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