Against Tibetans and Uyghur
Geneva: Office of Tibe in Geneva has been raising concern about China’s growing influence and interference since 2019. Additionally, during Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s official visits to Switzerland, multiple appeals were made to the Swiss Federal government to address these issues. On 12 February 2025, the Swiss Federal Government formally affirmed that both Tibetans and Uyghurs are facing transnational repression from China. Swiss Representative Thinlay Chukki, expressed her appreciation and gratitude for this report from the Swiss government.
The Federal Council report in fulfilment of the postulate 20.4333 APK-N report comprises 10 Chapters with 36 pages, titled “Situation of Tibetan and Uyghur in Switzerland” by the Swiss Parliament. The main topic concerns the situation of Tibetans in Switzerland, particularly regarding freedom of speech and its connection to Surveillance. This official report was produced in response to a resolution passed by the parliament on 15 March 2021.
Chapter 3 analyses Switzerland’s refugee policies for Tibetans and Uyghurs, including refugee recognition, deportation procedures, and the legal status of Tibetans in Switzerland. Chapter 4 details China’s extensive surveillance operations targeting Tibetan and Uyghur exile communities abroad. Chapter 5 examines how transnational repression restricts the fundamental rights of Tibetans and Uyghurs, particularly in relation to freedom of expression. Chapter 6 explores existing foreign and international legal measures to protect against transnational repression. Chapter 9 outlines measure taken by the Swiss Federal Government to address and prevent transnational repression.
The report is an official government document based on research conducted by the University of Basel. Regarding future protection of Tibetans and Uyghurs, the report indicates that Switzerland will respond diplomatically at the international level to China and all countries that facilitate transnational repressive actions. Furthermore, it states that Switzerland will not tolerate China’s current actions and will take domestic measures, including raising awareness among authorities and providing support to victims. To read the Original German Version of the report, click here.
-Report filed by Tibet Bureau, Geneva
February 14, 2025
