London|20th November 2024|Tsering Passang
Today, we celebrate the long-overdue release of Karma Samdrup, a highly respected Tibetan environmentalist, philanthropist, and advocate for Tibet’s cultural and natural heritage, who endured a 15-year unjust prison sentence under the Chinese authorities.
Karma Samdrup’s unwavering dedication to environmental preservation, particularly wildlife conservation, and his steadfast efforts to safeguard Tibetan language and culture are acts of extraordinary courage. His work stands as an enduring symbol of resilience in the face of systemic repression.
I vividly recall meeting Karma Samdrup about 20 years ago in central London, near a Tesco store, during his visit with another Tibetan companion. Dressed proudly in his traditional Tibetan attire, he exuded dignity, humility, and purpose. After exchanging the greeting “Tashi Delek,” we engaged in a brief yet meaningful conversation. I shared insights about my work with the Tibet Foundation, which provided crucial support to Tibetan communities in education, healthcare, and community development inside Tibet. In response, Karma Samdrup graciously handed me his business card, its details carefully printed on both sides, and invited me to stay in touch – an act that reflected his deep commitment to fostering connections and advancing the shared development work.
Karma Samdrup’s imprisonment is a sobering reminder of the harsh realities faced by Tibetans striving to protect their homeland, culture, and identity. His release is not only a moment of profound relief but also a rallying call for renewed global commitment to the rights of Tibetans and all persecuted communities.
At the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, we remain steadfast in our mission to seek justice for those oppressed under authoritarian regimes. While we welcome Karma Samdrup’s return to freedom – a freedom that remains relative – we pledge to continue amplifying the voices of those who remain silenced.
Karma Samdrup’s remarkable legacy as a guardian of Tibet’s natural and cultural treasures is an enduring inspiration to us all. Let his release serve as a reminder to the global community of its moral duty to stand in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their peaceful pursuit of justice, dignity, and fundamental freedoms.
We extend our heartfelt wishes to Karma Samdrup for a joyful reunion with his family and loved ones. May he find strength and healing as he begins this new chapter of his life.
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 