Canberra, 8 September 2026: Australian MP Dr Sophie Scamps has called on China to halt large-scale mega-dam and mining projects in Tibet, warning that unchecked development threatens the environment, water security and livelihoods of millions of people across Asia.

Speaking in the Australian Parliament, Dr Scamps expressed her deepest condolences to the Tibetan and Nepalese communities following the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet and the loss of lives caused by the disaster.

Dr Scamps highlighted the vulnerability of the Tibetan Plateau, known as the “Third Pole,” to the growing impacts of climate change. She warned that rising temperatures, changing glacier conditions and extensive infrastructure development could increase the risk of catastrophic flooding and have serious consequences for communities downstream.

She raised particular concern over the expansion of mega-dams and mining projects across Tibet. Citing figures indicating that 193 dams have already been built in Tibet, she warned that further projects could threaten water and food security and the lives and livelihoods of millions living downstream, including in India and Southeast Asia.

Dr Scamps said Tibetan and human-rights organisations were calling for an international moratorium on mega-dam development in Tibet. She also supported calls for major projects to proceed only with the free and informed consent of local Tibetans, without fear of arrest, punishment or persecution.

She expressed concern over the lack of independent information coming out of Tibet following the floods, including reports of restrictions on Tibetans sharing information about the disaster. She also raised concerns about limited access for humanitarian organisations, rescue teams and independent journalists seeking to assess the situation on the ground.

Dr Scamps urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to raise these issues at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“This is the moment to speak up for access to Tibet, to speak up for transparency, to speak up for China’s environmental responsibility inside Tibet and to use Australia’s voice to uphold the basic human rights of the Tibetan people,” Dr Scamps said.

Geneva, 7 September 2026 : The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet, particularly restrictions affecting the Tibetan people’s freedom of religion.

Addressing the opening of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, the High Commissioner highlighted a range of pressing global human rights concerns, including armed conflicts, restrictions on civic space, discrimination, and violations affecting vulnerable and minority communities.

In a significant reference to Tibet, the High Commissioner stated that “tightening restrictions on the rights of the Tibetan people, including their freedom of religion, are deeply troubling” and appealed for an urgent change in these policies.

The statement is particularly significant as concerns continue to grow over restrictions on the exercise of religious and cultural rights in Tibet. The High Commissioner’s call underscores the importance of respecting fundamental human rights and ensuring that Tibetans are able to exercise their rights and freedoms without undue restrictions.

The Tibet Bureau, Geneva, welcomes the explicit attention given to the human rights situation in Tibet and reiterates the importance of sustained international engagement on the protection of Tibetan religious, cultural and fundamental rights. The Bureau will continue to engage with UN mechanisms, diplomatic missions and international partners to ensure that developments in Tibet remain part of the international human rights discourse.

The High Commissioner reaffirmed that human rights must remain central to international cooperation, accountability and the pursuit of lasting peace, emphasising that universal human rights provide a framework for addressing contemporary global challenges.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama safely returned to His official residence in Dharamshala earlier this morning, 4 September 2026, following a two-month-and-one-week sojourn in Leh, Ladakh.

Upon His arrival at Kangra Airport, His Holiness was accorded a warm welcome by Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and officiating Sikyong Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture. The reception was accompanied by a vibrant performance of the auspicious Tashi Sholpa dance by a group of artistes at the airport exit.

A large number of Tibetans, well-wishers, devotees, supporters, and local residents thronged major points along the route from the airport to His Holiness’ residence, carrying burning incense, flowers, and white scarves to welcome and greet Him as He passed by.

At Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang and at the entrance to His Holiness’ residence, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Secretaries of the Central Tibetan Administration lined up to receive Him, while the Deputy Speaker, other Justice Commissioners, Kalons, and heads of the three autonomous bodies gathered at the residence entrance to welcome His Holiness.

After leaving Dharamshala, His Holiness the Dalai Lama travelled to Delhi, where he successfully underwent left knee replacement surgery on 8 June. He remained in Delhi during his recovery until 28 June.

Following his recovery, His Holiness travelled to Ladakh, where he spent the subsequent two months and seven days engaging in teachings, public audiences, and various public programmes.

Over the course of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s extended stay in Ladakh, His Holiness attended the celebration of His 91st birthday at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground in Leh. He also attended prayer ceremonies at the Buddha statue in Stok and at the Buddha statue and stupa in Gonpa Village, and visited the Buddha Garden at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.

His Holiness also attended the final session of the Yarchos Chenmo (Great Summer Debate) at the Matho Teaching Ground, as well as a long-life prayer offering at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground, jointly organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association, and the Tibetan Community in Ladakh.

A couple of days before His Holiness’ departure from Ladakh, He was honoured with a thanksgiving and farewell cultural programme at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground.

During this period, His Holiness also granted public audiences to a total of 21,572 visitors from all walks of life and across all age groups.

New Delhi: The three-day festival, “Spirit of Tibet: Celebrating Culture and Compassion,” commenced today at the India International Centre in New Delhi, bringing together scholars, policymakers, writers, cultural practitioners, spiritual leaders, and members of the public to celebrate Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and foster greater understanding of contemporary issues concerning Tibet.

Organised from 3 to 5 September, the festival began with a brief inaugural ceremony at the Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza, featuring prayers led by a Tibetan Buddhist monk, followed by the inaugural address by Sikyong Penpa Tsering.

In his address, Sikyong called upon the gathering to remain vigilant regarding developments concerning China, particularly in light of the recently enacted “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law” and its potential implications for Tibetans and other ethnic communities in China.

He observed that the legislation appears to be inconsistent with commitments contained within the People’s Republic of China’s own constitutional and legal framework.

“Unfortunately, the recently enacted Ethnic Unity Law takes China in precisely the opposite direction. Rather than creating conditions for trust and reconciliation, it institutionalises policies of assimilation under the guise of ‘national unity.’ It replaces dialogue with compulsion and diversity with conformity,” Sikyong Penpa Tsering said.

He further emphasised that sustainable peace and stability cannot be achieved through coercion or by suppressing cultural, religious, and linguistic identities.

The inaugural seminar, titled “Civilisational Confluence, Present Realities, and Strategic Horizons,” brought together distinguished voices from the fields of strategic affairs, journalism, academia, and China studies.

The panel comprised Sikyong Penpa Tsering; Prof. C. Raja Mohan, leading columnist, contributing editor at The Indian Express, and Visiting Professor at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore; and Brigadier Anshuman Narang, author, China scholar, OSINT expert, and founder of the Atma Nirbhar Soch think tank. The session was chaired by Nitin A. Gokhale, author, journalist, and national security analyst.

The seminar examined Tibet’s civilisational heritage, its contemporary realities, and its broader strategic significance within the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Throughout the three-day festival, a series of seminars, lectures, and documentary screenings will explore a range of themes relating to Tibet’s culture, history, spirituality, environment, and contemporary relevance.

Among the eminent personalities participating on the first day are Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Dean, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi; Shri Wajahat Habibullah, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, Government of India; Shri Kabir Bedi, Actor and Author; and Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House, Delhi. They shared their perspectives on a range of issues concerning Tibet and its cultural and contemporary significance.

Alongside the intellectual and academic discussions, the India International Centre has been transformed into a vibrant showcase of Tibet’s diverse cultural traditions.

A major attraction of the festival is the creation of a Tibetan Buddhist sand mandala, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness an important dimension of Tibetan Buddhist artistic and spiritual practice. The festival also features cultural performances, an exhibition documenting Tibet’s historical and political evolution, and a hands-on Tibetan wood-painting workshop.

Together, these activities offer visitors an immersive experience of Tibet’s enduring cultural traditions while highlighting the depth, continuity, and resilience of Tibetan civilisation.

The festival received an enthusiastic response on its opening day, with more than 500 people attending the various programmes and engaging with the cultural exhibitions, performances, and discussions.

The three-day festival is being organised by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration, in collaboration with Foundation for Non-violent Alternatives and The Tibet Fund.

Through its diverse programme of cultural, academic, and public engagements, the festival seeks to underscore the enduring relevance of Tibetan culture, compassion, and civilisational values, while providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and promoting greater public understanding of Tibet and its contemporary realities.

Dharamshala: Participants of the three-day Democratic China and Future of Tibet Forum, comprising Chinese studies scholars, experts, and human rights activists from India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and Southern Mongolia, visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and met with Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel earlier today, 3 September 2026.

The meeting was also attended by Parliamentarian Choedak Gyatso and Secretary-General Sonam Dorjee. The delegation was accompanied by Chinese Liaison Officers Tsultrim Gyatso of the Office of Tibet, Washington, D.C., and Dawa Sangmo of the Tibet Information Office, Australia.

Welcoming the visiting delegates, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang commended the courage of Chinese democracy activists who have continued to raise their voices for democracy and human rights in the People’s Republic of China. She particularly acknowledged Chinese pro-democracy activist Wang Dan, one of the best-known student leaders of the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement, who is leading the delegation.

Reaffirming the Tibetan people’s solidarity with the Chinese people, the Speaker stated, “Tibetans are not against the Chinese people.” She emphasised that the Tibetan struggle is rooted in the pursuit of freedom, dignity, and democratic rights, rather than opposition to the Chinese people.

The Speaker briefed the delegation on the evolution of democracy within the Tibetan community in exile, describing it as one of the significant legacies of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan people. She highlighted key milestones in the democratic development of the Tibetan polity, including the introduction of reserved seats for women parliamentarians and the adoption of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile, among other democratic reforms.

The Speaker also highlighted the threats posed by the PRC’s recently adopted “Rule of Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,” warning that its implementation could further accelerate the erosion and erasure of Tibetan identity and culture. She also raised concerns over China’s transnational repression of Tibetans and others abroad.

She further spoke about the recent flash floods along the Tibet–Nepal border, the PRC’s censorship and withholding of vital data and information concerning such disasters, and the unabated exploitation of the Tibetan plateau, which contributes to environmental degradation and increases the vulnerability of the region to such calamities.

The Speaker also elaborated on the Middle Way Approach (MWA), the policy of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) aimed at resolving the issue of Tibet peacefully and establishing lasting stability and coexistence between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, in his address, provided an overview of the current composition and functioning of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the highest legislative body of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and outlined its role in representing the aspirations and interests of Tibetans in exile. He explained that the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile convenes two parliamentary sessions each year: the Budget Session in March and the General Session in September.

The Deputy Speaker further spoke about China’s rich cultural, traditional, and historical heritage, noting that these have experienced significant decline since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly in the preservation and promotion of its ethnic and cultural traditions. Citing Buddhism as an example, he noted that Buddhism reached China centuries before it was introduced to Tibet, yet Buddhist arts, traditions, and scholarly studies have witnessed a decline in China.

Addressing the PRC’s politically motivated interference in the recognition of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, particularly His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Deputy Speaker welcomed the resolution adopted by the delegation following the three-day Democratic China and Future of Tibet Forum and expressed his hope that it would contribute to meaningful and constructive outcomes.

He also spoke about the Tibetan martyr Lobga Rangzen, who, despite being born after the occupation of Tibet by the PRC, self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York in protest against the legislation. He noted that this act demonstrated how Tibetans across the world continue to feel the pain of the prolonged suffering of Tibetans under the PRC’s repressive policies. The Deputy Speaker likewise appreciated the participation of younger Chinese dissidents in the forum and encouraged them to make meaningful and constructive contributions to the shared pursuit of a peaceful and democratic future.

The Deputy Speaker further addressed the prolonged stalemate in Sino-Tibetan dialogue, noting that there has been no positive response from the PRC side. He also highlighted the importance of the Tibetan language, which preserves the teachings and commentaries of the Buddha contained in the Kagyur and Tengyur, and expressed concern over the growing threats to the language under the new legislation.

-Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat

Shimla: On 31 August 2026, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA, visited Tibetan communities and institutions under the jurisdiction of the Chief Representative Office of Shimla, including Jonang Takten Phuntsok Chöling, its affiliated old age home, and the Shimla Sambhota boarding and Day School.

Beginning at 9:00 am, the Kalon visited elderly and disadvantaged members of the Tibetan community in Tritenling, Tashi Teng and Chime Ling. He later attended an online meeting of the Board of Directors of the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture at the Chief Representative Office.

The Kalon subsequently visited Jonang Takten Phuntsok Chöling, where he toured the institution and informed about the ongoing projects of the Department of Religion and Culture, including the Neykor App and the Tibetan Digital Library project to the Monastery’s abbot. He then visited the old age people’s home.

Following lunch, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi visited Sangay Choeling, where he addressed the gathering in the assembly hall. He expressed appreciation for the community’s report that there were currently no destitute individuals in the settlement and acknowledged its efforts to remain self-reliant without seeking assistance from the Central Tibetan Administration. He later visited Rangzen Village.

At 3:00 pm, the Kalon visited the Shimla Sambhota Boarding and Day School, where the principal, teachers and students welcomed him with a traditional procession accompanied by drums and music. The school principal presented an overview of the school’s activities and expressed appreciation for the Kalon’s visit.

The students then presented a cultural programme titled “Tibet, Our Homeland.”

Addressing the students and staff, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi highlighted three key areas: education, discipline and health. Emphasising the importance of education, he urged students to remain diligent in their studies and make the most of their schooling in the modern era. He noted that a strong foundation in elementary education is essential for successfully pursuing higher education and encouraged students to work hard from the outset.

On discipline, he advised students to follow school rules, respect their teachers and staff, and adhere to the guidance and instructions provided by them. He also stressed the importance of maintaining both physical and mental well-being, noting that good health and hygiene are essential for effective learning. Poor health, he said, could result in students missing valuable learning opportunities.

The Kalon commended the teachers and staff for their continued efforts and encouraged them to maintain their commitment to educating students. He further urged teachers to use clear and pure language in their teaching and to remain mindful of their conduct, as students regard their teachers as role models.

With the visits to monasteries, community organisations, educational institutions and meetings with members of the Tibetan community, the Kalon’s programme in Shimla concluded successfully.

-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA

Dharamshala, September 2, 2026: Organised by the Tibetan Community Development Fund (TCDF) in collaboration with the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI), the three-day Democratic China and Future of Tibet Forum successfully concluded in Dharamsala bringing together 29 Tibetan and Chinese study scholars, experts and human rights activists from India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and Southern Mongolia.

The forum was convened to conduct candid and in-depth dialogue and exchanges on issues concerning democracy, human rights, and the future of Tibet, and to enhance mutual understanding and trust between Tibetan and Chinese people. Through sustained communication and pragmatic cooperation, the forum seeks to establish a credible and lasting partnership, while jointly exploring and advancing concrete nonviolent advocacy strategies and pathways toward democratic transformation, thereby building greater consensus for China’s democratization process and a peaceful resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

The Forum was inaugurated on August 31 with Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivering the keynote address on issues including Sino-Tibetan relations, the Middle Way Approach, the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the importance of cooperation between Tibetans and Chinese.

The forum culminated in five key declarations. These declarations addressed nonviolence, a shared democratic future, Tibetan democracy and history, the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and the legal implications of China’s so-called Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress.

The first declaration reaffirmed nonviolence as a common fundamental principle. Participants emphasised the importance of peaceful, practical and dialogical approaches to resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict and recognised nonviolent resistance as a shared principle connecting the Tibetan and Chinese democratic movements.

The second declaration called for developing a common vision for a democratic future. Participants highlighted the importance of exchanges between Tibetans in exile and Chinese democracy organisations and individuals, promoting the democratic experience of the Tibetan community in exile, and supporting the broader process of democratization in China.

The third declaration focused on deepening understanding of Tibetan democracy, history, Tibetan-Chinese exchanges and the Middle Way Approach. The forum provided an opportunity for Chinese participants to learn about the Tibetan democratic system and Tibetan perspectives on history, while Tibetans gained greater insight into the Chinese democracy movement. Discussions also examined the Middle Way Approach and its relevance to a peaceful resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

The fourth declaration addressed independent Chinese perspectives on the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Participants unanimously confirmed that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his Gaden Phodrang Trust designed by him has the final authority on the reincarnation and the Chinese authorities have no right to interfere, intervene or participate on this matter.

The fifth declaration examined China’s Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress from a legal and human rights perspective. Participants expressed serious concerns about its potential implications for the languages, cultures and identities of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians and other ethnic communities, and called for the repeal of the law.

The final day of the forum, the participants attended the Tibetan Democracy Day at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang. On behalf of the Chinese participants, Wang Dan delivered a speech and the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Dolma Tsering Tekhang, launched of the book The Chinese Authorities Have No Right to Interfere on the Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a compilation of articles written by Chinese scholars and writers.

The forum concluded with closing remarks by TPI Director Tenzin Lekshay, and a commitment to sustain academic and policy dialogue and strengthen exchanges between Tibetans and Chinese. The five declarations adopted through the forum provide a framework for continued engagement, cooperation and nonviolent advocacy, while contributing to a broader vision of democratic transformation and a peaceful resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

– Report filed by Tibet Policy Institute, CTA

Dharamshala: As part of the Department of Education’s ongoing school inspection programme, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin and Education Secretary Karma Choeying, conducted official visits to the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School Upper and TCV Gopalpur on 31 August and 1 September, respectively.

Upon arrival, the Kalon and Secretary were accorded a warm welcome by the schools’ directors, principals, headmasters, staff members, and students.

During the inspection, the Education Kalon visited various academic and administrative facilities, including classrooms, staff rooms, the Mathematics Laboratory, Tibetan Language Laboratory, computer classes, language rooms, libraries, administrative offices, and student hostels. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the overall educational environment and institutional functioning of the schools.

Following the inspection, the Education Kalon addressed the staff and students in the school assembly hall.

In his address, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin highlighted the significance of the Basic Education Policy (BEP), describing it as the cornerstone of the Tibetan education system. He noted that the policy seeks to provide holistic education by harmonising traditional Tibetan values with modern educational practices. Recalling its historical development, he explained that the policy was formulated through extensive consultations and was formally adopted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in September 2004 during the tenure of then Kalon Tripa, Professor Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche.

The Education Kalon further stressed the importance of maintaining good health and personal hygiene. Encouraging students to adopt healthy lifestyles, he advised them to choose nutritious food and fresh fruits over junk food, noting that many health-related issues stem from unhealthy dietary habits. He urged students to take greater responsibility for their physical well-being and overall development.

The Education Kalon underscored the importance of preserving Tibetan language, culture, and identity in exile while upholding human values and ethical conduct. He urged students to respect their teachers and school staff, nurture a sense of responsibility towards society, and engage in their studies with diligence, critical thinking, and a long-term commitment to serving the Tibetan community.

Emphasising the value of cultivating a habit of reading and lifelong learning, Kalon encouraged students to make effective use of the educational facilities and resources available at their schools, particularly the Tibetan Language Laboratory and libraries, to expand their knowledge, enrich their learning experience, and enhance their proficiency in the Tibetan language.

Kalon also addressed the recently enacted PRC Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, describing it as a misleading measure presented under the guise of promoting national unity. He stated that, in reality, the policy seeks to accelerate the assimilation of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities into a state-defined national identity by weakening their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions. Referring to concerns raised by Tibetan communities, scholars, and international human rights organisations, he noted that the law places increased emphasis on Mandarin-language education and ideological conformity, thereby posing a serious challenge to the preservation of Tibetan identity and heritage. In this regard, he urged students to remain steadfast in safeguarding their language, culture, and values, and to recognise the vital role they play in ensuring the continuity of Tibetan identity for future generations.

Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin and Secretary Karma Choeying were accompanied during the visits by TCV School Directors, School Principals and Headmasters.

Dharamshala: As part of the Public Service Commission (PSC)’s Implementation Readiness Training Program (IRTP), Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 1 September 2026 addressed a new batch of CTA civil servant recruits on the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile.

The session provided participants with an overview of the key articles and provisions of the Charter, with a particular focus on strengthening their understanding of the constitutional and legal framework governing the functioning of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). It also highlighted the respective roles, responsibilities and institutional relationships within the CTA’s system of governance.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of the Central Tibetan Administration has commenced a 20-day Implementation Readiness Training Programme for a new batch of CTA civil servant recruits at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society in Dharamshala.

The training programme began that morning and will conclude on 19 September 2026. A total of 17 participants are attending the program, comprising 13 newly selected civil servants who entered the CTA through the competitive entrance examination, along with four serving civil servants who were unable to attend the previous training programme.

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat