Statements & Press Releases

Today, on the 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day and the fourth anniversary of the 2008 mass protests in Tibet, I offer tribute to the brave people who have sacrificed so much for Tibet. Despite fifty-three years of occupation by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Tibetan spirit and identity inside Tibet remains unbroken.

First and foremost, we would like to pay our deepest respect to all the Tibetan heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom and stand in solidarity with their family members.

In the light of the recent media reports, Karmapa’s Office of Administration wishes to reassure His Holiness the Karmapa's disciples in India and around the world and the concerned public that as of today we have received no court orders. The matter remains under judicial consideration and we cannot therefore comment further at this stage.

Today is the 63rd anniversary of the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), commonly celebrated as Human Rights Day all over the world. On this occasion, we remember and pay tribute to all human rights defenders

I am sending this circular concerning the changes in the Tibetan political governance and how these affect me and my work.

Since March this year 11 brave Tibetans have set themselves on fire while calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland. These desperate acts, carried out by people with pure motivation, are a cry against the injustice and repression under which they live. The situation is unbearably difficult, but in difficult situations we need greater courage and determination.

Chairman McGovern, Chairman Wolf, Commission Members, thank for giving me the opportunity to testify before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. This is my first visit to Washington, D.C., since assuming the office of Kalon Tripa of Tibet following the historic transfer of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier this August.

Statement of Maria Otero, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, and Commissioner, Congressional-Executive Commission on China U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs Hearing on Congressional-Executive Commission on China: 2011 Annual Report

We’ve been watching the last few weeks − with horror and grief − the desperate actions of young Tibetans inside Tibet to alert the world of the ongoing atrocities being committed by the People’s Republic of China.

The Tibetan Women’s Association and its 56 chapters spread across the globe have organized global solidarity actions: peace rallies, candle light vigils and prayer services in honor of martyr Tenzin Wangmo,