On Friday 8 August, all eyes will turn to Beijing where the official opening of the Olympics will take place. Coutts' Kunsang Chodon will also be watching, but for very different reasons.

Kunsang strongly opposes the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the remote and mainly Buddhist territory, where she was born. And although she doesn't mind China hosting the Olympic Games, she believes the Chinese Government should face up to its notorious human rights record.

"If China wants to be a member of the world, they should behave like one. They have to improve the situation in Tibet because people are living in fear. Most are afraid to live in the towns because they're worried about their safety and are taking refuge in the mountains," says Kunsang, who works in Coutts' ISA office.

Tibet has a turbulent history, during which it's been ruled by Chinese and Mongolian empires, and has also enjoyed independence status. In the 1950's, Chinese troops were sent into Tibet, and the central province became the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Kunsang explains: "Tibet consists of three different provinces, but only one part has autonomy, while the other two areas are considered part of China. We are not asking for total independence, simply to have autonomy for all three areas.

"The majority of Tibetans are willing to achieve peace through a middle-ground approach because you need interdependence. You can't live isolated from others," advises Kunsang, "you have to learn to live side by side."

Sounds simple enough, but China believes it has historic sovereignty over Tibet, and dismisses all other arguments. In March, violent scenes where Buddhist monks and anti-Chinese protesters beaten by the authorities were flashed around the world, forcing Tibet onto the international agenda once more.

"If China wants to be a member of the world, they should behave like one. They have to improve the situation in Tibet because people are living in fear."

"Tibetans are becoming the minority in Tibet. There is less opportunity for education, no freedom to practise religion and no freedom of speech. The cultural heritage and identity of Tibet is in danger really.

"In the early sixties, the People's Liberation Army destroyed monasteries and disrobed monks as part of the Cultural Revolution. They also plundered the region's rich mineral resources through mass deforestation," recalls Kunsang.

The Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual and exiled leader in India, believes development in the region favours the Han Chinese. Kunsang adds: "Over 1.2 million Tibetans have died from starvation or brutal beatings. People from my own family have died. For the nomads there isn't enough pasture for the animals. Their livelihoods are in danger."

Although the region has received media attention, no country has openly denounced the treatment of the Tibetans, and China has blocked all UN resolutions on Tibet.

International press are banned, but Tibet's plight is still mentioned. US actress Sharon Stone sparked criticism recently at the Cannes film festival when she claimed China's earthquake was a result of bad 'karma', something Kunsang doesn't agree with. In fact, she believes it's her Buddhist faith that helps her to forgive and keep grounded.

"Buddhism is based on compassion, forgiveness and staying calm. There is no point getting angry with all Chinese people because it's not their fault. This is down to the government and historic rulers like Mao.

"I want to pass on my little knowledge to younger generations because they need to realise the importance of their culture."

"Karma means everything has a cause and effect. Maybe the situation in Tibet is an effect of our past actions, and eventually, like a cycle, we will get our country back."

Before the early eighties, Kunsang lived in India for 25 years, where she worked as a teacher in a Tibetan refugee school. "Eight children from the school were selected to live and study in Sussex for a year, and I was asked to go along with them to teach them Tibetan culture and language."

Since permanently moving to the UK in 1989, Kunsang has been heavily involved with the Tibetan Charitable Refugee Trust and encourages young Tibetans to get involved in traditional dance and prayer sessions. "I also want to pass on my little knowledge to the younger generations because they need to realise the importance of their culture."

Tibet's problems were once again in the spotlight during the Olympic torch relay in March. Anti-China protests escalated into the worst violence Tibet has seen in 20 years. The protests also spread internationally. In the UK and in several other countries, Free Tibet and anti-China supporters tried to hijack the torch relays, which were tightly guarded by the Chinese police.

Kunsang joined 4,000 people to peacefully demonstrate during the torch relay in London. "I felt encouraged because so many people were supporting the Tibetan cause. We were peaceful demonstrators, not there to cause problems, just making our voice heard.

"China will be a good host for the Olympics. However, I think they need to improve what's going on behind the scenes. They have to remember the world will be watching everything on 8 August."

By Rupa Sudra