Brussels, 8 May 2025: In the run up to the 30th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, the European Parliament during its plenary in Strasbourg from 5 – 8 May adopted a strong resolution condemning China’s systematic violations of religious freedom in Tibet.

The resolution strongly opposes the Chinese government’s ongoing interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders. In particular, it denounces Beijing’s attempts to assert control over the reincarnation and succession of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

MEPs raise alarm over deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet under the leadership of Xi Jinping and expresses deep concern over the repressive policies aimed at eradicating the distinct identity of the Tibetan people, including through state-run boarding schools. It demands an end to state control over Tibetan religious practices and calls for sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses.

Central to the resolution is the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist leader who died in Chinese custody in Vietnam and the subsequent cremation of his body without the consent of his family. The European Parliament called for an independent international investigation into his death, accountability for those responsible and the return of his remains to his family and religious community.

The resolution also denounces Beijing’s forced assimilation policies, including state-run boarding schools targeting Tibetan children, interference in the appointment of Tibetan religious leaders, including the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and transnational repression.

The Parliament further urged the EU and its Member States to raise these concerns in all diplomatic engagements with China, Vietnam, and to advocate for the release of the Panchen Lama.

The motion was jointly tabled by five major political groups in the European Parliament and was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 478 votes in favor, 30 against and 41 abstentions.

The debate concluded with European Commissioner Michael McGrath echoing Parliament’s concerns, urging China not to interfere in religious succession, including that of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He noted the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance and called for an independent investigation into the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje. McGrath affirmed the EU’s commitment to defending religious freedom and monitoring human rights in Tibet closely, pledging to raise these issues in all high-level engagements with Chinese authorities.

Representative Rigzin Genkhang of the Office of Tibet Brussels welcomed the strong resolution adopted on 08 May and expressed deep appreciation to the European Parliament and the European Union for their unwavering support for Tibet. We are grateful for your firm opposition against China’s attempt to interfere in the succession of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, as well as your continued concern over the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama and the recent suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje. Your steadfast defense of human rights and religious freedom gives hope to Tibetans who continue to face repression, and we urge you to continue standing with us until freedom is restored in Tibet”, the Representative further continued.

The adopted text will be available on the European Parliament’s website from tomorrow onwards.