Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

European Parliament resolution of 8 May 2025 on violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–having regard to its previous resolutions on Tibet and China,

–having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.whereas, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the Chinese authorities have become increasingly oppressive; whereas the human rights situation in Tibet continues to deteriorate; whereas respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law should be at the centre of the EU’s relations with China;

B.whereas Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a respected Tibetan Buddhist religious leader and humanitarian figure, died on 28 March 2025 under suspicious circumstances while in custody in Vietnam, following his arrest by Vietnamese and Chinese authorities; whereas his body was reportedly cremated without the consent of his family, raising serious concerns;

C.whereas Tibetan Buddhists, who are systemically targeted by Chinese authorities and face forced disappearances and physical abuse, represent the largest religious group among political prisoners in China;

D.whereas credible reports identify extensive pressure from Chinese authorities on Rinpoches to align with the Chinese Communist Party’s narrative, including forced interrogations and attempts to enforce support for the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama;

1.Strongly condemns the repressive assimilation policies throughout PRC and their violations of universal human rights, especially in Tibet, which seek to eliminate distinct Tibetan religious and cultural traditions and heritage; calls for a clear separation between State and religion in China;

2.Firmly opposes any attempt by the Chinese Government to interfere in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama;

3.Expresses its deep concern and sorrow over the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje and extends its sincere condolences to his family, monastery and followers;

4.Strongly condemns the continued persecution of Tibetan religious and cultural leaders and the practice of transnational repression by Chinese authorities, including the cultural and linguistic assimilation of children in state-run residential schools, reflecting a broader policy of forced assimilation; calls for the suspension of extradition treaties with the PRC;

5.Calls for an immediate, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into his death, with international oversight and access to evidence and witnesses, and the immediate return of his remains;

6.Demands that those responsible for wrongdoing be held accountable under international human rights standards and law; demands that the EU impose sanctions on officials and entities responsible for human rights violations in Tibet;

7.Urges the PRC to uphold its obligations under international law and cease all discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, allow peaceful religious practice, and release all religious and political prisoners, including the rightful Panchen Lama and Ilham Tohti;

8.Urges the EU and Member States to raise this case in bilateral and multilateral dialogues with PRC and Vietnam, and demand accountability for human rights violations in Tibet; insists on also raising the repression of other religious minorities such as the Uyghurs in Xinjiang;

9.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EUSR, the governments of PRC and Vietnam, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Central Tibetan Administration.