Interrelationship between Suicide and Violation of Human Rights in Tibet

This paper proposes to look at the interrelationship between denial of one’s basic human rights and suicide which can be understood in the context of Tibetan people whose human rights have been dishonoured by the Chinese rule and that has led Tibetans to protest within and outside Tibet. Altruistic suicide is committed when a person is over integrated with a social community as a result of which he or she is willing to sacrifice for a cause which is beneficial to all. Tibetans have been denied of their basic human rights and this has compelled some of them toward self-immolation. Tibetans living within and outside Tibet have taken such a drastic step not only as sign of protest but also to create awareness to the world. For instance, the act of self-immolation is done by both young and old Tibetans who may or may not be monks or nuns. On the other hand, cases of excessive regulation due to oppressive regime has led some to commit Fatalistic suicide. This fatalistic suicide is demonstrated especially with regard to the Tibetan political prisoners who are treated in pathetic conditions such an example is the Drapchi prison in Tibet. Testimonies and media reports further confirm for the human rights violation in Tibet.