China-sanctioned Tibetan activist receives King Charles III coronation medal

Sherap Therchin receiving the King Charles III's coronation medal from MPP Bhutila Karpoche, on January 29, 2025. (Photo: Bhutila Karpoche)

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Dharamshala — Chinese government-sanctioned Tibetan activist Sherap Therchin, the Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), received the King Charles III's coronation medal, for his contributions to democracy and human rights of Tibetans. Sherap said, "This award reaffirms my commitment to continue advocating for a more human rights-oriented foreign policy in Canada."

The award ceremony took place, on January 29, 2025, in Parkdale–High Park, in Toronto, Canada. MPP Bhutila Karpoche awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal to Sherap Therchin, the Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), in recognition of his contributions to democracy and human rights for Tibetans.

MPP Bhutila Karpoche wrote, "The King Charles Ill Coronation Medal is a visible and tangible way to recognize outstanding individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who have made a difference in their communities. I believe that our commitment to Canada is strengthened when we collectively honour those who distinguish themselves by virtue of their talents, their generosity, and their service to their community and our country. Thank you for your contributions and service to Parkdale-High Park, and all of Ontario. It gives me great pleasure to honour you for your work."

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a commemorative medal created to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023. Canada issued 30,000 Coronation Medals and awarded them to select members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Public Service, as well as individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Sherap Therchin has played a pivotal role in shaping Canada's policies concerning Tibet and China. In his capacity as the Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), Sherap Therchin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting democracy and human rights. He has endeavored to amplify the voices of the Tibetan people and to promote international awareness regarding issues related to Tibet. However, on December 22, 2024, the Chinese government imposed sanctions on 20 Canadian human rights advocates and two organisations,the Canadian Tibet Committee and the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, who have advocated for and raised human rights issues in Tibet and East Turkestan for years.

Sherap Therchin wrote after receiving the award, "I am deeply honoured to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Hon. MPP Bhutila Karpoche. Thank you so much, Bhutila, for the recognition and your unwavering support. This award reaffirms my commitment to continue advocating for a more human rights-oriented foreign policy in Canada. Receiving this from Bhutila means a lot, as she has been an inspiration to me and so many others in the human rights advocacy work. I thank everyone who has been part of this journey. I look forward to continuing this work with more dedication and purpose."

"This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts and contribution of the Canada Tibet Committee in advocating for a more human rights-oriented foreign policy of Canada and strengthening its support for the human rights and democratic freedom of the Tibetan people," the Canada Tibet Committee stated.

Youngdoung Tenzin, Engagement Manager of the Canadian Tibet Committee and one of the Tibetan activists sanctioned by the PRC with Sherap Tharchen, he wrote, "I extend my warmest congratulations to my dear friend Sherap Tharchin and executive director of Canada Tibet Committee on receiving King Charles III coronation medal award from Honourable Deputy Speaker of Ontario Parliament Bhutila Karpoche , a testament to your unwavering dedication to the Tibetan cause."