Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: On 20 June 2025, a notable book launch and public lecture, Restoring Peace in Inner Asia, took place in Ulaanbaatar, commemorating the publication of the Mongolian translation of “Tibet Explained: Legal Status, Rights and State Responsibility”. 

The esteemed author, international lawyer and peace advocate Dr Michael van Walt van Praag, saw his seminal work, translated by Gantuya Olhunoud and edited by Bold Ravdan, introduced at the American Corner in Ulaanbaatar. The event was jointly organised by the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Telo Tulku Rinpoche, the Diluv Hutugthu Foundation, and the American Centre for Mongolian Studies.

“Michael’s book, Tibet Explained,” is a vital contribution, especially given the limited scholarship on 20th-century Tibet in Mongolia, said Hon. Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche. “Despite the challenges of its translation into Mongolian, we are confident this book will serve as an invaluable pedagogical tool for emerging researchers and young scholars. As we foster discourse and understanding of the history of Tibet’s occupation and the Central Tibetan Administration’s ongoing approach, “Tibet Explained” will serve as a great resource for the Mongolian public.”

Hon. Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche emphasised the imperative of fostering a more profound apprehension of Tibet’s legal status and human rights within Mongolia, with the aspiration that this translated work will effectively serve as a conduit for cultivating heightened awareness and understanding amongst the general public.

The introduction of this Mongolian translation marks a milestone, underscoring the enduring historical and cultural affinities between Mongolia and Tibet. Dr Michael van Walt van Praag’s lecture discussed the historical context of peace and conflict in Inner Asia, explaining that since China’s invasion of Tibet, there has been an ongoing effort to erase Tibet from our consciousness. He highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of the true nature of the Tibet issue, focusing on the core conflict, which will aid in making informed policy decisions regarding China. His book, Explained, analyses the intricate historical and legal dimensions of Tibet’s status, offering a foundational framework for policymakers, civil society proponents, and expert practitioners.

-Reported by OOT, Moscow