Paris, 15 July 2025. The resolution, introduced by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and passed on 28 June 2025, pays tribute to the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to peace, non-violence, human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and the protection of Tibet’s cultural and spiritual heritage. As the Tibetan spiritual leader turns 90 on 6 July 2025, FIDH highlights the growing urgency of safeguarding religious freedom in Tibet.
"We call on foreign governments, including the European Union and its member states, to take a clear and principled stand against any form of interference by the Chinese authorities in the succession of the Dalai Lama. We urge that Chinese officials responsible for religious repression and succession interference be considered for listing under the European Union’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime", said FIDH President Alice Mogwe.
FIDH expresses deep concern over the Chinese authorities ongoing efforts to assert control over Tibetan Buddhism by claiming the right to appoint the next Dalai Lama—an act that contradicts centuries-old religious traditions and violates the Tibetan people’s freedom of religion and belief.
The resolution also calls on the Chinese authorities to:
– immediately cease all forms of interference in the identification of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the future Dalai Lama;
– resume a meaningful dialogue with representatives of the Dalai Lama to reach a peaceful and negotiated solution for Tibet; and
– respect the right to freedom of religion or belief and the economic, social, and cultural rights of Tibetans, including their right to self-determination.
FIDH is an international human rights NGO composed of nearly 200 member organisations worldwide, dedicated to promoting and protecting civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ICT has been a member organisation of FIDH since its 37th Congress in Yerevan, Armenia, on 9 April 2010.