As China’s controversial Ethnic Unity Law came into effect on Wednesday, the Tibetan political leader has urgently appealed to world leaders and human rights organisation to “oppose, reject and call for its repeal” stating that “the legislation could accelerate the erosion of Tibetan identity and institutionalise assimilation policies across Tibet.”

Writing on behalf of the Tibetan people, Sikyong (President) of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Penpa Tsering described China’s newly enacted “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law” as a sweeping legal framework designed to weaken the distinct language, religion, culture and identity of Tibetans under the guise of national unity.

The law, adopted by the People’s Republic of China on March 12 and scheduled to come into force on July 1, 2026, is presented by Beijing as a measure to promote social harmony and strengthen ethnic unity. However, the CTA argues that it transforms decades-old assimilation policies into bindi...