Dharamshala: On 10 December 2025, coinciding with three significant commemorations—the 36th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, International Human Rights Day, and the Year of Compassion —the visiting parliamentary delegation from six countries held a joint press conference on 10 December 2025. The delegation comprised Jitka Seitlová, Member of Parliament, Czech Republic; Barbara Pocock, Member of Parliament, Australia; Vlado Mirosevic, Member of Parliament, Chile; Samantha Cazebonne, Member of Parliament, France; Greg Fleming, Member of Parliament, New Zealand; and Virendra Lal, Member of Parliament, Fiji.

At the outset, Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay, Spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration, welcomed the delegation and introduced the visiting parliamentarians to the media personnels.

Addressing the gathering, Czech MP Jitka Seitlová conveyed her greetings and explained that the purpose of the delegation’s visit was to demonstrate their support for the Tibetan people’s right to preserve their religion, culture, and identity. Drawing parallels from her own country’s history, she noted that the Czech Republic, having endured oppression and occupation, deeply empathises with the Tibetan struggle, and firmly opposes the acts of torture reported in Tibet. She added that visiting during the year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday was a great privilege, remarking that His Holiness is not only a spiritual leader but a global guide whose teachings are needed by the world.

Australian MP Barbara Pocock commended the cultural performances presented by children at the official ceremony. She reaffirmed that the Australian Parliament maintains a principled and consistent stance on human rights issues and supports the rights of Tibetans, both inside Tibet and in the diaspora, to live free from external interference, harassment, and intimidation.

Chilean MP Vlado Mirosevic recalled his audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, during which His Holiness elaborated on the Middle Way Approach and underscored the importance of dialogue between Chinese and Tibetan representatives. He noted that Chile maintains generally positive relations with China across trade, education, and other sectors, adding, “I have no intention of disrupting these relations. However, I support His Holiness’ vision of peaceful dialogue. Such dialogue is essential for both the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.”

French MP Samantha Cazebonne stated that her participation in the visit signifies a clear expression of support for the Tibet cause. She reaffirmed France’s commitment to the peaceful aspirations of the Tibetan people.

New Zealand MP Greg Fleming observed that while the Tibetan community in exile has admirably preserved its religion and culture, “we know that these do not exist elsewhere.” He emphasised that his visit was intended to demonstrate solidarity with the Tibetan people, asserting that Tibetans have the right to transmit their culture and history to younger generations and the right to live freely in their ancestral homeland. He further stressed that the Government of the People’s Republic of China must not be permitted to interfere in the selection of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.

Concluding the press interaction, Fijian MP Virendra Lal highlighted that language is not only a means of communication but also the foundation of a people’s identity. He stated that in the present era, humanity is in urgent need of truth and equality, and therefore collective efforts are essential to uphold these universal values.