Estonian MPs launch protest letter to China over minority assimilation law

The chairman of Estonia's parliamentary group for Tibet, Juku-Kalle Raid, has spearheaded a protest letter addressed to the Chinese embassy, signed by nearly fifty members of the Riigikogu (parliament). This initiative stems from a new law enacted in China at the beginning of July, which the group believes is designed to assimilate ethnic minorities residing within Chinese territory, including Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongols.

Raid stated that the law, despite being named the "Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress," fundamentally aims to erase Tibetan identity. He elaborated that the legislation imposes far-reaching mandates intended to dissolve Tibetan identity across various levels, from local governance to educational institutions and community structures.

The protest signifies a strong stance by Estonian lawmakers against perceived cultural assimilation policies targeting minority groups within China. The signatories express deep concern over the potential impact of the new law on the distinct cultural and social fabric of these communities, particularly Tibetans.

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The law has a subtle name, 'Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress,' but its content is to erase Tibetan identity and establish far-reaching mandates aimed at dissolving Tibetan identity from local governments to Tibetan schools and communities.