A GLOBAL APPEAL – OPEN LETTER FROM THE TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE
On the People’s Republic of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law
A Call to Defend Human Rights, Cultural Diversity, Religious Freedom, and the Peaceful Resolution of the Tibet-China Conflict
To: Heads of State and Government, Parliamentary Leaders and Members, the United Nations, Human Rights Organizations, Religious and Interfaith leaders and Friends of Tibet.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile the democratically elected legislative institution representing the Tibetan people across the globe calls to act with urgency in response to the People’s Republic of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which came into force on 1 July 2026. Presented as a measure to promote “national unity,” this law deepens policies that threaten the Tibetan people’s language, religion, culture, identity, and fundamental human rights.
The gravity of this moment was tragically underscored by the sacrifice of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen, whose final appeal was for a free Tibet where Tibetans can live with dignity, freedom, and the protection of their fundamental rights.
We respectfully call upon governments, parliaments, the United Nations, and the international community to:
- Closely monitor the implementation and human rights implications of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law and ensure sustained international scrutiny.
- Support independent investigations through United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Special Rapporteurs, Treaty Bodies, and the Universal Periodic Review process.
- Publicly express concern regarding the implementation and consequences of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.
- Raise the issue in bilateral engagements and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and other international institutions.
- Support the protection of the cultural, linguistic, religious, and human rights of Tibetans and other affected nationalities.
- Strengthen measures to counter transnational repression and protect Tibetan communities, human rights defenders, and advocates living within your country. Oppose all forms of transnational repression that threaten democratic freedoms in the world.
- Recognize that Tibet was historically an independent nation, prior to the forceful invasion and occupation of Tibet.
- Impress upon the leadership of PRC to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the conflict between Tibet and China supporting the peaceful, non-violent aspirations of the Tibetan people in accordance with the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The implementation of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law is not solely a Tibetan concern. It is a test of the international community’s commitment to protecting cultural diversity, freedom of religion or belief, linguistic rights, minority protections, and the rule of international human rights law.
When the identity of a people is threatened, the principles upon which the international human rights system is built are also put at risk.
The Tibetan people’s struggle has always been guided by truth, compassion, and non-violence. We believe that silence in the face of injustice only emboldens oppression. We therefore urge the international community to stand with the Tibetan people in defending human dignity, religious freedom, cultural diversity, and the universal values that unite us all.
Lasting peace cannot be achieved through forced assimilation. Lasting unity cannot be built by erasing identity. A stable and harmonious future can only be founded on respect for human dignity, cultural diversity, religious freedom, and meaningful dialogue.
The future of Tibet should be shaped through dialogue—not assimilation;
through justice—not coercion.
Dolma Tsering Teykhang
Speaker
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile
Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala
Himachal Pradesh, India
