Brussels: It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing away of Jean-François Humbert, former French Senator and President of the Franche-Comté region and a long standing friend of Tibet, at the age of 73.
A committed public figure throughout his life, Jean-François Humbert embodied a form of political integrity marked by rigor, independence, and an unwavering attachment to republican values. Born in Besançon in 1952, he served as President of the Regional Council of Franche-Comté from 1998 to 2004 and represented the Doubs department in the French Senate from 1998 to 2014. Early in his regional leadership, he became widely respected for refusing to govern with the support of the far-right, an act that underscored his principled approach to public life.
As a senator, he chaired several high-profile initiatives and inquiries, always guided by a concern for ethics in public policy and a belief in the responsibility of elected officials to uphold democratic standards.
A steadfast voice for Tibet
Beyond his regional and national responsibilities, Jean-François Humbert left a lasting mark through his steadfast support for the Tibetan people. He chaired the International Information Group on Tibet in the French Senate from 2009-2012 and was one of the Vice-Presidents prior to that.
was one of the Vice-Presidents of the International Information Group on Tibet in the French Senate from 2001 to 2004, and chaired the group from 2009-2012, helping anchor the Tibetan issue in the French political debate.
He denounced cultural repression in Tibet with clarity and conviction, urging France and the European Union to take principled positions in defense of human rights. He consistently called for constructive dialogue between the Tibetan leadership and Chinese authorities, insisting that silence in the face of injustice was not an option.
Through parliamentary initiatives, such as support for appointing a dedicated EU representative on Tibetan affairs, and through meetings with the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration, he worked to ensure that the Tibetan cause remained visible on the international stage. He welcomed Tibetan leaders to the French Senate, reaffirming France’s moral obligation to stand with peoples whose rights and identity are threatened.
The late Senator officially visited Dharamsala in 2005 and 2013 and was instrumental in backing the official visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the French Senate in 2016.
For many within the Tibetan community, in Europe and abroad, Jean-François Humbert was not only a parliamentarian but a genuine ally, one who lent his voice, his influence, and his conviction to a cause often overshadowed in global politics.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a political legacy defined by ethical conviction, a commitment to human dignity, and a heartfelt solidarity with those struggling for their rights.
Jean-François Humbert will be remembered as a statesman of integrity, a defender of democratic values, and a loyal friend of Tibet.
We extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
-Filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels
