Dharamshala — The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), officially proclaimed the annual observance of “Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week”, on Wednesday. It states, "the proclamation formally launches a global campaign to confront and counter the Chinese Communist Government’s implementation of various methods and systematic policies aimed at eradicating Tibetan identity—specifically, its recently implemented so-called “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress,” which escalate eradication of nationalities under the guise of law."
Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), held a press conference at Lhakpa Tsering Memorial hall, DIIR, on September 23, 2026, officially proclaimed the annual observance of “Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week”, to be observed from the fourth Wednesday of September through the following Wednesday (September 23 to 30).
Sikyong said," the resolution of observance of Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week was approved at the 11th session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile designating the fourth week of every September as “Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week”, I hereby proclaim the commencement of this observance effective on September 23, 2026. Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week will be observed annually, from the fourth Wednesday of September through the following Wednesday."
"The proclamation formally launches a global campaign to confront and counter the Chinese Communist Government’s implementation of various methods and systematic policies aimed at eradicating Tibetan identity—specifically, its recently implemented so-called “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress,” which escalate eradication of nationalities under the guise of law. Our campaign must effectively counter the Chinese Communist Government’s observance of the so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress Propaganda Week,” during which the state organs are directed to execute various forms of state-sponsored assimilation propaganda and re-education campaigns.
"On the global stage, governments—including those of the United States, Germany, Belgium, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Czech Republic, Japan, and the European Union— along with the eight UN Special Rapporteurs and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, have issued official statements declaring that the Chinese Communist government’s so-called law violates international law, serves as a tool for forced assimilation, and poses a risk of transnational repression.
"The United States Congress, the European Union, and the Parliament of the Czech Republic have adopted resolutions confronting this so-called law. In addition, members of Parliament in over twenty free countries have expressed grave concern and strong opposition, while dozens of international human rights organisations and research institutions have released articles and reports exposing the grave dangers of this so-called law in the eradication of nationalities. We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our international supporters, and we call for sustained, resolute action against the measures of the Chinese government that run against the progress of human society.
"On December 27, 2025, the Chinese Communist Government revised the so-called “Law on the National Commonly Used Language and Script,” which mandates Chinese as the primary medium of instruction from pre-school through university, as well as the primary language used in all government offices and public gathering places, while enforcing an annual national propaganda week to promote Mandarin dominance.
"I call upon all Tibetan individuals, families, schools, community associations, activists, and Tibet supporters—under the leadership of the respective Representatives of the Offices of Tibet and Tibetan Settlement Officers—to unite in solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet with unyielding dedication and fulfil the responsibilities and activities set forth in the public announcement regarding the observance of the “Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week” issued by the Kashag on 21 August 2026.
"Today, I am proud to announce the launch of the Principles and Guidelines for the Preservation of the Tibetan Language, recently adopted by the Kashag. To help the public better understand and apply these guidelines, an awareness video will be released shortly. I urge every Tibetan to take ownership of this vital cause and actively fulfil the responsibilities outlined in the guidelines.
"I appeal to our youth in particular not to view the observance of the “Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week” as a temporary campaign to be observed for just one week, but as an enduring pledge, and to remember your responsibility as representatives of over seven million Tibetans inside Tibet. I urge you to unite your strength in the struggle for the just cause of Tibet with an unwavering commitment to preserving our Tibetan national identity, and cultivate the courage to become Tibetans who lead on the path of non-violence and compassion, and are capable of taking responsibility for the greater welfare of the world in accordance with the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama."
The Kashag also release of Principles and Guidelines for the Preservation of Tibetan Language.
