China's interference in the HH Dalai Lama's Reincarnation
Marking International Human Rights Day on December 10, the Delegation of the European Union in China issued a clear statement reaffirming the EU commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this statement, the EU highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the human rights situation in China, with a strong focus on Tibet.
The EU described the human rights situation in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in Tibetan areas of Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu as equally alarming as other regions under its watch. The statement flagged several troubling issues, including:
Intensified state surveillance and control over monasteries
Expansion of mandatory boarding schools that separate Tibetan children from their families
Continued disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, missing since 1995
These issues reflect the persistent and systemic suppression of Tibetan religious and cultural freedoms.
One of the strongest messages in the EU statement was its call for China to end interference in the religious process related to the succession of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The EU stressed that the selection of religious leaders must be guided by religious tradition, not by political control.
This warning comes as China continues to assert authority over Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation processes, a move widely seen as an attempt to impose political control over Tibetan identity.
The EU also expressed concern over policies that undermine Tibetan language and culture. Mandarin is increasingly being imposed as the main language of instruction, while Tibetan language education is being restricted. The EU warned that these policies risk eroding Tibetan cultural identity.
Mandatory boarding schools, where Tibetan children spend most of the year away from their families, have become a core tool of cultural assimilation. These schools limit exposure to Tibetan language, customs, and community life.
The EU statement sends a strong message that the situation in Tibet deserves global attention. The warning to China reflects growing concern that cultural and religious repression in Tibet is intensifying under current policies.
The concerns raised by the EU echo long standing warnings from Tibetan leaders, human rights groups, and researchers. China's attempts to control the Dalai Lama reincarnation process are a direct violation of Tibetan religious freedom. The disappearance of the Panchen Lama remains one of the most pressing unresolved human rights cases.
Tibet Rights Collective urges more governments and international organizations to take similar positions and support meaningful protections for Tibetan religion, culture, language, and identity.