Author: Tsering Passang

A decade ago, on 4 November 2015, I had the privilege of addressing a packed room at the Palais des Nations in Geneva during Nepal’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations.

Organised by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the side event focused on one of the most vulnerable yet least visible communities in the Himalaya: the Tibetan refugees in Nepal.

Representing the Tibet Relief Fund of the UK, I endorsed the powerful joint ICT–FIDH submission and highlighted the daily hardships faced by over ten thousands Tibetans living in Nepal – many without legal identity, fearful of refoulement, and caught between Kathmandu’s growing deference to Beijing and its own historic humanitarian tradition.

Sharing the panel was the courageous Nepali human-rights defender Mandira Sharma, President of Advocacy Forum–Nepal, who dissected the human-rights shortcomings of Nepal’s brand-new 2015 Constitution, especially its failure to offer clear protection to long-term refugees. The session was expertly moderated by Vincent Metten, ICT’s EU Policy Director.

Ten years later, the issues we raised that day remain painfully relevant. Nepal still has not regularised the status of most Tibetan refugees born on its soil. Although the number of new arrivals from Tibet has dwindled in recent years, those who still attempt the perilous journey across the high passes continue to risk their lives — only to face the ever-present threat of forced return at the border.

Meanwhile, the once-vital “Gentleman’s Agreement” with UNHCR — for decades a quiet but critical lifeline ensuring safe passage — has been steadily eroded by mounting political pressure from Beijing.

Yet that Geneva gathering also proved something enduring: when committed organisations and individuals come together – Tibetan voices, Nepali advocates, and international solidarity partners – even the most marginalised community can be heard inside the highest halls of global diplomacy.

This post is published simply as a historical marker and a quiet thank-you to everyone who made that intervention possible ten years ago, and to those who continue the work today.

The struggle for dignity and safety for Tibetan refugees in Nepal is far from over – but neither is the compassion that keeps their story alive.

Tsering Passang, Founder-Char, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (17 November 2025)

Tibetan Refugees in Nepal: Concerns Raised at UN UPR Side Event in Geneva (2015)

On 4 November 2015, at a side event hosted by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Tsering Passang, representing the Tibet Relief Fund of the UK, delivered a statement in support of the joint ICT–FIDH submission on the situation of Tibetan refugees in Nepal.

Joining him on the panel was the distinguished Nepali legal scholar and human-rights defender Mandira Sharma, President of Advocacy Forum–Nepal, who spoke powerfully on the human-rights implications of Nepal’s newly promulgated 2015 Constitution, particularly its impact on refugee protection and citizenship rights.

The session was skilfully moderated by Vincent Metten, EU Policy Director of the International Campaign for Tibet.

The intervention highlighted the continuing vulnerability of the Tibetan refugee community in Nepal and urged the Government of Nepal to honour its international obligations and longstanding “Gentleman’s Agreement” with UNHCR, ensuring safe passage and protection for Tibetans fleeing persecution.

Tsering Passang’s deliberation:

1. Situation of Tibetans in Nepal and Chinese Influence

Tibetan refugees in Nepal feel unprotected and insecure. They face an uncertain future and to an extent they feel hopelessness. Nepal is an independent country. It must allow all peoples, including the Tibetan refugees to exercise their basic rights to free speech, freedom to assembly as well as be able to display their faith and respect in their Spiritual Leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama in public spaces without any restrictions. Tibetans in Tibet are banned from such rightful activities by the Chinese authorities. Nepal must not bow down to pressure from China.

I was born and brought up in a Tibetan refugee camp in western Nepal; my father fled Tibet and my mother was born in Mustang, near the Nepal-Tibet border. I did my schooling in Nepal. So, I am very familiar with the whole situation of Tibetans in Nepal.

Today, I speak in front of you with my own personal experience as well as a development practitioner having conducted many field trips whilst working for British Tibet NGOs in India and Nepal. Whilst welcoming everyone here this afternoon I make a special note of strong interests from our Nepalese delegates, who are visible in this room. I hope we can learn from the deliberations during this year’s UPR on Nepal this week and urge all parties concerned to implement upon return home.

First, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Government of Nepal for providing shelter to the Tibetan refugees in Nepal since 1959. There are so many Nepalese government officials and human rights activists as well as individual sympathetic Nepalese friends, who are very supportive and understanding of the situation of Tibetan refugees in Nepal.

I shall begin by citing quotes by several Nepalese human rights activists. At a public forum titled “49 Years of Tibetan Refugees in Nepal” on 3rd August 2008 in Pokhara, which was organised by The Sambhad Nepal, Mr Achut Acharya of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal, Regional Office in Pokhara, said, “We have not been able to treat the refugees equally. We don’t pay much attention to the Bhutanese refugees because Bhutan doesn’t have much influence on Nepalese politics. Tibetan refugees should be able to access the justice system of Nepal, if needed.”

At the same forum, Mr Sudip Pathak, President of Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON), said, “Refugees in Nepal are not treated equally. The Tibetan refugees are arrested and handed back (to the Chinese authorities) but not the Bhutanese. The Government helped the Bhutanese refugees to travel to the United States of America but in the case of Tibetans, they haven’t done so.” This is in reference to the US Government’s offer to accept certain Tibetan refugees from Nepal to the US on a third-country resettlement programme but the Nepalese authorities refused to issue exit permits due to pressure from China.

With no proper documentation, Tibetan students wanting to pursue college/university education in India face hardships as they’re often required to produce necessary paperwork. Due to lack of documentation, they are either charged higher fees at ‘foreign student’s rate in dollars, which refugee parents find it impossible to support, or an option to get admission at lower ranked institutions despite their superb academic results.

Often, they face hardships when crossing the Indo-Nepal border due to lack of paperwork. In my own case back in December 1995, with my friends we experienced physical abuse at the hand of Nepal border security force. At least I could speak both the Nepalese and English but Tibetans coming from Tibet who can’t speak both the languages, experienced even more hardship. We have cases of Tibetan women being sexually abused including a nun who was raped by the Nepalese border security personnel.

2. Impacts of Earthquake in Nepal for Tibetans

The earthquake in Nepal earlier this year resulted in a huge loss of lives of nearly 9000 Nepalese, thousands of casualties, homes and livelihoods.

Whilst the loss of Tibetan lives is very minimal at 16 compared to our Nepalese friends, the natural disaster has affected the refugee community. We are constantly in touch with our contacts in Nepal. In recent days and just this morning I was speaking to our contacts there.

What we have learned is that the school children were deeply affected. Psychological counselling, offered by UNHCR and various NGOs are proving to be very beneficial in addition to the necessity of urgent supplies of food, medicine and temporary shelter. Although some of these children are now slowly recovering, at the initial stage it was evident that their academic results suffered badly. Firstly, the schools in affected areas were closed for nearly two months and the whole country had to deal with the situation despite limited resources.

It is very encouraging that in the time of hardships, difficulties and sadness there are strong sense of solidarity whilst supporting each other. The Tibetan refugee community in Nepal received support mainly from Tibetans living abroad and their Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, northern India despite their limited resources.

Although there have been no restrictions as far as I am concerned, with the rebuilding of lives and communities bound to take time in the years ahead the Nepal authorities should continue to freely allow the flow of funds to reach the Tibetan earthquake victims in Nepal.

3. Conclusion

There is a good contingent from Nepal to the UPR this week, led by His Excellency Kamal Thapa, Foreign Minister, who is also a Deputy Prime Minister. This is in addition to various Nepalese human rights organisations and rights activists, a very positive sign as well as it presents an opportunity for Nepal to shoulder its obligations under the international norms for its citizens and other nationals including the Tibetans in Nepal. We remain hopeful that His Excellency Kamal Thapa would be more open towards addressing the Tibetans’ plight in Nepal.

I commend this Joint Submission by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) for the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nepal for the Tibetan refugees in Nepal.

In this submission, I specifically call for rapid actions from concerned authorities on:

 Registration and legal status of Tibetans

• Issue refugee identity certificates (RCs) to all eligible Tibetans and their children.
• Ensure the renewal of RCs to all eligible Tibetans and their children.
• Abolish restrictions on the rights of Tibetan residents in Nepal to work, establish businesses, travel and access education.
• Enable children of refugees to acquire a nationality in accordance with Nepal’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Freedom of Assembly and Expression

• Protect the rights of everyone to freedom of assembly and expression, regardless of their citizenship, in accordance with international human rights law
• ·Allow peaceful demonstrations and public gatherings of Tibetans#

Arbitrary arrest and detention

• Refrain from arresting and detaining Tibetans for the sole reason of having exercised their rights to freedom of assembly and expression 
• Religious and cultural rights
• Ensure the rights of Tibetans in Nepal to practice and manifest their religion, and to participate in Tibetan cultural events

Thank you.

A Special Lecture by Kasur Lobsang Nyandak, Former Minister of Tibet’s Government-in-Exile | The Buddhist Society | 19 November 2025 @6.30pm

Join us for an extraordinary evening with Kasur Lobsang Nyandak, a prominent Tibetan leader and former Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration, now serving as Executive Director of the Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala, India. In this exclusive lecture, Kasur Nyandak will share profound insights into the Dalai Lama’s enduring legacy, the evolving political landscape, and the future of Tibet as the Tibetan diaspora celebrates 2025-2026 as the “Year of Compassion”, honouring the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

• Event Details:
• The Dalai Lama and the Future of Tibet: A Vision for Compassion and Resilience – A Special Lecture by Kasur Lobsang Nyandak
• Date: Wednesday, 19th November 2025
• Time: 6.30pm to 8pm
• Venue: The Buddhist Society and Online
• Join Zoom Meeting https://thebuddhistsociety.zoom.us/j/86453267328
  Meeting ID: 864 5326 7328

This event offers a rare opportunity for members and friends of The Buddhist Society to engage with a distinguished figure whose leadership has shaped the Tibetan cause. Kasur Nyandak’s unique perspective will illuminate the spiritual, cultural, and political dimensions of Tibet’s journey, inspiring hope and action for a compassionate future.

Proudly hosted by The Buddhist Society in partnership with the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), this lecture promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of Tibet’s path forward.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with a visionary leader and deepen your understanding of the Dalai Lama’s global impact and Tibet’s future.

About the Speaker:

Lobsang Nyandak is a distinguished Tibetan leader with a remarkable career spanning governance, diplomacy, and civil society. He served as the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America (2008–2013) and as Executive Director and later President of the Tibet Fund until 2023. A former Member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (1996–2001), he also held the position of Kalon (Minister) for Finance, Health, and Information & International Relations (DIIR) under Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche’s administration. For over a decade, he contributed to the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue Task Force, including a significant secret visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese officials. In civil society, Nyandak’s leadership includes roles as General Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest Tibetan NGO worldwide, and Vice President and Secretary of the National Democratic Party of Tibet. As the founding Executive Director of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, he has been a global advocate for the Tibetan cause, engaging with international leaders and conferences. A candidate for Sikyong (President) in the 2021 elections, Nyandak remains a pivotal voice in shaping the future of the Tibetan movement.

15 October 2025 | RSF

A coalition of 90 press freedom and human rights NGOs, led by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has called for the release of Swedish publisher Gui Minhai, founder of the Hong Kong-based publishing house Mighty Current, on the 10th anniversary of his kidnapping by Chinese agents in Thailand. The press freedom advocate has been forcibly disappeared by the regime, with no updates about his whereabouts for the past five years.

Joint Statement from Civil Society Groups on the Chinese Government’s Arbitrary Detention of Swedish publisher Gui Minhai

We, the undersigned press freedom, journalists’, human rights, international organisations, strongly condemn the Chinese government’s ongoing arbitrary detention of Swedish publisher and writer Gui Minhai on the 10th anniversary of his kidnapping.

On 17 October 2015, Gui Minhai, a founder of Hong Kong publishing house, was kidnapped by Chinese authorities in Thailand. In February 2020, he was sentenced to ten years in prison by the Ningbo Intermediate People’s Court on the alleged charge of “illegally providing intelligence to foreign countries,” which is regularly used to silence journalists and human rights defenders.

Details of his imprisonment have been kept hidden for the past five years. Gui Minhai has been denied access to his family and to consular support from the Swedish Embassy. His daughter has not been informed of his whereabouts since the date of the verdict. His current place of detention remains unknown, despite repeated requests by his daughter. The Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has failed to clarify his whereabouts, further raising concerns about his physical and mental condition.

Since Mr. Gui’s conviction, Sweden has demanded the release of its citizen. However, Chinese authorities insisted that Mr. Gui had chosen not to appeal the sentence and that he had his Chinese citizenship reinstated at his own request. Under Swedish law, citizenship can only be renounced following an examination and a formal decision by the Swedish Migration Agency. The PRC’s coerced restoration of Mr. Gui’s Chinese nationality constitutes a violation of international law as well as Sweden’s sovereign rights. At the time of his arrest, Gui Minhai held only Swedish citizenship. In the past, Chinese officials have stated that foreign passports do not protect individuals who were born in the PRC, an interpretation that blatantly violates the Vienna Convention.

Mr. Gui was re-arrested while on his way to the Swedish Embassy in Beijing to be examined by a Swedish physician. He suffers from neurological symptoms that were not present before he was first taken into custody, after being rendered from Thailand to the PRC under unclear circumstances.

Throughout his detention, Gui Minhai has twice been subjected to televised forced confessions, further raising concerns about the legality of the proceedings against him. Chinese authorities are notorious for this practice, which undermines human dignity and violates the presumption of innocence that is supposedly guaranteed by the Chinese constitution.

The Gui Minhai case is emblematic of the Chinese regime’s campaign of repression against critical voices, as part of an escalating crackdown on the right to information since Chinese leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. China ranks 178th out of 180 in the 2025 Reporters without Borders (RSF)’s World Press Freedom Index, and is the world’s leading jailer of journalists and writers, according to data from RSF, and PEN America. It ranks ‘in crisis’ in ARTICLE 19’s Global Expression Report. 

Mr. Gui’s case is not an isolated one. Chinese authorities have systematically invoked “national security” as a pretext to prosecute human rights defenders, writers, publishers, and journalists—extending their reach beyond the PRC’s borders by launching police operations in neighboring countries—while the governments of third countries have bluntly allowed the repression of dissidents within their territories.

Domestically, restrictions on journalists and others who speak out against government abuses have tightened drastically, in direct contradiction of the right to freedom of expression and press guaranteed under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution.

Despite persistent calls from the international community for the immediate release of Gui Minhai, the Chinese government continues to ignore the urgency of the matter. This includes a November 2024 Communication from nine Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council concerning a recurring pattern of repression, including incommunicado detention and enforced disappearances, aimed at restricting the freedom of expression, which called for information on the fate and whereabouts of Gui Minhai, among others. His arbitrary detention makes a mockery of China’s international human rights obligations. Gui Minhai has committed no internationally recognized offence, yet has been subjected to harsh punishment solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

We urge the Chinese government to:

• Immediately and unconditionally release Gui Minhai;
• Guarantee Gui Minhai’s safety, psychological well-being, provide adequate and independent medical care, and share regular updates on his whereabouts and current place of detention;
• Allow him unhindered access to contact with his daughter, Angela Gui, and other family members, including through video calls;
• End the systemic crackdown on civil society, including harassment, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and the targeting of publishers, journalists, writers, and human rights defenders.

We urge the Swedish government to:

• Publicly and in bilateral meetings—including high-level meetings—call for the immediate release of Gui Minhai, in compliance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, which prohibits unlawful detention and guarantees personal dignity;
• Demand transparency regarding his whereabouts and ensure full access to consular support and regular consular visits;
• Clearly communicate to Chinese authorities that continued unlawful and arbitrary detention of Gui Minhai will have serious political consequences for bilateral relations, and condition any economic collaboration on his release.

We urge the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission, and the Member States to:

• Urge the immediate and unconditional release of Gui Minhai, demand transparency on his whereabouts, and communicate that opposite actions will have serious political consequences for bilateral relations;
• Advocate for the release of arbitrarily detained journalists, writers, and human rights defenders, including using high-level meetings to publicly call for the release of specific individuals by name;
• Closely monitor the human rights situation in China, including through prison visits, trial monitoring, and regular public statements;

• Condition international law enforcement interactions and rule of law cooperation with the Chinese government on the government’s dropping all charges and quashing all convictions against those wrongfully detained for peacefully exercising or advocating human rights, including press freedom and right to information;
• Reminding China of its international obligations to respect press freedom and the right to information, as guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which China has signed, and Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution;
• Establish safe refuge alert systems to provide a direct and easy-to-use communication with the police or immigration officers for Chinese publishers, writers, journalists and human rights defenders who are under the threat of transnational repression. 

We urge Thai authorities to:

• Clarify the circumstances surrounding the unlawful rendition of Gui Minhai from Thailand to the People’s Republic of China;
• Immediately cease all actions that facilitate the repression and persecution of human rights defenders, journalists, and advocates of press freedom by the PRC within Thailand;
• End the deportation of Chinese human rights defenders and journalists to China, in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement, to which Thailand is bound.

Signatories:

1. ACAT-France
2. AlterMidya
3. Amnesty International Australia
4. ARTICLE 19
5. Asia Freedom Institute
6. Association of Taiwan Journalists (ATJ)
7. Aus-Hong Kong Connex Inc.
8. Bay Area Friends of Tibet
9. Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM)
10. CamboJA
11. Campaign for Uyghurs
12. Center for Uyghur Studies
13. China Against the Death Penalty (CADP)
14. China Aid Association (ChinaAid)
15. China Rights in Action (CRA)
16. Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD)
17. Comité de Apoyo al Tíbet (CAT), Spain
18. Covenants Watch
19. European Values Center for Security Policy Taiwan Office
20. Fortify Rights
21. Freedom House
22. Freiheit für Hongkong e.V.
23. Georgetown Center for Asian Law
24. Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM)
25. Global Alliance for TIbet & Persecuted Minorities
26. Globe International Center
27. GreatFire
28. Grupo de Apoio ao Tibete-Portugal
29. Hong Kong Committee in Norway
30. Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC)
31. Hong Kong Media Overseas
32. Hong Kong Outlanders in Taiwan
33. Hong Kong Watch
34. Hongkonger in Deutschland e. V.
35. Hongkongers in Britain (HKB)
36. Human Rights Foundation
37. Human Rights in China
38. Humanitarian China
39. Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC)
40. Index on Censorship
41. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
42. International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
43. Lady Liberty Hong Kong
44. Legal Initiatives for Vietnam
45. Media Diversity Institute
46. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
47. New Bloom
48. New Zealand Alliance for Victims of the Chinese Communist Regime
49. Northern California Hong Kong Club
50. Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC)
51. Peace Catalyst International
52. PEN America
53. PEN International
54. PEN Nederland
55. Prachatai
56. Reading UK Stands with Hong Kong
57. Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
58. Safeguard Defenders
59. Santa Barbara Friends of Tibet
60. Scottish Hongkongers
61. Solidarité Chine
62. Students for a Free Tibet
63. Svensk Bokhandel
64. Swedish Media Publishers’ Association
65. Swedish PEN
66. Taiwan Association for Human Rights
67. Taiwan Economic Democracy Union
68. The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
69. The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation
70. The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation
71. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
72. The European Hong Kong Diaspora Alliance
73. The Hong Kong Scots
74. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
75. The Nest Center for Journalism Innovation and Development
76. The Rights Practice
77. The Swedish Publishers Association
78. The Swedish Tibet Committee
79. The Swedish Union of Journalists
80. The Tibet Support Committee, Denmark
81. Tibet Initiative Deutschland e. V.
82. Tibet Solidarity
83. Tibet Support Group Ireland
84. US Hongkongers Club
85. Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP)
86. Uyghur PEN Centre
87. Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
88. Victoria Hongkongers Association (Australia)
89. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
90. World Uyghur Congress

Tsering Passang

The Message, a profoundly moving and visually arresting cartoon-story book crafted by Voice of the Disappeared, stands as a powerful testament to the unyielding spirit of Tibetans living under the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) oppressive occupation since 1950. This concise yet deeply affecting work uses vivid illustrations and minimal text to weave a narrative that resonates with readers as young as 8, as well as adults. As a non-profit initiative, its mission is unequivocal: to illuminate the CCP’s systemic human rights abuses – not only against Tibetans but also Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Falun Gong practitioners, pro-democracy Chinese communities, and Hong Kong citizens – while galvanising global action to confront these injustices.

The book’s brilliance lies in its ability to distil the complexities of oppression into a universally accessible format. Its vibrant, emotive illustrations carry the weight of Tibet’s story, capturing the anguish of loss, the resilience of a persecuted people, and an enduring hope for freedom with extraordinary sensitivity. Available for free on YouTube and Instagram, the narrated YouTube version offers a seamless 7–8 minute journey through the book’s pages, with two-page spreads and optional audio narration that amplifies its emotional resonance. This digital accessibility ensures The Message reaches a global audience, transcending barriers of geography and language to foster empathy and solidarity.

More than a mere story, The Message is a rousing call to action. It implores readers to engage with and support communities enduring the CCP’s brutal regime. By sharing this book – whether through its free digital platforms or the limited printed copies, most of which are distributed at no cost – readers can amplify the voices of the oppressed and stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice. The book’s impact is further underscored by powerful endorsements from prominent figures, whose words lend urgency and weight to its message:

• The Rt Hon. Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, former leader of the Conservative Party and founder of the Centre for Social Justice, writes: “The story of Tibet is a deeply sad one. It is of Chinese Communist Party abuse, slavery and persecution of peaceful Tibetans. Yet the spirit of the Tibetan people has not been crushed, and hope and prayer survive. Hope that, one day, they will be free of this CCP yoke of oppression, able to live in harmony with their land.”
• Benedict Rogers, human rights activist and author of The China Nexus: Thirty Years In and Around the Chinese Communist Party’s Tyranny, declares: “Tibet is one of the darkest corners of the world. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the world’s brightest lights. It is time to stand up, speak up, and shine a light on the severe repression in Tibet. This book, this collection of stark images, does just that. Let’s unite to #FreeTibet.”
• Simon Cheng, exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and founder of Hongkongers in Britain, reflects: “Being hunted by secret police, under a one-million-dollar bounty, is a life-long honour. If the government deems the quest for democracy and freedom a crime, we embrace the charges to reveal the genuine face of social justice, unyielding to authority.”
• Clara Cheung, artist-curator and former Hong Kong District Councillor, notes: “‘The Message’ shares more than just the story of Karma and Tenzin. It carries a profound hope for peace, justice and the enduring spirit of humanity; empowering all oppressed by the CCP. In solidarity, we will find the way out together.”
• Sam Walton, former CEO of Free Tibet, praises: “A beautiful book with a powerful message. Carrot Cartoon’s direct and simple visual style conveys the emotions of horror, despair and hope.”
• Tsering Passang, founder-chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities, emphasises: “This picture book unveils the brutal oppression of Tibet, East Turkestan, and other territories under China’s communist regime, where the CCP relentlessly silences voices and erases cultures. May these pages awaken your conscience and fuel urgent action to demand justice and defend the UN Declaration of Human Rights for Tibetans, Uyghurs, and all persecuted peoples enduring this tyranny.”

The Message is an indispensable tool for education and advocacy, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths and act. Its universal appeal and free accessibility make it an essential resource for schools, families, and activists. I wholeheartedly recommend The Message to anyone seeking to understand the human cost of the CCP’s actions and to join the global movement for justice. Share this book, engage with its message, and stand with Tibetans, Uyghurs, and all those fighting for freedom. Together, we can amplify the voices of the disappeared and challenge the yoke of oppression.

About Voice of the Disappeared

Voice of the Disappeared is an international collective of human rights advocates dedicated to exposing the systemic abuses perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) within the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its occupied territories. Founded to give voice to those silenced by the CCP’s authoritarian rule, the organisation seeks to raise global awareness of the plight of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Falun Gong practitioners, Hong Kong citizens, and pro-democracy Chinese communities.

The collective champions the principles of openness, truthfulness, and transparency – hallmarks of good governance that are starkly absent under the CCP’s regime. In a system where the separation of powers between government, legislature, judiciary, and media is nonexistent, the rights of ordinary citizens are routinely trampled. For too long, the democratic world has overlooked or downplayed the horrors emanating from the PRC, often granting undue leniency to the CCP’s actions. Voice of the Disappeared draws a stark parallel to George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, not as fiction but as a chilling reflection of life under the CCP’s all-controlling dictatorship.

Since the rise of President Xi Jinping, the CCP’s global ambitions have become increasingly evident, building on a history of colonial expansion: Southern Mongolia in 1947, East Turkestan (Uyghur homeland) in 1949, Tibet in 1950, and vast maritime claims in the East and South China Seas in the 2010s. Taiwan remains a target, raising urgent questions about the CCP’s next moves. Despite signing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the CCP denies 28 of its 31 basic rights to Tibetans, with mainland Chinese citizens faring little better. Surveillance, fear, and the ever-present threat of being “disappeared” without trace define life under this regime, where the rule of law is subordinate to the whims of the Party.

Voice of the Disappeared seeks to hold the CCP accountable for its crimes against humanity, shining a light on the suffering of ordinary people in the PRC and its occupied territories. Through projects like The Message, the collective aims to awaken global consciences, foster solidarity, and demand justice for those enduring the CCP’s tyranny. By amplifying these voices, Voice of the Disappeared calls on the world to act, ensuring that the disappeared are neither forgotten nor silenced.

(Conference: Dundee, Scotland – 18–21 May 2026)

The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) is pleased to extend its strong support to the organisers of the upcoming interdisciplinary conference, hosted by the Congress of Nations and States (CNS), the Dundee Just Transitions Hub (DJTH), University of Dundee, and the University of Stirling.

Themed “Mass Atrocities, Environmental Degradation, and Communities’ Rights: Lived Experiences from the Peripheries,” this landmark gathering in Dundee (18–21 May 2026) will convene voices from indigenous and marginalised communities worldwide. It provides an essential platform to examine the intersections of systemic violence, environmental harm, and community rights – issues deeply felt by the communities GATPM represents.

As an alliance representing communities long subjected to mass atrocities, cultural erasure, and environmental injustices, GATPM recognises the urgent need for academic and policy-driven dialogue to foster meaningful change. We firmly believe that inclusive forums such as this conference are vital in amplifying affected voices, promoting justice, and developing sustainable, community-led solutions.

We commend the organisers for their commitment to centring lived experiences and traditional knowledge in addressing global challenges. GATPM encourages all interested individuals and institutions to engage with this initiative, submit proposals, and contribute to this critical international dialogue.

Call for Submissions (Deadline: 15 October 2025):

• Explore themes of mass atrocities, indigenous and minority rights, environmental degradation, and just transitions.
• Submission formats include academic papers, artistic expressions, performances, and cultural heritage displays.

Further details and submission portal:

GATPM proudly stands in solidarity with all affected communities. We welcome this opportunity to strengthen alliances and advance justice through scholarly engagement and global cooperation.

Useful Links

Dundee Just Transition Hub (DJTH), University of Dundee

Congress of Nations and States (CNS)

University of Stirling

Strengthening Solidarity for Tibet, Minority and Indigenous Rights at the Stirling Conference (A Brief Report by Tsering Passang, GATPM)

Challenges and the Future of Minority and Indigenous Rights Protection Conference 2025 – Stirling University

Tsering Passang

British politician-turned-singer Norman Baker may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of protest songs or live pub gigs — but perhaps it should be.

His track “Give War A Chance” is a sharp, unexpected standout. With the cutting lyric “Envoy of Peace but War in Mind,” Baker skewers the hypocrisy and doublespeak so often embedded in international diplomacy. It’s thoughtful, provocative – and, perhaps most surprisingly, genuinely catchy. There’s real craftsmanship here, both in the songwriting and its delivery.

What makes it all the more compelling is how naturally Baker has transitioned from Westminster politics to the stage. Best known as a former MP and Transport Minister, he’s found in music not just a hobby, but a vital new voice. His songs reflect a seasoned political mind, but they’re never didactic. Instead, they’re human – often biting, sometimes humorous, and always sincere.

Importantly, Baker’s activism has never stopped at party lines. He’s been a consistent and outspoken advocate for Tibet, using his time in Parliament to highlight human rights abuses and call out China’s treatment of the Tibetan people. His long-standing support for the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s struggle has been principled and unwavering – and now, that deep sense of solidarity is beginning to shape his music as well.

I had the chance to catch Baker and his band live a few years ago with a few friends at a cozy pub tucked away in beautiful East Sussex. The setting was intimate and unfiltered – exactly the kind of venue where music speaks loudest. From the first chord, it was clear Baker wasn’t just dabbling. His presence on stage had a quiet authority, but also real warmth and vitality. The performance wasn’t flashy, but it was authentic – driven by purpose rather than polish. The band played with tight chemistry, and the audience – a mix of curious locals and loyal fans – was fully engaged.

Baker’s live shows feel less like a performance and more like a conversation. He has something to say, and he’s found a compelling, accessible way to say it. Songs like “Give War A Chance” don’t pull punches – but they also don’t preach. They’re crafted to make you think, and maybe even hum along while you do.

Looking ahead, one can’t help but hope Baker takes the next logical step and considers a follow-up track – “Give Peace a Chance.” Not just as a thematic sequel, but as a musical tribute to a cause he’s championed for decades. With the Dalai Lama turning 90 this year, and Tibet’s Government-in-Exile declaring July 2025 to July 2026 the “Year of Compassion,” the timing couldn’t be more powerful – or more personal.

A song dedicated to Tibet, and to His Holiness’s enduring message of peace, would not only highlight Baker’s continued advocacy but also give voice to a global community that often goes unheard. It would be a meaningful fusion of his political legacy and musical evolution – and a tribute that could resonate far beyond the stage.

In an age of overproduced, algorithm-chasing music, Norman Baker’s work stands apart: honest, relevant, and rooted in lived experience. Whether or not you followed his political career, there’s something here worth listening to – and worth reflecting on.

Highly recommended – especially if you get the chance to see him live. And here’s hoping the next song gives peace its moment.

A British Tibetan Community Celebration at the Tibetan Peace Garden, London

6 July 2025 | London | Tsering Passang

On Saturday, 5th July 2025, the serene surroundings of the Tibetan Peace Garden in London were transformed into a vibrant hub of spiritual celebration, unity, and cultural pride as nearly 1,000 people gathered to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and led by the UK Ghoton Subcommittee, the day-long event brought together members of the Tibetan, Bhutanese, Mongolian, and Himalayan communities from across the UK – including delegations from Scotland, Wales, Bristol, Brighton, Weston-Super-Mare, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bournemouth.

The celebration began with Sangsol – a traditional incense offering – and Buddhist prayers led by eminent monks and Sangha at the centre of the Tibetan Peace Garden, a living symbol of His Holiness’s legacy in the United Kingdom.

Distinguished guests included Mrs Tsering Yangkey, UK Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP; Cllr Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich; and Cllr Sunny Lambe, Mayor of Southwark. Also in attendance were Mr Phuntsog Wangyal, His Holiness’s first Representative to the UK and the visionary behind the creation of the Tibetan Peace Garden, and Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile MP Samten Chodon from India.

The organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to Southwark Council for their cooperation in hosting this major public celebration in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, located in one of London’s most diverse and welcoming boroughs.

A Cultural Experience Beyond Celebration

In addition to the performances and speeches, the event offered an immersive cultural experience. A traditional Tibetan nomadic tent (ba) was erected on site by the artist Uygen Choephell from Bristol, inviting visitors to step inside and learn more about the way of life in the high plateau and the steppes. An exhibition on the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments – promoting human values, fostering religious harmony, preserving Tibetan culture and environment, and reviving ancient Indian knowledge – allowed attendees to engage deeply with his teachings and legacy.

Visitors also enjoyed a vibrant array of information and merchandise stalls, savoury cuisine from the “Roof of the World,” and cultural displays highlighting traditional crafts and values rooted in compassion and peace. A free bouncy castle added extra joy for children, making the celebration a family-friendly experience for all ages.

A Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama

An emotional address was delivered by Mrs Tsering Yangkey, UK Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, based at the Office of Tibet. The Tibetan diplomat highlighted the Dalai Lama’s lifetime contributions to the people of Tibet, the Buddhist world, and the global community. On 5th July, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama published the Tibetan spiritual leader’s special message for the occasion on its website:

“On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.

I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.

While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.

As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion.

I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold:

As long as space endures,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.

Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion.

Tashi Deleg and with prayers,
Dalai Lama”

Voices of Recognition and Tributes

Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, former leader of the Conservative Party and Co-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), gave one of the most impassioned tributes of the day. While honouring His Holiness, he reflected on the ongoing suffering of the Tibetan people under Chinese rule:

“On this special day, while I bring greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I cannot help but think of those in Tibet who do not have the freedoms that we are celebrating here today.

Over a quarter of a million Tibetan men are now in slave labour – put there by the Chinese government in an attempt to eradicate their traditions, their home life, and their very existence. I think of that brutality, and I pray today that they will one day live to see the freedom that the Tibetans here in the UK enjoy – and are celebrated by us.

Let us pray for that freedom, and for the goodness and the peace that His Holiness preaches every single day.

On this auspicious day, I bring greetings and congratulations to His Holiness – to have reached the age that he has, and looking as young as he has, and looking like he is going to continue for a very long time indeed.

I simply say – Happy Birthday, Your Holiness. On behalf of all my parliamentary colleagues, we offer our greetings, our hope, and our prayers for a free Tibet – and for the freedom of the people of Tibet to worship in peace.

And for the Dalai Lama – many years. When he departs, that tradition and that personage that he is shall carry on indefinitely, and the Tibetan people have the right to be like that forever.”

Earlier today, Sir Iain Duncan Smith tweeted on X account: “I attended the celebrations of the Dalai Lama 90th birthday who has been in exile since the Chinese took over Tibet. 250,000 Tibetan men are in forced, slave labour, China is a brutal occupier of Tibet and Tibetans fear China will eventually name a rival successor to the Dalai Lama, bolstering Beijing’s control over Tibet.”

Cllr Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, spoke of her borough’s enduring support for the Tibetan people:

“It is my honour to represent our Royal Borough as we come together to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama… On behalf of the people of the Royal Borough of Greenwich – and the people across the UK, really – may I sincerely offer the warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on this very special birthday. Tashi Delek. Happy Birthday!”

Mr Phuntsog Wangyal addressed the gathering by recalling his “honour and privilege of being the first Representative of His Holiness” in London from 1981 to 1986. He shared that he had the opportunity to participate in numerous public programmes with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where he witnessed him “speak tirelessly for world peace, promote harmony among different peoples and religions, and encourage the use of dialogue and non-violence as means to resolve conflicts.” He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt prayer that His Holiness’s aspirations may soon be fulfilled.

Mr Wangyal further reflected on the resilience of the Tibetan people, saying that the Dalai Lama had often spoken about “the courage of the Tibetan people: their courage to resist Chinese aggression, to stand firm against the suppression and oppression of their people, and to protect their culture from destruction.” He added, “Tibetans continue to dream of returning to a free Tibet, to live in peace and freely practise their traditions.”

Cllr Sunny Lambe, Mayor of Southwark, welcomed the celebration to his borough with pride: “I am very delighted to join the Tibetan Community and admirers of the Dalai Lama in celebrating the Nobel Peace Laureate’s special anniversary in our wonderfully diverse borough of Southwark.”

A Community’s Deepest Reverence

Mr Phuntsok Norbu, Chair of the Tibetan Community in Britain, delivered a powerful speech reflecting the collective reverence of the British Tibetan community:

“We gather not only to mark a milestone in years, but to honour a lifetime of wisdom, compassion, resilience, and tireless dedication to peace and humanity. At 90, His Holiness remains a global symbol of hope, unity, and interfaith harmony.”

He noted that the Central Tibetan Administration has designated 2025 as the Year of Compassion, urging individuals around the world to embrace the Dalai Lama’s teachings of kindness, altruism, and ethical responsibility.

“This birthday is not just a celebration of the past, but a call to action for the future – to carry forward his message, live by his example, and build a world rooted in kindness and understanding.”

A Parliamentary Recognition

On 25th June, the UK Parliament passed Early Day Motion 1560, tabled by Chris Law MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. The cross-party motion recognised the Dalai Lama’s enduring spiritual and political leadership, and declared:

“It is for the people of Tibet and for those in the Tibetan diaspora to decide upon the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.”

The motion also marked the start of the Year of Compassion, acknowledging the Dalai Lama’s profound global contributions and the joyful celebrations taking place in Tibetan communities worldwide.

Celebration of the Heart

As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise community engagement, two dedicated IT specialists, Jamyang Dhondup and Tsering Dorjee, worked tirelessly over recent months to revamp the official website of the Tibetan Community in Britain. Their efforts culminated in the website’s official relaunch during the celebration, offering a fresh, user-friendly digital platform to showcase the community’s activities, heritage, and advocacy work. This milestone reflects the community’s commitment to digital outreach and preserving Tibetan identity in the modern era.

The day’s festivities concluded on a high note with vibrant cultural performances by Tibetan children and adults. The air was filled with the rhythm of traditional songs, music, and joyful dancing, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Guests gathered to share communal meals, further deepening the spirit of togetherness.

Artists and musicians from Mongolian, Himalayan, Uyghur, and Hong Kong communities joined in with moving musical tributes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, transforming the event into a powerful expression of solidarity, cross-cultural friendship, and shared values rooted in peace, freedom, and compassion.

As Mr Phuntsok Norbu poignantly stated:

“May His Holiness’s light continue to shine for generations to come.
May peace prevail in the world.
Long live His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.”

Photos: Tibetan Heritage (Londonney)

London, 25 June 2025 | GATPM

Join the Tibetan Community in UK for a joyful, family-friendly open-air celebration marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Peace Garden in London. This vibrant cultural event will feature live performances, interfaith prayers, exhibitions, Tibetan and Mongolian tents, community picnic, authentic food, and more. Held in the UK’s only open-air Tibetan monument – blessed by the Dalai Lama himself – the celebration invites people of all backgrounds to honour his lifelong message of compassion, peace, and unity. All are welcome! This special event is jointly organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and the Ghoton Subcommittee.

Date: Saturday, 5th July 2025
Time: 10:30 AM onwards
Venue: Tibetan Peace Garden, Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park (next to the Imperial War Museum, London SE1)

This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity not only to celebrate a milestone birthday but also to reflect on His Holiness’s universal message of compassion, peace, interfaith understanding, and environmental responsibility – values that resonate across communities and generations.

About the Tibetan Peace Garden

The Tibetan Peace Garden (Samten Kyil in Tibetan) stands as a serene symbol of peace, compassion, and cross-cultural friendship. It was blessed and inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 13 May 1999 during a historic visit to London. A major initiative of the Tibet Foundation, the garden features a beautifully carved circular pillar (kalachakra monument) inscribed with a message from the Dalai Lama in four languages – Tibetan, English, Chinese, and Hindi – conveying universal hopes for peace and understanding.

Situated in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, next to the Imperial War Museum, the Tibetan Peace Garden is the only open-air Tibetan monument in London, offered as a gift from the people of Tibet to the people of Southwark and London. It is a tranquil space for reflection, community gatherings, and cultural exchange – an ideal setting for honouring the Dalai Lama’s enduring global legacy.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter, curious newcomer, or simply seeking a peaceful and uplifting day out – come and be part of this remarkable celebration. Bring your friends, family, and an open heart.

All are welcome. Admission is free.

Let us gather in unity, joy, and gratitude to mark a milestone in the life of one of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders.