121. Members doubted the Chinese Government's account of riots in Lhasa. The actions of separatists might be part of an explanation, but riots were complex phenomena, It had to be asked why substantial sections of the Population should join in riotous behaviour. Popular perceptions of racial discrimination in Tibet might well be part of an explanation. Persons arrested as a result Of demonstrations in Lhasa had reportedly been hela for periods varying from days to months and their relatives denied visiting rights. Although China's Code of -33- Criminal Procedure specifically prohibited the use of torture, there were grounds for believing that it had been regularly employed against detained demonstrators. 122. Replying to questions raised and observations made by members of the Committee, the representative of China, referring to articles 2 and 5 of the Convention, recalled that his country had a population of 1.4 billion, including 56 nationalities, Principal legal instruments regulating ethnic relations in China were the Self-Government Laws of Nationality Regions. National autonomous areas and provinces with large minority populations complied with the provisions of those laws .' Each minority'area, including provinces with dispersed minority populations, formulated its own self-government regulations. Under the Constitution, all citizens enjoyed an equal status whatever their nationality. In accordance with the law, autonomous regions, prefectures or counties were established where one or more minority nationalities lived in a concentrated community. The organs of self-government of national autonomous areas worked out the policies and plans for economic development in the light of local characteristics and needs. However, as a result of differences in economic and social development, the situation of. various national minorities in the country as a whole was uneven. The representative also stated that any kind of discrimination or any restriction by a 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the relationship between the Chinese government and the Tibetan minority, specifically addressing allegations of racial discrimination and human rights violations. The focus is on the treatment of Tibetans by the government, including reports of torture and restrictions on visiting rights for arrested individuals. The Chinese government's response emphasizes its commitment to equal status for all citizens, regardless of nationality, and highlights its efforts to promote economic development and self-government in minority regions.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education