Dharamshala: The Chinese government at the helm of Xi-Jinping has repeatedly denied accountability for the ongoing persecution of Tibetans in Tibet and has continued to double down the repressive policy of cultural genocide in Tibet with impunity. Under the guise of ‘national security and stability’, the Xi government has pervasively harnessed resources and forces to maintain its tight grip on surveillance and Information control in Tibet.  Tibetans are often labelled ‘separatists’ and face dire consequences of arbitrary arrests, disappearances, incarcerations and deaths. In addition to heightened censorship, access to Tibet is precarious for both Tibetans abroad and foreigners.

As Tibet nears such a critical juncture, the leadership of exiled Tibetan administration has firmly prioritised securing Tibet’s future in all its policies and programs. In the purview of countering the increasing restrictions on linguistic and cultural rights in Tibet, promoting the welfare of Tibetans in exile and enhancing CTA’s administrative efficiency and capacity, the leadership of the 16th Kashag headed by Sikyong Penpa Tsering has officially launched a Vision Paper -Securing Tibet’s Future this morning in the presence of delegates from major funding organisations like USAID, Tibet Fund and NDI.

This symbolic document is based on the commitment reiterated by the 16th Kashag over the last year and a half of its administration. The document will serve impetus to the path forward in seeking a peaceful resolution of the Sino-Tibet conflict whilst fulfilling the needs of the Tibetan community in exile which are the principal twin mission of the present administration. The document highlights the geo-political and socio-economic-cultural significance of Tibet in bringing about positive development in China and transforming it into a responsible global stakeholder.

“If we are not able to counter Xi Jinping’s current policy, it will lead to the extermination of Tibetan identity from the face of this earth. We are dying a slow death” said Sikyong Penpa Tsering while addressing the gathering of senior officials and civil servants.

He further called for the collective effort and transparency of the administration and the public to ensure the delivery of quality services espoused in the document. He thanked all those involved who have contributed to giving shape to this vision paper.

Veena Reddy, USAID Mission Director to India appreciated the social integration of Tibetans in exile and the systematic governance of Tibetan administration and civil society groups.

“The USAID has been proud to work with Tibetans and the CTA to support the resilience and self-reliance of the Tibetan community, particularly those living in India and Nepal”, she said and further conveyed the Biden-Harris administration’s prioritisation of human rights at the centre of the US foreign policy and development.

  DOWNLOAD (size: 1.2MB)