Tibetan leader slams China's repression in Tibet at UK parliament, urges action on religious freedom

ANI May 16, 2025 193 views

A Tibetan leader addressed the UK Parliament, detailing China's crackdown on religious freedoms in Tibet. He connected Tibet's plight to broader human rights abuses under Chinese rule. The speech highlighted the unresolved disappearance of the Panchen Lama and the suspicious death of a Tibetan monk in Vietnam. Kunga urged the UK to take diplomatic action at the UN and protect Tibetan cultural rights.

"China's transnational repression marks a dangerous new phase in silencing dissent abroad" – Tenzin Kunga
London May 16: Secretary of the Office of Tibet in London, made a powerful plea for Tibet during a joint parliamentary event titled "United Voices: A Joint Discussion About Freedom in North Korea, China, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Burma/Myanmar," as reported by the Central Tibet Administration (CTA).

Key Points

1

Kunga highlights China's suppression of Tibetan Buddhism

2

Warns of threats to international order

3

Urges UK to back Dalai Lama's reincarnation rights

4

Demands probe into Panchen Lama's disappearance

The event took place on May 14 in the UK Parliament and was co-hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on North Korea and Fortify Rights.

It was chaired by David Smith MP, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, alongside John Glen MP, according to the CTA report.

As a representative of the Tibetan cause, Kunga spoke about the severe and ongoing suppression of religious and cultural liberties in Tibet under Chinese governance. He emphasised the systematic attempts by the Chinese government to undermine Tibetan Buddhism, which include monitoring of monasteries, enforced political re-education for monks and nuns, and colonial-style boarding schools that exclude Tibetan language and religion.

In reflecting on the other speakers' presentations, Tenzin Kunga drew connections and pointed out similarities to the situation in Tibet. He cautioned the audience about the broader threat posed by the Chinese Communist regime to the international rules-based order, as noted by the CTA.

He highlighted two significant cases: the 30-year disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, known as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and the recent death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a revered Tibetan religious leader, while in custody in Vietnam. Kunga described this latter case as a troubling example of China's transnational repression, indicating a new and perilous phase in silencing dissent abroad, and called for an independent investigation, according to the CTA report.

Kunga urged the UK Government, through the special envoy and the attending MP, to undertake two essential actions: to publicly declare that the Dalai Lama alone has the sole authority to determine his reincarnation without any political interference, and also to elevate the issues surrounding the cases of the Panchen Lama and Tulku Hungkar Dorje in bilateral talks and at the United Nations, advocating for transparency and accountability.

At the end of his remarks, Kunga presented a copy of the Dalai Lama's new book, Voice for the Voiceless, to Special Envoy David Smith and encouraged increased attention to the case of Tulku Hungkar Dorje. This was noted in the CTA report.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
China's actions in Tibet are deeply concerning. As neighbors, we've seen their aggressive policies firsthand in Ladakh. India should support Tibetan voices internationally while being careful not to escalate tensions. The Panchen Lama case shows their complete disregard for religious freedom. 🙏
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Priya M.
While I sympathize with Tibet's plight, India must balance humanitarian concerns with strategic interests. Our government is right to give shelter to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, but we can't afford another Doklam-like situation. Quiet diplomacy might work better than public statements.
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Arjun S.
China's suppression of Tibetan culture reminds me of what's happening in Xinjiang. They're erasing indigenous identities systematically. India should raise this issue in BRICS meetings - our soft power can make a difference. The boarding schools policy is particularly disturbing.
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Sunita R.
The UK talking about religious freedom is ironic given their colonial history. That said, China's actions in Tibet are unacceptable. The death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje needs proper investigation. India has hosted Tibetan refugees for decades - we understand their struggle better than most.
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Vikram J.
China will never allow true autonomy for Tibet, that's clear. But India must be careful - we have our own Tibetan refugee population to consider. Maybe we should focus more on documenting these human rights violations at UN forums rather than direct confrontation. Jai Hind!

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Tibet China repression Tenzin Kunga Panchen Lama UK Parliament religious freedom