New Delhi, 29 July 2026: The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile continued its advocacy campaign in India’s capital on the third day of its parliamentary outreach, engaging with Members of the Indian Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session. The delegation urged Indian lawmakers to take note of the People’s Republic of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law and highlighted the self-immolation of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 2 July 2026, an act of protest against the PRC’s newly enacted legislation.

The first delegation, comprising Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Parliamentarians Choedak Gyatso and Gyaltsen Choekye Gagya, met with Shri Deepender Singh Hooda, Member of Lok Sabha (INC) and Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Leader of Opposition Haryana Legislative Assembly (INC); and Shri Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Member of Rajya Sabha (BJP) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (BJP); Shri Umeshbhai Babubhaiji Patel, Member of Lok Sabha (Independent); and Shri Dr. K. Sudhakar, Member of Lok Sabha (BJP) and member of Consultative Committee for the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

The second delegation, comprising Parliamentarians Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen, Lobsang Thupten Pontsang, and Gonpo Dhundup, met with Shri Ghulam Ali Khatana, Member of Rajya Sabha (BJP); Shri Rajeev Bhardwaj, Member of Lok Sabha (BJP); Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Lok Sabha (BJP); Shri Manoj Kumar, Member of Lok Sabha (INC); Shri Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Member of Lok Sabha (Independent); Shri Ramji Lal Suman, Member of Rajya Sabha (Samajwadi); Shri Chintamani Maharaj, Member of Lok Sabha (BJP); and Shri Vijey Baghel, Member of Lok Sabha (BJP).

Led by Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the Tibetan parliamentary delegation split into two groups to meet with Members of Parliament. During the meetings, the delegation underscored that the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law creates a legal framework that could accelerate the forced assimilation of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, and other non-Han communities, placing their distinct languages, religions, cultures, and identities at increasing risk.

The delegation also stressed that the law’s impact extends well beyond China’s borders. According to the representatives, the legislation strengthens the Chinese Communist Party’s capacity to intimidate, monitor, and influence Tibetan communities living overseas. They cautioned that Tibetans residing in India and other democratic countries could face heightened transnational repression, raising wider concerns over democratic sovereignty, civil liberties, and fundamental freedoms.

During the meetings, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile appealed to Members of the Indian Parliament to:

1. Raise awareness of the implications of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law within Parliament and relevant parliamentary committees.
2. Support the cultural, linguistic, and religious rights of the Tibetan people and other affected nationalities.
3. Oppose all forms of transnational repression that threaten democratic freedoms and the security of Tibetan communities living in India.
4. Recognise that Tibet was historically an independent nation prior to its forceful invasion and occupation by the People’s Republic of China.
5. Urge the leadership of the People’s Republic of China to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the Tibet–China conflict and continue India’s long-standing support for the peaceful and non-violent aspirations of the Tibetan people in accordance with the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The delegation also presented Members of Parliament with the Official Resolution of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile condemning the People’s Republic of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, an Official Resolution expressing solidarity with the critical situation inside Tibet, and the Official Statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the self-immolation protest for the cause of Tibet by patriotic hero Lobga Rangzen.

The parliamentary delegation was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretariat staff Tsering Lhamo, Tenzin Choeying, Phuntsok Gyatso, and Tenzin Palden.

Dharamshala: The Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission (TSJC) today concluded the 10th Tibetan Law and Custom Counsellor Training with a closing ceremony attended by Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Justice Commissioner Phagpa Tsering, TSJC Secretary Lhadruk, and the 26 participants who completed the programme.

The closing ceremony was moderated by TSJC Deputy Secretary Rinchen Sangmo. On behalf of the participants, one trainee shared his experience and reflections, describing the training as a highly significant and valuable opportunity. He said the programme had deepened his understanding of and confidence in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, and expressed hope that similar training programmes would continue to be organised in the future. He also extended his gratitude to all the instructors and organisers for their dedication.

During the ceremony, participants submitted their applications for registration as pleaders and took the oath before Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo.

Justice Commissioner Phagpa Tsering then presented certificates to four participants who had completed the refresher training programme, as well as to three newly enrolled participants.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary Lhadruk congratulated all the participants on successfully completing the 10-day training. He expressed appreciation to the instructors for providing inclusive instruction on the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, the Tibetan legal system, and other laws, while also thanking the participants for their active engagement throughout the programme.

He further emphasised that the conclusion of the training should not be regarded as the end of their learning journey, but rather the beginning of their responsibility to serve the broader Tibetan community. Recalling the objectives established when the first training workshop was launched, he urged the participants to uphold justice, continue strengthening their legal knowledge, and work for the welfare and benefit of the Tibetan community.

A total of nineteen participants were registered as Tibetan Law and Custom Counsellor, at the conclusion of the training. The four participants who completed the refresher programme were also commended, and all participants were encouraged to continue taking part in future legal training initiatives.

The workshop held from 20 to 29 July 2026, aimed to improve participants’ understanding of Tibetan laws, judicial procedures, and customary practices while strengthening legal awareness within the Tibetan community.

The training was conducted by Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Secretary Lhadruk, Circuit Justice Commissioner Migmar Dorjee, Ladakh Local Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, Northern Regional Local Justice Commissioner Choekyi, Southern Regional Local Justice Commissioner Phuntsok Palden, and TSJC Deputy Secretary Rinchen Sangmo.

Dharamshala: The Public Service Commission (PSC) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is conducting a three-day Training Guidelines Review, Validation, and Training Needs Assessment Workshop from 28 to 30 July at Lemon Tree House, Dharamshala. The workshop has brought together 14 participants, including Training Nodal Officers and representatives from various CTA offices, comprising six female and eight male staff members.

Delivering the opening remarks, Karma Yeshi, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, stated that the CTA Training Policy was formulated through extensive discussions and consultations with CTA staff before receiving the endorsement of the Kashag (Cabinet). The policy was subsequently approved by the Public Service Commission and circulated to all CTA offices with request to disseminate it among their staff and appoint Training Nodal Officers.

Following the adoption of the policy, the PSC organised a Training Policy Dissemination Workshop at Norbu House in McLeod Ganj for the appointed Training Nodal Officers and nominated representatives. The Chairman expressed his appreciation to all CTA offices for their cooperation and continued support.

Highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative, the Chairman emphasised that the Training Policy was not developed by the PSC alone but was the outcome of collective deliberations and valuable contributions from CTA staff across departments. He also noted that the policy had been translated into Tibetan to ensure it was readily accessible and easily understood by all CTA employees.

The Chairman further stated that the current workshop marks the third in a series of capacity-building initiatives, following the Training Policy Dissemination Workshop and the Competency Framework Workshop. He encouraged participants to share the knowledge and insights gained during the workshop with colleagues in their respective offices, underscoring that competency development should be a shared responsibility involving all CTA staff, rather than being confined to Training Nodal Officers.

He also announced that the PSC plans to organise a Revision Workshop in late August or the first week of September. All Training Nodal Officers, particularly those newly appointed following staff transfers, will be invited to participate. The workshop is intended to strengthen participants’ understanding of the Training Policy, Competency Framework and Training Guidelines before they are finalised and submitted for approval.

Following the inaugural session, workshop consultant Vivek Sharma led discussions on reviewing and validating the draft CTA Training Guidelines while facilitating a Training Needs Assessment for CTA offices. Participants actively shared their observations, recommendations, and practical insights, providing valuable feedback to further refine and strengthen the guidelines to better address the training and professional development needs of CTA employees. PSC Secretary Tenzin Legdup, Director of Social and Resource Development Fund,Lobsang Tenzin, PSC Project officer Tenzin Tsondue also attended the workshop.

– Report filed by Public Service Commission, CTA 

New Delhi: A delegation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, led by Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, continued its Tibet advocacy campaign in New Delhi on 28 July 2026, holding meetings with Members of the Indian Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

The delegation, divided into two groups, urged Members of Parliament to address the People’s Republic of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which came into force on 1 July 2026 and provides a legal framework for accelerating the assimilation of Tibetans and other non-Han peoples, threatening their distinct languages, religions, cultures, and identities.

The delegation also highlighted the urgency of the situation by drawing attention to the self-immolation of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 2 July 2026, carried out in protest against the PRC’s new legislation.

The delegation further cautioned that the law’s implications extend beyond China’s borders, strengthening efforts by the PRC to intimidate, monitor, and influence Tibetan communities abroad.

On the second day of the advocacy programme, the first group comprised of Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Parliamentarians Choedak Gyatso and Gyaltsen Choekye Gagya met with Shri Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Member of Rajya Sabha (INC); Shri Bansilal Gurjar, Member of Rajya Sabha (BJP); Shri Jagadish Shettar, Member of Lok Sabha (BJP) and former Chief Minister of Karnataka; and Shri Narayanasa K. Bhandage, Member of Rajya Sabha (BJP).

The second group comprised of Parliamentarians Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen, Lobsang Thupten Pontsang, and Gonpo Dhundup met with Shri Salman Khurshid, former Minister of External Affairs of India; Shri P. Santhosh Kumar, Member of Rajya Sabha (Communist Party of India); Shri Ramprit Mandal, Member of Lok Sabha (Janata Dal (United)); Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Lok Sabha (BJP); Shri M. K Raghavan, Member of Lok Sabha (INC); Shri Saumitra Khan, Member of Lok Sabha (BJP); and Shri Naresh Bansal, Member of Rajya Sabha (BJP).

The two groups jointly met with Shri Vivek Tankha, Member of Rajya Sabha (INC) and a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India.

During the meetings, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile appealed to Members of the Indian Parliament to:

1. Raise awareness of the implications of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law within Parliament and relevant parliamentary committees.
2. Support the cultural, linguistic, and religious rights of the Tibetan people and other affected nationalities.
3. Oppose all forms of transnational repression that threaten democratic freedoms and the security of Tibetan communities living in India.
4. Recognise that Tibet was historically an independent nation prior to its forceful invasion and occupation by the People’s Republic of China.
5. Urge the leadership of the People’s Republic of China to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the Tibet–China conflict and continue India’s long-standing support for the peaceful and non-violent aspirations of the Tibetan people in accordance with the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The delegation also presented Members of Parliament with the Official Resolution of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile condemning the People’s Republic of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, an Official Resolution expressing solidarity with the critical situation inside Tibet, and the Official Statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the self-immolation protest for the cause of Tibet by patriotic hero Lobga Rangzen.

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat 

Dharamshala, 23 July 2026: Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang extended her heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham.

The Speaker wrote, “On behalf of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Tibetans across the world, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to your esteemed self on your assumption of office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The Tibetan people deeply value the United Kingdom’s enduring commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Britain also shares a unique historical connection with Tibet, having engaged directly with Tibet during the British India period and witnessed Tibet’s distinct historical status before its occupation. That bond has been further strengthened through the visits of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, whose message of compassion and non-violence has fostered lasting friendship between the British and Tibetan people.

We remain grateful for the steadfast support of successive British Governments, Parliament, and the British people for the Tibetan cause. We look forward to working with your Government to advance our shared commitment to peace, dialogue, freedom, and human dignity.”

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat 

Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Honourable Andy Burnham, expressing hope that the longstanding ties between Tibet and Britain will continue to deepen under the new leadership.

In his congratulatory letter, Sikyong wrote, “On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I extend our heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.” Reflecting on the historical relationship between the two peoples, Sikyong noted that “the relationship between Britain and Tibet stretches back through decades of British political officers, traders, and scholars who came to know Tibet’s institutions, language, and government directly.”

Sikyong further highlighted Britain’s unique historical connection with Tibet, stating that “Britain was among the first nations to engage Tibet as a distinct polity conducting its own affairs,” and that this history has provided the country with “a living institutional memory of Tibet prior to its invasion by China.”

Expressing hope for continued British engagement on Tibet, Sikyong wrote, “It is in this spirit that we look to your leadership with high hopes,” and emphasised that Britain’s international influence and commitment to human rights give it “a credible voice on the world stage.” Sikyong expressed the hope that the United Kingdom would continue to support a fair understanding of Tibet’s history and contribute to broader international awareness of the Tibetan people’s aspirations.

Sikyong added, “Should your government lend that voice to a fair telling of Tibet’s story, anchoring broader European support for our cause, it would mean the world to Tibetans and be received everywhere with immense admiration and gratitude.”

Concluding the letter, Sikyong conveyed his sincere wishes for the Prime Minister’s success and expressed hope that “in charting Britain’s course, you will also help steer the world towards greater justice and compassion” while ensuring that “the enduring friendship between our people will continue to flourish under your able leadership.”

Dharamshala: Chinese authorities have launched a devastating new wave of demolitions at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, the world’s largest Tibetan Buddhist institute, located in Serthar (Ch: Seda) County, Karze, Tibet’s traditional Kham province, now incorporated into China’s Sichuan Province. According to reliable sources, the demolitions began around 13 July 2026, initially deliberately carried out during night to evade public documentation, media reporting, and satellite surveillance, but have now brazenly escalated into broad daylight. As of 15 July, at least six residences have already been torn down, and in the coming weeks and months, authorities are set to systematically destroy an estimated 1,060 quarters belonging to monks and nuns.

The renewed crackdown follows a relentless, decades-long campaign of state-led cultural erasure. Following the catastrophic demolitions in 2001 and 2016–2017—which saw over 7,000 monastic dwellings destroyed, and thousands of residents forcefully evicted—the government of the People’s Republic of China, has continued to tighten its grip on the Tibetan Buddhist Institute. In 2019, it imposed strict zero-enrollment bans and 24-hour surveillance, followed by the aggressive deployment of military personnel, helicopter surveillance, and residency caps in late 2024. Last year, Chinese authorities reportedly expelled over 1,000 Tibetan monks and nuns from the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy under the pretext of lacking proper residency documentation, as officials ruthlessly mandated a reduction of the resident clergy population from 6,000 to 5,000.

While China’s unlawful demolition of Tibetan heritage and blatant disregard for Tibetan identity have been ongoing since the occupation, the timing of this renewed physical destruction is noteworthy. It occurs just weeks after China implemented its new “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress” on 1 July 2026. Rather than fostering unity, this legislation serves as a coercive legal weapon designed to accelerate the forced assimilation of Tibetans. Under the deceptive guise of “Sinicisation” and “Progress,” the state is systematically weaponising this law to erase Tibet’s unique language, culture, religious traditions, and identity.

China’s actions, in no doubts, constitute a gross violation of international human rights law, as well as its own Constitution, which obligates China to respect and protect the cultural, social, and religious rights of the Tibetan people. Instead, by forcing mass evictions of Tibetan monastic communities and replacing Tibetan self-governance with direct Chinese Communist Party administration, China is actively dismantling the very fabric of Tibetan life. The human toll of the Larung Gar crackdown that took place in 2016 and 2017 has been disastrous, resulting in profound psychological trauma and tragic suicides, such as the deaths of Tibetan nuns Tsering Dolma and Semgha amid the 2016 demolitions.

Over the years, major international bodies—including the European Parliament, UN Special Rapporteurs, the U.S. government, and leading human rights organisations—have repeatedly issued official resolutions, joint communications, and formal declarations condemning Beijing’s systematic demolitions and cultural erasure at Larung Gar. China must not operate under the false assumption that simply because these initial condemnations were issued years earlier, the international community has forgotten its ongoing crimes in Larung Gar or will remain silent as this destruction continues. PRC government must halt all demolitions at Larung Gar, withdraw its military and administrative forces from the region, and uphold its binding obligations to respect the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people.

-Report filed by the UN, EU, and the Human Rights Desk, Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR

Shewatsel Phodrang, Leh, Ladakh, India: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Andy Burnham to congratulate him on his assumption of the office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“Today, the world is passing through a very difficult and uncertain time,” he wrote. “Historically, your country has played a leadership role in international affairs, and it is my hope that even as you work for the development of your own nation, you will also work closely with other countries to resolve the problems before us — both urgent and long-term — with a firm belief in the oneness of humanity and a shared desire for peace and happiness.

“As you may be aware, we Tibetans have long enjoyed a historic and unique relationship with your country. During my several visits there, I have deeply appreciated the warmth extended to me by people from all walks of life, as well as their support for my efforts to promote human values, nonviolence, and interfaith harmony.”

His Holiness concluded, “I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the British people, and in contributing to the creation of a more peaceful and compassionate world for us all.