Tibetans can be understood as stateless peoples: their rights of self-determination are continually undermined by the actions of China over Tibet. Professor Dibyesh Anand's academic work brings to light the colonial conditions that lead to the oppression of Tibetans and makes the freedom struggle in China-controlled Tibet as well as in diaspora increasingly fraught in the face of the rising power of China. By working together with Tibetan community organisations, he seeks to challenge the activism-academia divide.
Summary of the impact
Anand’s research offers an original postcolonial critique of Western and Chinese colonial practices that have shaped Tibet as an international issue and engages with the politics of identity and representation in the Tibetan diaspora, examining how constructions of “Exotica Tibet” and “Tibetanness” have impacted those who are being represented. His recent academic work focuses on framing Chinese state practices vis-à-vis Tibetans and Uyghurs as colonial.
Anand has used his research expertise on the oppression of Tibetans to push for critique of Chinese colonialism and solidarity with the Tibetan freedom movement. Anand’s expert evidence directly informed the judgement of a landmark legal case that has set a precedent on the rights of Tibetans to claim asylum in the UK. He has been felicitated by Tibetan communities in diaspora for his advocacy work and for facilitating capacity building for Tibetan activists in the UK and India.
Securing the legal right of Tibetans to claim asylum in the UK
Anand has provided extensive expert advice to legal professionals in more than 14 final appeals dealing with the rights of Tibetans seeking asylum in the UK, contributing to the majority of asylum claims being accepted. Russell Blakely, Partner at Wilson Solicitors LLP, stresses that Anand’s
"importance to the field cannot be overstated. He writes with authority and is highly respected by the First Tier and Upper Tribunal. The Tribunals have accepted his opinion in full on numerous occasions. As such he has been instrumental in the fight for justice for many Tibetan refugees."
Most significant is Anand’s contribution to the landmark 2016 case of “TG (Interaction of Directives and Rules)” in the Upper Tribunal, which has established a precedent that will help to defend the rights of Tibetans seeking asylum in the future. The judgement states that UK Tier 2 qualification requirements do not override the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) in respect to the Refugee Convention pursuant to Article 1E and the Qualification Directive (Directive 2004/83/EC). In coming to his judgement to uphold the appellant’s appeal against deportation to India, the judge describes at length Anand’s evidence on the likely actions of India and China in violating the convention, stating: “We place weight on the expert evidence of Dr Anand.”
Of particular importance was Anand’s evidence that those making asylum claims in the UK typically had been living in India with false registration and residence certificates, and, as such, their previous unlawful residence would mean that they would be treated as stateless on return. By being rendered stateless, deportation would lead to India treating the appellant as a foreigner with restrictions on their exercise of civil and legal rights, capacity to buy property and employment opportunities, thus violating the above ECHR article on human rights.
Facilitating capacity building for Tibetan activists in exile
Anand has worked tirelessly in building the capacity of refugee activists, academics and politicians to protect the rights of Tibetans in exile. The focus has been to enable these groups to voice their own experiences and perspectives, rather than being spoken for by those in positions of power.
Riki Hyde, Chair of the Tibet Society of the UK and Honorary President of the Tibet Relief Fund, states that Anand
“has been a major contributor to the Tibet movement, particularly when many are cautious about speaking out because of Chinese reaction… He has I know withstood pressure from Chinese interests, and indeed sought to be a bridge of dialogue to encourage understanding between the two communities, which is so crucial for the survival of Tibetan identity.”
Such contributions to the Tibetan movement include Anand’s work with the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI), a think-tank for the Tibetan Government in Exile. Engagements include conducting a workshop on undertaking research in this field, focussed on navigating the complexities of Tibet’s geopolitical situation, and collaborating in the organisation of the conference “Researching Contemporary Tibet: People, Power and Resilience” (13 Sept 2016). Tenzin Lekshay, Director of TPI, writes that Anand’s
“immense knowledge on the geopolitics of Tibet and China, particularly on security issues has been great help for the Tibet Policy Institute. … He constantly helps Tibet Policy Institute in building research capacities as well as promoting institutional engagements… The Tibet Policy Institute sincerely appreciates Prof. Dibyesh Anand’s unceasing cooperation, guidance and mentorship.”
Anand has also facilitated the work of younger generations aiming to advocate for the cause of Tibetans. As a Patron for Students for Free Tibet (SFT) UK, Anand’s work with them has included the organisation of film screenings and a two-day conference on “Academia and Activism in the Tibetan movement”. SFT UK President, Drukthar Gyal, states:
“Professor Dibyesh’s guidance and expertise is very crucial for our Society and his support is inspiring for Tibetan students as well our allies. His academic mentorship for some of our members has been life-changing for them in terms of pursuing further education as well.”
Further, Anand’s speech at the Chinese Embassy in March 2018, at the invitation of the cultural and activist organisation Tibetan Community of UK, inspired the formation of Oxford Students for Self-Determination Society. The Society’s founder and Co-Chair states:
“The society was actually founded after I saw [Anand] speak… at the Tibetan Uprising Day rally in London. [His] speech in support of the Tibetan people and more specifically [his] call for an intersectional movement that opposed imperialism wherever it appeared struck a chord with me, and was a key factor in founding this Society.”
Anand’s academic, advocacy and capacity building work on Tibet is expanding to include other stateless peoples.
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Connect with Professor Dibyesh Anand.