DEPORTATION OF TIBETANS

Early day motion 1335, tabled 4 June 2003 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 37 members.

That this House condemns the unprecedented forcible deportation of 18 Tibetans aged between 14 and 30 years on Saturday 31st May in Nepal to Tibet as a result of Chinese pressure; is gravely concerned at the treatment these Tibetans may be undergoing, particularly as medical treatment had been denied in advance of the deportation and given the current high risk of detention and torture in Tibet by the Chinese authorities; and urges the Government to make clear its displeasure with the Chinese and Nepalese authorities at this deportation, to seek assurances from the Nepalese Government that the deporting of refugees without due process will not become a pattern in Nepal and to urge the Nepalese Government to return to its previous practice of handing over Tibetan refugees to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees for processing.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 10, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 1.