"The UN has urged China to allow international monitors to assess the ground situation in Tibetan areas which has seen an escalation in extreme forms of protest including self-immolations. Days before the Chinese leadership meets for the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), UN chief for human rights, Navi Pillay urged authorities to address the "longstanding grievances that have led to an alarming escalation in desperate forms of protest including self-immolations in Tibetan areas. Pillay's statement is being seen as a first and strong statement on Tibet from the UN." (Quoted from article)