Andrew Fischer was interviewed by the Dutch national broadcasting organization (NOS). In the interview, which is published on the NOS website, Fischer compares the recent self-immolations by 8 Tibetan monks and 1 nun to the 'Arab spring'. 'It is an act of desperation' states Fischer, the monks and nun hope that their action will bring about a change to the Chinese policy in Tibet.

Despite the economic growth experienced by China over the past decade, Tibetans are still discriminated against, although there have been some improvements. 'Tibetans are marginalized', adds Fischer. 'They move to urban areas where they face a number of social problems...'.

Following the protests in Tibet in 2008, Fischer expected the hard liners in the Chinese political elite to take a step back, but that was not the case, 'They seem to be still firmly in place'.

Andrew Fischer is Senior Lecturer in Population and Social Policy at ISS. He specializes in marginalised and/or disadvantaged peoples, including issues of poverty, inequality, social exclusion, disadvantage, discrimination, and social conflict.