Tibetan MPs meet with Czech MPs to discuss Tibet’s struggles under Chinese rule

Tibetan parliament members, Yuden Auktsang and Tsering Lhamo, held several important meetings with Czech parliamentarians and diplomats in Prague to raise awareness of Tibet’s struggles under Chinese rule.

According to an official press release from the Tibetan Parliament, the high-level discussion focused on important issues faced by Tibetans, such as Chinese government control over residential schools, the closure of Tibetan monasteries and private schools and the sensitive issue of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Case. Was called exile.

Hosted by prominent Czech government figures, the delegation’s visit was supported by other members of the Czech Parliament, as well as Chairperson of the Subcommittee for Support of Democracy and Human Rights Abroad, Eva Decroix, and Vice-Chair of the Senate, Jitka Cetlova.

Tibetan parliamentarians shared a letter from the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, underscoring the importance of Czech support for Tibet’s rights and freedoms.

Czech parliamentarians expressed strong support for the Tibetan cause, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining Tibet’s cultural and political rights. Recalling the historic friendship between the Dalai Lama and former Czech President Václav Havel, Czech officials stressed their dedication to protecting Tibet’s unique heritage.

The meeting ended with a discussion on upcoming plans to celebrate the 90th birth anniversary of the Dalai Lama in 2025, the press release said.

In addition to these parliamentary discussions, Tibetan parliamentarians visited Synopsys, a Czech-based organization that monitors developments in China, including Tibet-related issues. It informed the delegation about the upcoming report on the succession of his/her Holiness the Dalai Lama, which is due to be released on 10 December.

The report will examine the future of the Tibetan leadership, particularly with regard to the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a topic that remains highly sensitive.

The Tibetan delegation also met with prominent Tibet advocates, Katerina and Martin Bursik, at their residence in Prague, where they discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at protecting the cultural and political rights of Tibet.

The MPs then held further meetings with senior Czech officials, including Deputy Minister of Culture Mr Ondrej Krst; Robert Rehak, Ambassador at Large and Special Envoy for Holocaust issues, interfaith dialogue and freedom of religion; and Ivana Grolova from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These conversations focused on promoting international human rights, religious freedom and cultural protection, with a special emphasis on the Tibetan context.

The conflict in Tibet involves complex political, cultural and human rights issues within a region celebrated for its distinctive heritage and spiritual traditions. Since China’s invasion in 1950, Tibet has been integrated into the People’s Republic of China, bringing significant changes to governance, society and daily life, the press release said.

Driven by concerns over cultural degradation, religious repression and widespread human rights abuses, many Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama, have long sought greater autonomy or independence.

The Chinese government maintains its position that Tibet is an inalienable part of China and views its policies in the region as essential to economic development and modernization. This stance has consistently ignited global debate and advocacy efforts, with proponents demanding the preservation of Tibet’s culture and the protection of the rights of its people.

As a result, Tibet remains a sensitive issue in international diplomacy and human rights discussions.