Call on international bodies to reject China’s interference in Tibetan Buddhism

In defiance of the deeply held wishes of the Tibetan people, China’s government plans to appoint its own candidate as the next Dalai Lama. The role has historically been filled by identifying the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama after his death. The current 14th Dalai Lama has made clear that no Chinese appointed Dalai Lama will be the legitimate leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

China plans to appoint a Dalai Lama so it can tighten its hold on Tibet. Its aim is to force its candidate on Tibetans and entrench its control over religion in Tibet. It also hopes to undermine worldwide support for the Tibetan cause.

China already has an iron grip on religion in Tibet, persecuting monks and nuns, clamping down on monasteries and preventing ordinary Tibetans from freely practising their faith. Interfering in the selection of the Dalai Lama is a profound insult to the Tibetan people’s culture, desires and beliefs and a gross abuse of their religious freedom. It is vital that China understands that its plan will fail.

Please sign the petition on the Free Tibet website and call on governments, religious authorities and organisations across the world to reject China’s plan, support the Tibetan people and ensure that no Chinese-appointed Dalai Lama will be given recognition anywhere in the world.