This thesis investigates the impact of the People’s Republic of China's environmental colonialism on Tibetan indigenous practices and beliefs, focusing on land as a central cultural element. Since...Show moreThis thesis investigates the impact of the People’s Republic of China's environmental colonialism on Tibetan indigenous practices and beliefs, focusing on land as a central cultural element. Since 2000, the Chinese colonisers implemented policies aimed at the development and ecological protection of the Tibetan Plateau, leading to forced displacement, land dispossession, destruction of sacred sites, and cultural erasure of Tibetans. Through a comprehensive literature review, the paper examines the concept of cultural genocide under colonial occupation, Chinese environmental colonialism, and the significance of land in Tibetan culture and religion. Drawing on scholarly discourse, the study reveals how Chinese environmental policies constitute a form of cold genocide, gradually undermining Tibetan culture and identity through structural violence and assimilation tactics. By exploring two case studies, namely the Sanjiangyuan National Park, Amdo region, and anti-mining protests in Driru County, U-Tsang region, this thesis underscores the urgency of addressing cultural genocide in Tibet and advocating for the preservation of indigenous cultures worldwide.Show less
Gaining access remainsone ofthe main impediments to the United Nations humanitarian response in Syria. Since 2011, the Syrian government has systematically blocked the United Nations from accessing...Show moreGaining access remainsone ofthe main impediments to the United Nations humanitarian response in Syria. Since 2011, the Syrian government has systematically blocked the United Nations from accessing populations in opposition-held areas. In theory, the Humanitarian Principles Neutrality and Independence provide the framework for gaining impartial access to conflict settings. Ironically, however, in practice the need to gain access has pushed the United Nations to compromise the Humanitarian Principles and comply to President Assad’s demands. While the United Nations’ compromises enable it to access at least government approved areas, these compromises have also facilitated Assad’s siege warfare tactic, population displacements and thereby re-shaped Syria’s socio-political landscape. Analysis of the Syrian conflict often focuses on President Assad’s role in perpetuating violence. Yet, the United Nations’ aid operation plays a similarly crucial role in shaping the dynamic and political outcome of the Syrian conflict. This paper therefore asks; To what extent has the United Nations adhered to the Humanitarian Principles Neutrality and Independence in its operations in the Syrian conflict between 2011 and 2017 and what are the implications?Show less
