Tibetan Buddhism is under attack. The Chinese government is targeting the foundation of Tibetan religious identity: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the sacred process of his future reincarnation.

For more than 70 years, Tibetans have endured cultural repression and religious persecution. Today, even speaking about the Dalai Lama or showing his image can lead to severe punishment. Now, China is intensifying its efforts to control Tibetan Buddhism by claiming authority over the recognition of the next Dalai Lama–a blatant violation of religious freedom and a direct attack on Tibetan identity.

According to centuries of Tibetan Buddhist custom, only His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself holds the authority to determine the fate of his reincarnation and no entity has the right to override that.

In a statement in July 2025, marking his 90th birthday celebrations, the Dalai Lama made his position crystal clear:

“My reincarnation is to be decided by myself; nobody has the right to decide about that.”

He also reaffirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that the Office of the Dalai Lama, specifically the Gaden Phodrang Trust, and the leaders of the various Tibetan Buddhist traditions holds the sole authority to identify any future incarnation.

Add your name to stand in global solidarity to defend this essential right. Call on China to 

• Respect the Tibetan people’s freedom of religion and culture and immediately cease interfering with Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
• Let the UN in by giving the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief full, unrestricted access to Tibet.

Release all Tibetan political prisoners without delay, including Jampa Choepel and the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima—This is a defining moment for Tibetan Buddhism and the preservation of a centuries-old spiritual lineage. No government can decide a people’s faith. The world must stand with Tibetans and defend their spiritual freedom.

Take action now.