Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I just wanted to respond to the second question, regarding the Chinese government's use of tactics to stop self-immolation. As I have said, rewards are being given out to families that would agree to state that they have instigated the activities of those self-immolators. Recently, in 2012, China set out seven points, one of which stated that if you did not agree to the fact that you actually instigated these activities, then your job would be at stake and you would not be able to actually receive some of the rights and freedoms given by the government.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  The question asked previously is very important, and I wish to respond—

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Among the tactics that the Chinese government uses to stop self-immolation in Tibet, they provide awards to the friends and families who they blame for actually helping sacrifice those lives. In order to stop the self-immolations that occur in Tibet, they should look into the reasons these activities are carried out.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  The reason I requested a fact-finding delegation into Tibet is that the media are restricted from actually entering. Not only the self-immolators but also the family members have been arrested and punished. The self-immolators are now forced, since there is no other way, to consume poison or jump into the river.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I'd like to say that there is a strong ongoing support from the Canadian government in terms of the Tibet issue. His Holiness has been awarded an honorary citizenship. Also, on behalf of all the Tibetans, I'd like to say thank you to the Canadian government for also allowing Tibetans to reside in Canada and call it home.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I'd like to first thank you very much for the opportunity to speak in front of you today. The people inside Tibet who self-immolate do so for two main reasons. One is that we consider Tibet to be an independent country. They do not agree with China's occupation of Tibet and are calling for an end to it.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  First of all, on behalf of all Tibetans and particularly the Tibetan Youth Congress, which is the largest non-governmental organization, I'd like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to address this important parliamentary session. Acts of aggression on Tibet by the People's Republic of China started in 1949 soon after its formation, and by 1959 the PRC had consolidated its illegitimate rule over Tibet.