MEPs launch European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet to advocate Tibetan freedom

MEPs launch European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, on January 29, 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo: Office of Tibet Brussels)

International
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Brussels — More than 20 MEPs from all major political groups in the European Parliament launched the “European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet” on January 29, 2025 to stand up for the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people and to ensure that their voice is heard in the European Parliament.

On the initiative of MEP Prof Dainius Zalimas from Lithuania and with the support of more than 20 MEPs from all major political groups in the European Parliament, the “European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet” group was officially launched on January 29, 2025, at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

The event was attended by seven MEPs and Parliamentary Assistants representing a dozen EU Member States, despite falling on a day when the Holocaust commemoration was taking place around at the same time. Representative Rigzin Genkhang of Tibet Office Brussels attended the event together with EU Advocay Officer Tenzin Phuntsok, Vincent Metten and Melanie from ICT.

According to the Office of Tibet, Brussels, the MEP Prof Zalimas from Lithuania and a long-time friend of Tibet introduced the aims and objectives of the group. He expressed his unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the plight of the Tibetan people and promoting their fundamental rights on the international stage.

In his opening remarks, MEP Prof. Zalimas stated, “The establishment of the European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet marks a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to support the Tibetan cause. We are united in our commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people and ensuring their voices are heard in the European Parliament.”

Representative Rigzin Genkhang of the Office of Tibet Brussels expressed her gratitude to everyone present at the event and said it was a big day for Tibet in the European Parliament. She then provided a brief background information on the deteriorating situation inside Tibet, including the recent earthquake in Tibet. She also talked about the CTA’s initiative to observe His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday as the “Year of Compassion” according the office.

Additionally, Representative Genkhang briefed attendees about the upcoming 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet to be held in Tokyo in June, 2025 and requested the MEPs to confirm their participation if they hadn’t already done it.

According to the report, other MEPs thanked the Chair and the Office of Tibet, Brussels, for the invitation to be part of the European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet and expressed their readiness to use all instruments available to put Tibet back on the agenda of the European Parliament.

The report stated, "The launch of the European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet marks a significant step forward and as it begins its work; it is expected to become an important voice in the European Parliament for the promotion of peace, human rights, and the preservation of Tibet’s unique cultural identity."

The event concluded with the offering of traditional Tibetan scarves to everyone present and a renewed sense of commitment to Tibet and her people.