The Chinese Communist Party has been pursuing the violent assimilation of minorities long before its recent law on “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress.” With the abduction of the Panchen Lama over 30 years ago, it laid the groundwork for a hostile takeover of Tibetan Buddhism. The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) emphasizes this on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the abduction this coming Sunday: “China is attempting to exert political control over the succession of the Dalai Lama, who will soon turn 91, because as the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism, the Panchen Lama traditionally plays a central role in the recognition of a new Dalai Lama,” explains Mirjam Kobold, STP expert on genocide prevention and the responsibility to protect. “This case demonstrates how systematically and with a long-term strategy the Chinese government is proceeding to assimilate Tibetan Buddhism. This violates fundamental human rights such as freedom of religion, as well as people’s right to cultural and spiritual self-determination, which Chinese law also formally grants them.”
The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognized by the Dalai Lama, was abducted by Chinese authorities on May 17, 1995, at the age of six, along with his family. To this day, there is no independent information regarding his whereabouts or state of health. Human rights organizations such as STP and the United Nations have been calling in vain for years for clarification regarding his fate.
Following the abduction of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Chinese government installed its own Panchen Lama, whom Tibetan Buddhists do not recognize. Since 2007, Beijing has claimed state control over the recognition of a future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, however, has repeatedly emphasized that only Tibetan Buddhist religious institutions can decide on his succession.
“China’s attacks on religious communities and minorities are increasingly affecting exile groups in Germany and Europe as well. Tibetan, Uyghur, and other Chinese communities have been reporting for years on intimidation and surveillance, as well as pressure on family members back home,” Kobold emphasizes. “Human rights in Tibet must therefore remain a substantial component of German and European policy toward China. State interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama is a clear violation of religious freedom and must be recognized as such—especially against the backdrop of transnational repression against exile communities in Europe.”
This press release was translated from German to English using AI. If you come across errors or ambiguities, please contact us at 65]G378o6DD6CA.
Contact: Mirjam Kobold, expert on genocide prevention and the responsibility to protect – 65]G378o5=@3@<]>