China’s repressive rule in Tibet has taken a sinister new turn: police are now systematically taking DNA samples from Tibetans, including children as young as five.
As many as 1.2 million Tibetans have had DNA samples taken to build a sweeping genetic database that will add to Beijing’s growing surveillance capabilities, giving China unprecedented power to monitor Tibetans, violate their privacy, and persecute them.
Tibetan activists learnt that US-based company Thermo Fisher was aiding and abetting this mass stealing of Tibetans’ DNA by allowing its DNA test kits to be supplied to police in occupied Tibet.
After over a year of campaigning, the company agreed to end sales to Tibet as of 31 December 2023.
This was an enormous win for the community and its allies! Now we turn our attention to ensuring that Thermo Fisher Keeps its promise.
