Category: Campaigns

TYC Commemorates the 113th Anniversary of Tibet’s Declaration of Independence in Taiwan and Dharamshala

Tenzin Lobsang Advocacy For Tibet, Annual Activities, Campaigns, Latest News, Media, News, Tibet News

On 13th February, 2026, The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), in collaboration with the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan (HRNTT), organized a series of commemorative events in Taipei City to mark the 113th Anniversary of Tibet’s Declaration of Independence.

Press Conference in Taipei

The commemoration began with a press conference featuring distinguished speakers from Taiwan’s human rights community, including:

  • Yang Tsung-li – Executive Director, Koo Kwang-ming Foundation; Board Member, Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan

  • Yang Chang-chen – Co-founder, Friends of Tibet (Taiwan)

  • Huang Hao-cheng – Assistant for Tibetan Affairs

  • Wu Jiazhen – Deputy Director, Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty (serving as translator)

Speakers emphasized the historical and contemporary importance of Tibet’s 1913 proclamation and reaffirmed solidarity between the peoples of Taiwan and Tibet.

Philosophy Friday Talk Show

Following the press conference, a special presentation titled “The Hidden Day: 113th Anniversary of the Tibetan Declaration of Independence” was held at Touatbooks as part of its Philosophy Friday series.

The event featured:

  • Yu He – Host; Director, Taipei Thought and Culture Association

  • Tsering Chomphel – President, Tibetan Youth Congress

  • Tashi Targyal – Vice President, Tibetan Youth Congress

  • Dr. Song-Lih Huang – Director, Human Rights Policy Center (Translator)

  • Huang Yi-bee – CEO, Covenants Watch

The discussion explored the historical significance of the 1913 proclamation and its enduring relevance to Tibet’s ongoing struggle for freedom.

The day’s events concluded with a productive dinner discussion hosted by the CEO and Director of Covenants Watch, with continued dialogue involving Huang Yi-bee and Dr. Song-Lih Huang.

TYC expresses its deep gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan for their unwavering support for the Tibetan people and our freedom movement. Special appreciation is extended to the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan for hosting TYC in Taiwan, to Ms. Hsinyi Lin for her long-standing friendship and support, and to Tashi Tsering-la, founder of HRNTT, former Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (Taiwan), and one of the most proactive Tibetan activists.

Commemoration in Dharamshala, India

On the same day in Dharamshala, India, the Tibetan Youth Congress and Students for a Free Tibet–India jointly commemorated and celebrated the 113th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Tibet’s Independence by His Holiness the Great 13th Dalai Lama in 1913. The event was held at Bhagsu Hotel.

The program honored the historic proclamation reaffirming Tibet’s independence and reflected on its lasting importance for the Tibetan people.

The event included:

  • Addresses by representatives of Tibetan Youth Congress and SFT–India

  • A musical performance by Jhola (@techungtibet)

  • An exhibition of Tibetan national currency organized with the support of the Tibet Museum (@thetibetmuseum)

  • Reflections on the historical and contemporary relevance of the 1913 Proclamation

The celebration also featured traditional Tibetan games such as sho (Tibetan dice game), Tibetan tug-of-war, traditional weightlifting, and a Tibetan-style tambola. One of the most unique aspects of the event was the symbolic circulation of Tibetan currency, which participants exchanged for Indian rupees.

The commemorative program concluded with gorshey, a traditional Tibetan group dance, bringing the day’s celebration to a vibrant and unified close.

Commemoration of 113th tibet’s declaration of independence in Dharamshala- video 

   

pictures from Voice of Tibet

Statement by the Tibetan Youth Congress on the 113th Anniversary of Tibet’s Declaration of Independence

Tenzin Lobsang Advocacy For Tibet, Annual Activities, Campaigns, Media, News, Press Release, Statements, Tibet News
TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS STATEMENT
113th Anniversary of Tibet’s Declaration of Independence
(13 February 1913)
On the 113th anniversary of Tibet’s Declaration of Independence, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) once again reaffirms that Tibet has always been an independent nation and shall remain so. Contrary to the false claims propagated by the so-called People’s Republic of China (PRC), Tibet’s historical relationship with neighbouring powers, including the Mongol Khans and later the Ming and Manchu (Qing) emperors, was based on the Preceptor Patron (Chö-yon) relationship. This relationship was one of mutual spiritual and material support and never one of political subordination. At no point did it signify Tibet’s incorporation into China as a sovereign territory.
Following China’s unlawful invasion of Tibet, the PRC constructed a fabricated historical narrative to justify its actions under the guise of “liberation,” falsely asserting that Tibet and China are one nation. However, extensive historical evidence, from Tibet’s imperial period through the early twentieth century, clearly demonstrates Tibet’s status as a distinct and independent country.
A particularly compelling example lies in the reign of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama. On 13 February 1913, after the collapse of the Manchu Qing dynasty, His Holiness issued a proclamation declaring Tibet’s independence. This declaration followed years of Chinese military aggression in eastern Tibet and the deployment of Chinese troops to Lhasa under the pretext of safeguarding Tibet. Despite repeated clarifications that Tibet’s relationship with China was spiritual rather than political, Chinese forces attempted to abduct and assassinate His Holiness, which ultimately forced him into exile in India.
After the fall of the Qing dynasty, Tibetans from all social strata successfully expelled Chinese troops from central Tibet. Upon his return to Lhasa, His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama issued a Five Point Decree. In the fourth point, he clearly stated: “Though not prosperous or technologically advanced like other countries, Tibet is an independent nation living in peace and governed by religious principles.”
Further evidence of Tibet’s independence can be found in the 1888 Sikkim Expedition, as documented in British historical records. In 1890, the British government signed a treaty with China concerning the Tibet-Sikkim border and trade relations. This treaty later became ineffective when the British realized that Tibet was not bound by it and that China had no authority to enforce it within Tibet. This realization implicitly acknowledged Tibet’s independent status.
Even the so-called Seventeen Point Agreement of 1951 serves as evidence of Tibet’s independence, as China deemed it necessary to negotiate and obtain signatures from Tibetan representatives rather than exercising sovereign authority.
Tibet’s system of governance has always been unique, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama serving as both the spiritual and temporal leader. Therefore, religion plays a central role in Tibetan political and social life. In 2007, the Chinese State Administration of Religious Affairs issued Order No. 5, asserting state control over the recognition of reincarnated Tibetan lamas. This order requires government approval for religious reincarnation and represents a direct interference in Tibetan Buddhism.
In 1995, Chinese authorities abducted the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and appointed a state-selected alternative. This act was intended to control the future recognition of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and further undermines Tibetan religious freedom under the watch of the international community.
Tibet’s struggle for independence is firmly grounded in international law, particularly the right to self-determination as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Tibetan people, as a distinct nation with a unique history, culture, language, and governance system, are entitled to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development without external coercion.
The Tibetan Youth Congress reiterates that the Tibetan freedom movement is fundamentally non-violent and rooted in democratic values, justice, and respect for human rights. To the United Nations, its member states, parliamentarians, international organizations, supporters of Tibet, democratic nations, political activists, and environmentalists, we express our hope that you will continue to stand in solidarity with the Tibetan cause. We urge the international community to acknowledge Tibet’s historical status, to hold the People’s Republic of China accountable for its violations of international law, and to work collectively to end the suffering of the Tibetan people.
On this solemn anniversary of Tibet’s Declaration of Independence, the Tibetan Youth Congress declares that it will not bend under Chinese oppression and will continue its peaceful and determined struggle for the restoration of Tibet’s independence.
ONE DAY TIBET WILL BE FREE, VICTORY OF TIBET
Tibetan Youth Congress

Free Tibet Cycle Rally 2026 (Taiwan)

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On 11 February 2026, President Mr. Tsering Chomphel and Vice President Mr. Tashi Thargyal of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) participated in the Free Tibet Cycle Rally organized by the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan.

During the rally, President Tsering Chomphel addressed the current situation inside Tibet, highlighting the ongoing human rights challenges faced by Tibetans. He raised concerns about China’s transnational repression, specifically referring to the case of Jimmy Lai. He also spoke about the Sinicization policy imposed in Tibet, which threatens Tibetan religion, culture, and national identity.

The President emphasized that the reincarnation of 14th Dalai Lama is a purely religious matter and must not be politicized. He further expressed support for His Holiness’s statement issued on 2 July 2025 regarding the future of his reincarnation, and acknowledged the support shown by the Taiwan government.

In his concluding remarks, President Tsering Chomphel expressed hope that one day Tibet, Hong Kong, East Turkistan, and South Mongolia will be free from Chinese Communist Party rule.

The President’s speech was translated  by Ms. Huang Yi-bee, CEO of Covenants Watch.

Speakers at the Rally

The rally also featured speeches by:

  • Ms. Hsinyi Lin, Executive Director of the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty

  • Tashi Tsering, Founder of the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan

  • Sky Fung, Secretary General of Hong Kong Outlanders

  • Tong Fu-tong, Exiled Hong Kong activist in Taiwan

  • Kao Cheng-yung, Researcher at the Economic Democracy Union

All speakers expressed solidarity with Tibet, Hong Kong, East Turkistan, and South Mongolia, and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding freedom and democracy in Taiwan.

The 2026 Free Tibet Cycle Rally concluded with strong unity, solidarity, and a shared call for freedom and human rights.

At the end of the day, Tashi Tsering kindly invited the TYC President and Vice President for coffee at Guanfu Market, where they continued their discussions in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

#FreeTibet #StandWithTibet #HumanRights #FreeHongKong #KeepTaiwanFree

Strengthening Ties: TYC Leaders Commence Official Visit to Taiwan

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On 10 February 2026, the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Mr. Tsering Chomphel, and Vice President, Mr. Tashi Targyal, arrived in Taiwan for an official visit. Upon their arrival, they were warmly received by Mr. Tashi Tsering, Founder of the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan, and former President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) Taiwan.

Later in the evening, the TYC President and Vice President paid a formal courtesy visit to the Tibetan Representative Office in Taipei, where they met with Ambassador Kunga Bawa Kalsang Gyaltsen. Discussions during the meeting centered on upcoming Tibetan Youth Congress programs and activities scheduled to take place in Taiwan.
The leaders also met with long-time Tibetan supporter and TYC friend, Ms. Hsinyi Lin, Executive Director of the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty. Their discussion focused on finalizing the schedule and coordination of programs planned for the upcoming week.

Taiwan Reaffirms Support for Tibetan Cause During TYC Leadership Visit in New Delhi

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On January 20, 2026, the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Mr. Tsering Chomphel, and Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal paid a visit to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (Taiwan Embassy), located in New Delhi.

During the visit, they held a cordial and productive meeting with Ambassador Mr. Mumin Chen and his colleague. The discussion was marked by a positive and constructive exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

Ambassador Chen reiterated Taiwan’s continued support for the Tibetan cause and highlighted the importance of further strengthening relations between Taiwan and the Tibetan community. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation and fostering solidarity in the future.

TYC Centrex Reaffirms Commitment to Implement Resolutions Advancing Tibet’s Cause

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The TYC Centrex convened a special meeting to revisit the agendas and resolutions adopted during the Working Committee Meeting and the General Body Meeting. As the TYC family, we collectively adopted numerous resolutions dedicated to the cause of Tibet and its freedom movement, entrusting the responsibility of their implementation to us. The Central Executive Committee remains fully committed to implement every resolution we have passed into meaningful action and tangible outcomes.

 

 

 

Day-Long Campaign Against Illegal Gold Mining Operation in Dzachuka, Kham, Tibet

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The recent arrest of 80 Tibetans in Kham, Dzachuka, during gold mining operations marks yet another assault on Tibetan lives, land, and the environment, as authorities continue to silence local voices demanding justice. In response, the Tibetan Youth Congress, together with four other NGOs, organized a day-long campaign condemning these actions and calling for accountability from those responsible.

Tibet Advocacy Alliance–India Engages Indian Parliament on Tibet Issues

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During the Indian Parliament’s winter session, Tibetan Youth Congress General Secretary Mr. Tenzin Lobsang, together with representatives from various Dharamshala-based NGOs, participated in Tibetan Advocacy Week in New Delhi.

As part of the initiative, the delegation held meetings with several Honourable Members of Parliament, where they presented key concerns of the Tibetan community. They also formally submitted a set of proposed agendas and respectfully urged the MPs to raise these issues during the ongoing parliamentary session, emphasizing the need for stronger support and attention to Tibet-related matters.

 

The six day Advocacy was held to foster strategic and coordinated advocacy efforts to strengthen Indian parliamentary engagement on Tibet-related issues and further stress on four key request:

  1. To Recognise and reaffirm that Tibet was historically an independent nation, and to urge them to make a statement in Parliament advocating continued support for the Tibetan people’s struggle for freedom, justice, and their right to self-determination.
  2. To Honour His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on his 90th as global icon for peace and humanity. We urge the parliament members to make a statement in the parliamentary session acknowledging His Holiness’s unparalleled contributions to global peace and the promotion of India’s ancient civilisational values and the Government of India to publicly recognise and affirm support for Tibetan religious rights, including the Gaden Phodrang Trust’s sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.
  3. To Advocate for the protection of Tibetan culture and language: Call for the immediate abolition of China’s colonial boarding school systems in Tibet. We urge you to call upon the Government of India to officially raise this critical human rights issue in all bilateral and multilateral meetings with Chinese government representatives, in line with the urgent calls from UN Special Procedures and Committees.
  4. To Recognise the strategic and ecological significance of Tibet and its plateau: Tibet, often referred to as the Third Pole, is home to the largest reserve of freshwater outside the Arctic and Antarctic, feeding the major rivers of Asia, including Brahmaputra, Indus and Sutlej, and given its fragile ecological spheres, needs protection. We urge you to Press the Government of India to raise official concerns about China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. Call upon the relevant Ministries to support the Tibetan people’s call for an immediate moratorium on environmentally damaging projects in Tibet and advocate for the inclusion.

 

 

 

 

 

TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS, STATEMENT. 10th DECEMBER 2025.

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Statement of the Tibetan Youth Congress on 77th Human Rights Day and 36th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama.

Today marks the 77th Human Rights Day and the 36th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama. After the First and Second World Wars, which caused immense suffering and loss of life, the United Nations adopted the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948 to safeguard international security, peace, and cooperation. Since then, 10 December has been observed as Human Rights Day.

During this period, the Chinese invasion of Tibet began, resulting in severe suffering and widespread violations of human rights. This gave rise to a non-violent struggle for Tibet and the wellbeing of Tibetans, led under the guidance of His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama. Through his tireless advocacy for peace, wisdom and compassion, he has promoted secular ethics and universal values worldwide. On 10 December 1989, His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his principled commitment to peace, tolerance, and the protection of Tibetan cultural heritage through a consistently non-violent approach. Thirty-six years later, it remains essential to remember the circumstances that shaped both Human Rights Day and the recognition bestowed upon His Holiness.

Since China’s aggressive military invasion and prolonged illegal occupation of Tibet, more than a million Tibetans have lost their lives. Across the three provinces of Tibet, where Tibetan religion and culture once flourished, now monasteries, stupas, and countless sacred altars are being destroyed. In an effort to erase Tibetan traditions and identity, Tibetan children were separated from their families and placed in Chinese colonial boarding schools designed to assimilate the younger generation and sever their connection to their heritage.

Inside Tibet, Tibetans continue to face severe repression. They are denied basic rights, subjected to harsh treatment, and placed under constant surveillance. Even the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gendun Yeshi Thinley Phuntsok Palsang, along with many Tibetan political activists, has faced severe restrictions and mistreatment. DNA collection has been used as a tool for intrusive monitoring, while fundamental rights—cultural, religious, linguistic, and the freedom of movement and speech —are systematically denied.

These relentless abuses have led to the tragic reality of nearly 200 self-immolations inside Tibet and in exile, marking the highest number ever recorded in a struggle driven by the pursuit of freedom and human rights.

Even more, the Chinese government has carried out widespread deforestation, extensive mining, and large-scale industrial projects across Tibet. Which resulted in demolishing villages, forcibly relocating communities, fencing grasslands and exploiting Tibet’s fragile environment. These rapid industrial projects and resource extraction have caused significant ecological disruption, impacting not only Tibet but also its neighboring countries and the Himalayan region.

Furthermore, China’s transnational repression, targeting Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Uyghurs, and Southern Mongolia through intimidation, suppression, surveillance, data

exploitation, covert interference infiltrating key institutions and fueling social instability, demonstrates a grave disregard for International norms and fundamental human rights, posing serious threat to global peace and security. The recent suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorjee in Vietnam, further heightens concerns regarding the reach and impact of transnational repression.

Since the arrival of His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama and his close followers in India 66 years ago, numerous efforts have been made to raise global awareness about the Tibetan cause. Through programs, organizations, and appeals to the United Nations, Tibetans and supporters worldwide have continued to voice the urgent need for freedom, peace, independence, and human rights. Meanwhile, violations by the Chinese government persist, alongside the erosion of Tibet’s environment, religion, culture, and identity.

On this day, the Tibetan Youth Congress solemnly pledges that until the Independence status is restored, we will continue to raise our voices against suppression and atrocities committed by the Chinese Communist Party. As we are fortunate to live in a democratic country and enjoy the freedom to express our rights, it is essential that all Tibetan must unite and actively participate in the movement for the independence of our occupied homeland. It is equally vital to take personal responsibility in safeguarding our language and script.

To the United Nations and its member states, parliamentarians, Non-Governmental organizations, supporters of Tibet, democratic nations, political activists, and environmentalists, we express our hope that you will continue to stand in solidarity with the Tibetan cause and work to end the suffering.

In conclusion, we pray for the long life of His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama, and the reunion of all Tibetan people, in exile and at home. May our country be free, independent, and filled with peace and dignity. Free Tibet. 

10 December Press ststement (English) བོད་ཀྱི་གཞོན་ནུ་ལྷན་ཚོགས་ཀྱི་བསྒྲགས་གཏམ། तिब्बती युवा कांग्रेस की वक्तव्य । 稿子12.10

 

TYC NORTH AMERICA TOUR

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The Tibetan Youth Congress President Gonpo Dhundup la and Joint Secretary Tsering Choephel la, embarked on a comprehensive tour of North America on March 7, 2025. The primary objective of the tour was to engage with Tibetans in various regions, encourage their active participation in the Tibetan movement, and strengthen TYC chapter activities.

 

During the tour, TYC delegation participated in several significant events, including the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day program at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 10, where the President delivered a public talk. They also delivered public talks in various cities, including Boston on March 24, Minnesota on March 30, Chicago on April 1, Wisconsin on April 3, Portland on April 5, and Seattle on April 6. In Seattle, they met with former Regional Chapter members to revitalize and strengthen the chapter.

 

President and the Joint secretary also engaged with Sunday school students in Minnesota and San Francisco, organizing awareness talks to educate them about the Tibetan cause. They also held public meetings in Utah on April 16, Colorado on April 19, and Washington D.C. on April 23, where they met with Representative Kungo Namgyal Chokdup and former TYC Centrex member Kungo Buchung K. Tsering, Vice President of the International Campaign for Tibet. Additionally, they visited the office of Congressman Jim McGovern, a long-time supporter of Tibet.

 

In the evening of April 23, a public meeting was held in Washington D.C., attended by former Centrex members and civil servants of the Central Tibetan Administration. The delegation also organized public meetings in New York on April 26 and Philadelphia on April 30. During their visit to Toronto on May 4, they held two public meetings and met with Members of Parliament who have been long-time supporters of Tibet’s just cause.

 

Throughout the two-month tour, the delegation highlighted the critical situation inside Tibet, emphasizing the importance of strengthening unity amongst Tibetans from the three traditional regions. They also briefed on TYC’s campaign activities aimed at amplifying the sufferings of Tibetans inside Tibet.

 

After a successful tour, the delegation returned to India on May 14, 2025, having strengthened TYC’s presence in North America and reinforced the organization’s commitment to the Tibetan cause.

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