Exiled Tibetans protest China's UNHRC re-election bid

Exiled Tibetans and other supporters have strongly objected to China's re-election bid as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Tibetans protesters have called for banning China completely from all UN bodies, owing to its poor human rights record.

"Given the circumstances, we know that China's human rights records has been really, really bad, and they have not followed the basic articles of human rights charter," said Jigdel, a protester.

Protesters displayed banners and posters putting forth their demand, as part of the global campaign aimed at urging 193 UN missions and foreign ministries worldwide to vote "No" to China's bid for a re-election to the UN Human Rights Council.

"The self- immolations that have happened inside Tibet, the detentions that are happening, the shootings that have happened inside Tibet, are clear indications to say and prove that China completely does not deserve to be inside United Nations Human Rights council," said spokesperson of Tibetan Women's Association, Nyima.

Many Tibetans say Chinese rule has eroded their culture and religion. They are agitating for the Dalai Lama's return from exile in India and genuine autonomy for their homeland.

However, Beijing denies trampling Tibetan rights and boasts of having brought development and prosperity to the region.

Since 2009, at least 120 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in China in protest against Beijing's policies in Tibet and nearby regions with large Tibetan populations. Most were calling for the return of the Dalai Lama.

Tensions have mounted between Tibet and China since 2008, after riots that broke out in the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Tibetan parts of China, which led to a government crackdown.