London: On 14 May 2025, Tenzin Kunga, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, London, made a compelling appeal for Tibet during a joint parliamentary discussion titled “United Voices: A Joint Discussion About Freedom in North Korea, China, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Burma/Myanmar.”
The event was held in the UK Parliament and co-hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on North Korea and Fortify Rights. It was chaired by David Smith MP, the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, alongside John Glen MP.
Representing the Tibetan cause, Kunga addressed the severe and ongoing repression of religious and cultural freedoms in Tibet under Chinese rule. He underscored the Chinese government’s systematic efforts to undermine Tibetan Buddhism, including surveillance of monasteries, forced political re-education of monks and nuns, and colonial-style boarding schools where Tibetan language and religion are excluded. Reflecting on the presentations of the other speakers, Tenzin Kunga drew parallels and highlighted similarities with the situation inside Tibet. He warned the audience about the broader threat the Chinese Communist regime poses to the international rules-based order.
He highlighted two emblematic cases: the 30-year disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, also known as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and the recent death in custody of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a respected Tibetan religious leader, in Vietnam. Kunga described the latter as a disturbing example of China’s transnational repression, representing a new and dangerous phase in silencing dissent abroad and called for an independent investigation.
Kunga urged the UK Government, through the special envoy and the MP present, to take two key steps: Publicly affirm that His Holiness the Dalai Lama alone has the final authority to decide on his reincarnation, free of any political interference and the second key steps emphasise to raise the cases of the Panchen Lama and Tulku Hungkar Dorje in bilateral discussions and at the United Nations, pressing for transparency and accountability.
He also informed the audience that this year marks the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a milestone observed by Tibetans as the “Year of Compassion.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, Kunga presented a copy of the Dalai Lama’s new book, Voice for the Voiceless, to Special Envoy David Smith and encouraged greater attention to the case of Tulku Hungkar Dorje.
Other speakers at the event included Zoya Phan, representatives from Burma Campaign UK, Rahima Mahmut from the World Uyghur Congress, Finn Lau from Hong Kong Liberty, and North Korean human rights activist Ju Il-lyong, collectively amplifying calls for freedom and justice across the region.
By raising Tibet in this influential forum, Kunga ensured that the Tibetan struggle remains visible in the corridors of British power.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London
