Dharamshala — Central Tibetan Administration commemorated 36th anniversary of conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Human Rights Day in Dharamshala. The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (TPiE) states, 'With regard to the situation in Tibet, the Chinese government not only denies all political, religious, linguistic and other freedoms and rights, but basic freedoms, including freedom of movement in all its aspects, remain problematic and are constantly violated. The Chinese government also forcibly blockade truthful investigation into the real situation in the region, while spreading distorted and unfounded information.'
Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) commemorated 36th anniversary of conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Human Rights Day, on December 10, 2025, in the presence of international delegations from the Czech Republic, Australia, France, Chile, New Zealand and Fiji, at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India.
During the celebration, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile read out it's statement on the commemoration of the 36th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Human Rights Day, he said," We also take note of the fact that today is also international Human Rights Day. On the 10th of December in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 423(V) at its 317th session, officially announcing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And the international Human Rights Day has been observed since 1950, marking 75 years today. Since the coming into force of this Declaration, all human beings have been recognised as born free and equal in dignity and rights. Everyone has been recognised as entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. The Declaration recognises the fact that the freedom and rights of movement in all its recognised aspects, speech and expression, assembly and association and so forth are basic to all persons, and no one has any right to infringe them. In keeping with these provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the opportunity to exercise the rights and freedoms enshrined therein have been available in most countries of the world in terms recognised in it."
"Nevertheless, when it comes to the situation in Tibet, forget all about political, religious, linguistic and so forth freedoms and rights, enjoying even basic freedoms. including the freedom of movement in all its aspects, remains problematic, marked, in fact, by continued total denials. What is more, the government of China prevents any truthful investigation of the real situation there, while, on the other hand, it spreads distorted information about it, devoid of any truth. Hence, we emphatically appeal to the United Nations Organization to ensure a proper implementation of the provisions of this international law in Tibet by means of exerting pressure as well as providing encouragement to the government of China," the Speaker stated.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering of CTA read the Kashag's statement on the commemoration of the 36th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Human Rights Day, he said,"Today also marks International Human Rights Day. We express our solidarity with all those around the world who are denied their basic human rights and extend our hope that those who oppress these rights will gain a sense of right and wrong. Through the understanding of compassion, may they come to respect every human life, listen to every human voice, and honour every human aspiration."
"In particular, we hope that the Government of the People’s Republic of China, driven as it is by hatred, greed, and ignorance in its pursuit of eradicating Tibetan national identity and destroying Tibet’s environment, will soon encounter the companionship of compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Consequently, may it cease these destructive policies and turn instead toward a peaceful resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict through the mutually beneficial- Middle Way Policy," Sikyong stated.
UN, EU, and the Human Rights Desk, Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR, CTA released statement on Human Rights Day. It states,"In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck Dingri County, Tibet, on 7 January 2025, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and the collapse of thousands of homes, the principles underpinning the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were put to a test. At a time when Tibetan communities urgently required unhindered humanitarian assistance, accurate information, and the freedom to organize collective relief efforts, reports emerged of Chinese authorities restricting access to the disaster area, withholding relief supplies, suppressing independent reporting, and warning Tibetans against sharing information about conditions on the ground. The survivors of the earthquake and local volunteers were thus left navigating profound loss amid fear, censorship, and state control.
"Beyond moments of disaster, similar restrictions on fundamental rights continued to shape everyday life in Tibet throughout 2025. One of the most pervasive ways in which these restrictions manifested was through intensified digital surveillance, with reports throughout 2025 documenting the systematic monitoring of Tibetans’ online activity, including social media use, messaging platforms, and digital communications, effectively limiting civic space and freedom of expression in everyday life.
"Such pervasive surveillance has facilitated the targeting of individuals for peaceful cultural and artistic expression. In early July 2025, two Tibetan singers Asang and Palchung were forcibly detained by Chinese authorities after they performed a song titled “The Prince of Peace” in praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Despite repeated appeals, Asang and Palchung’s whereabouts and condition remain unknown, causing deep distress for their family and community. In a separate yet similar incident, Tsewang Dhonko, a monk from the same region as Palchung, was reportedly arrested in July 2025 for sharing online an image of the yellow ceremonial hat traditionally associated with the Dalai Lamas, as a symbolic gesture commemorating the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. These cases are not isolated but reflect a wider pattern of arrests and intimidation across Tibet.
"The gap between international human rights commitments and lived realities is further evident in ongoing violations across Tibet, including the forced displacement of entire villages for large-scale hydropower and mining projects, the eviction of monks and nuns from major religious centres such as Larung Gar, and the destruction of around 300 Buddhist stupas and revered statue in Drakgo County, Tibet. Together, these actions undermine Tibetans’ rights to housing, livelihood, and religious freedom, as well as their cultural identity and community life, standing in clear contradiction to the principles and promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"Tibet has once again received the lowest possible freedom rating in the Freedom in the World 2025 report by Freedom House, a U.S.-based human rights organisation. Tibet was given an overall score of 0 out of 100, reflecting severe restrictions on political rights and civil liberties under Chinese rule. A broad coalition of international organisations, human-rights bodies, parliamentary groups, and national governments—including the European Parliament, EU member states at the UN, UN human-rights mechanisms, major NGOs, and governments—formally expressed support for Tibet and raised serious concerns about the ongoing violations there. We extend our gratitude for these statements of solidarity and emphasise the continued importance of such voices until Tibetans are fully free to express their identity in accordance with international law," the the Human Rights Desk concluded it's statement.
