“ They Say We Should Be Grateful”

Mass Rehousing and Relocation Programs in Tibetan Areas of China

Map: Tibetan Autonomous Areas within the People’s Republic of China

Glossary

Summary

Key Recommendations

Methodology

I.Overview of the Human Rights Situation

II. Origin of Rehousing and Relocation Policies

The Great Development of the West (2000)

The New Socialist Countryside and the Comfortable Housing Campaign (2005-present)

The Leapfrog Development Strategy (2010)

III. Applicable Legal Standards

International Standards

Domestic Standards

IV. Coercion in Relocation and Rehousing Programs

V. Inadequate Consultation and Remedies

Inadequate Consultation

Lack of Remedies

VI. Inadequate Compensation and Subsidies

Compensation Calculations

Allegations of Corruption

VII. Housing Quality and Suitability Issues

VIII. Increased Financial Burdens

Asset Transfers as “Self-Financing”

IX. Other Cultural and Economic Impacts

Loss of Farmland Crops and Livestock

Increased Living Costs

Limited Employment Opportunities

Difficulties Integrating into Urban, Commercial Economies

X. Recommendations

To the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)

To International Donors, including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank

To the UN Human Rights Council and Other UN Bodies

To Chinese and International Infrastructure Companies Investing in Tibetan Areas

XI. Appendix

Acknowledgments