FIDH Reaffirms Support for Tibetan Human Rights on 90th Anniversary of the Dalai Lama

Global Rights Federation Urges China to Cease Interference in Dalai Lama Succession

Paris,July 15,2025 – on the heels of the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday,the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has adopted a resolution strongly urging China to halt any interference in the religious succession processes of Tibetan buddhism,including the selection of the future Dalai Lama.

The resolution, presented by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and formally adopted on June 28, 2025, serves as a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to peace, non-violence, human dignity, interreligious dialogue, and the preservation of Tibetan cultural and spiritual heritage. As the Tibetan spiritual leader marked his milestone 90th birthday on July 6, the FIDH highlighted the escalating need to protect religious freedom within Tibet.

“We call on foreign governments, including the European Union and its Member States, to adopt a clear and principled stance against any form of interference by Chinese authorities in the succession of the Dalai Lama,” stated Alice Mogwe, FIDH President. “We advocate for the consideration of chinese officials responsible for religious repression and interference in the succession process for inclusion within the framework of the European Union’s global human rights sanctions.”

The FIDH conveyed profound concern regarding the sustained efforts by Chinese authorities to exert control over Tibetan Buddhism. This includes the assertion of a right to designate the next Dalai Lama, an action that directly challenges established religious traditions and infringes upon the basic freedom of religion and belief for the Tibetan people.

The resolution further details specific demands directed at the Chinese authorities:

• Immediate cessation of all forms of interference in the identification of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, notably the future Dalai Lama.
• Resumption of sincere dialogue with the dalai Lama’s representatives to facilitate a peaceful and negotiated resolution for Tibet.
• Respect for the right to freedom of religion or belief, along with the economic, social, and cultural rights of Tibetans, including their right to self-determination.

The FIDH is a global human rights non-governmental institution comprising nearly 200 member organizations worldwide, committed to advancing and safeguarding civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights as enshrined in the Worldwide Declaration of Human Rights.The ICT has been a member of the FIDH since its 37th congress held in Yerevan,Armenia,on April 9,2010.

What specific actions is FIDH taking to address the human rights violations in Tibet, as outlined in the text?

The International Federation for Human Rights’ Ongoing Commitment

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has once again voiced its unwavering support for the essential human rights of the Tibetan people, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the birth of His Holiness the 14th Dalai lama, Tenzin Gyatso. This reaffirmation underscores FIDH’s decades-long dedication to advocating for self-determination, cultural preservation, and freedom of expression within Tibet.The organization’s statement highlights the escalating restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, impacting all facets of Tibetan life.

Current human Rights Concerns in Tibet

The human rights situation in Tibet remains deeply concerning. FIDH’s recent reports detail a systematic crackdown on:

Religious Freedom: Restrictions on Buddhist practices, including limitations on monastic life, religious education, and the selection of reincarnate lamas. The interference in the reincarnation process, particularly concerning the identification of the next Dalai Lama, is a major point of contention.

Cultural Identity: Suppression of Tibetan language and culture through limitations on its use in education and public life. Policies promoting Mandarin Chinese are perceived as an attempt to erode Tibetan identity.

Freedom of Expression: Severe censorship of information, including online content and media.Arbitrary detentions and imprisonment of individuals expressing dissenting views or advocating for Tibetan rights.

Political Freedom: Lack of genuine political participation and self-governance for Tibetans. The absence of meaningful dialog between the Chinese government and the Tibetan leadership-in-exile.

Surveillance and Security: Pervasive surveillance systems and increased security presence, particularly in monasteries and tibetan communities, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

FIDH’s Advocacy Efforts & key Demands

FIDH’s advocacy strategy encompasses several key areas:

1. international Pressure: lobbying governments and international organizations to raise concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet and to exert pressure on China to respect Tibetan rights.
2. Monitoring and Reporting: Conducting thorough investigations and publishing detailed reports documenting human rights violations in Tibet. This includes gathering testimonies from Tibetan refugees and analyzing official Chinese policies.
3. Supporting Tibetan Civil Society: Providing support to Tibetan human rights defenders and organizations working to promote Tibetan culture and advocate for Tibetan rights.
4. Legal Advocacy: Utilizing international legal mechanisms, such as the Global Periodic Review (UPR) process at the United Nations, to highlight human rights concerns and seek accountability.

FIDH specifically demands:

Unconditional Release: The immediate and unconditional release of all tibetan political prisoners.

Dialogue: Meaningful dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people.

Respect for Cultural Rights: Full respect for the cultural, religious, and linguistic rights of Tibetans.

access for Observers: Unrestricted access for independent observers,including UN Special Rapporteurs,to tibet to assess the human rights situation.

End to Surveillance: an end to the pervasive surveillance and security measures that restrict the freedoms of Tibetans.

The Dalai Lama’s Legacy and the Future of Tibet

His Holiness the Dalai lama’s 90th birthday serves as a poignant reminder of his lifelong commitment to non-violence, compassion, and the preservation of Tibetan culture. His teachings on peace and reconciliation have resonated globally, inspiring countless individuals to advocate for human rights and social justice.

The question of Tibet’s future remains a complex and sensitive issue. While the Chinese government maintains that Tibet is an integral part of China, many Tibetans continue to aspire for greater autonomy or self-determination. The middle way approach, advocated by the Dalai Lama, seeks genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution, respecting both Tibetan identity and China’s territorial integrity.

Case Study: The Case of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche

The case of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a prominent Tibetan lama who died in prison in 2015, exemplifies the challenges faced by Tibetans advocating for their rights.Rinpoche was accused