Slovakia, 6 November 2025: Representative Thinlay Chukki of the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, and UN Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal undertook an official visit to the Slovak Republic — their first since the resumption of the Bureau’s work in Geneva.
The visit aimed to strengthen international advocacy for Tibet and engage with Slovak leaders and friends of Tibet on key issues, including human rights, religious freedom, and the preservation of Tibetan cultural heritage. The delegation was graciously assisted throughout by Csaba Kiss, President of the Tibet Support Group Slovakia, and his wife, who helped coordinate and attend all official engagements.
The visit commenced in Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia on 5 November 2025 with a meeting with the Honourable Andrej Kiska, former President of Slovakia. Discussions focused on the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the situation inside Tibet, and the broader framework of global advocacy for Tibetan rights and freedom. Representative Thinlay Chukki expressed deep gratitude to President Kiska for his steadfast and continued support for the Tibetan cause and for his participation in the 2025 Tibetan Uprising Day commemoration held in Dharamshala. President Kiska reaffirmed his solidarity with the Tibetan people and hosted a lunch in honour of the delegation.
On 6 November, the delegation met with the Honourable Mária Kolíková, former Minister of Justice, and the Honourable Ondrej Dostál, Member of Parliament, joined by and Kiss. Discussions covered the human rights situation in Tibet, religious freedom, and the protection of Tibet’s unique culture and identity. Representative Thinlay Chukki briefed the Slovak representatives on the institutional continuity of the Dalai Lama and raised the issue of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was abducted by Chinese authorities in 1995 and remains missing to this day. She also provided updates on the situation of residential schools in Tibet and restrictions imposed on monastic institutions.
The delegation further highlighted the tragic and deeply moving cases of more than 157 Tibetans who have self-immolated in Tibet and in exile as acts of peaceful protest against Chinese repression. The discussions emphasised the importance of press freedom, accountability, and the need to amplify global awareness of the Tibetan struggle. The Slovak parliamentarians expressed strong solidarity with the Tibetan people and reaffirmed their commitment to the universal values of justice, dignity, and human rights.
In addition to official meetings, Representative Thinlay Chukki engaged with members of the Slovak media, visited the Castle Museum and the Tibetan Buddhist Centre, and met with the two Tibetan individuals currently residing in Slovakia. These personal interactions strengthened ties with local supporters and fostered mutual understanding of the Tibetan experience.
As a gesture of gratitude, Representative Thinlay Chukki presented them with a copy of Voice for the Voiceless by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Following their engagements in Slovakia, Representative Thinlay Chukki and UN Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal departed for Vienna and Linz, Austria, before continuing their advocacy visit to Prague, Czech Republic.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva
