Panchen Lama, Missing since 1995

In 1995 the Dalai Lama recognised a young boy, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, as the 11th Panchen Lama; the second most important spiritual leader in Tibet.  

 

Just weeks after, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family were abducted by Chinese authorities; he was just six-years old.

 

Please Take Action NOW: Sign the petition urging You Quan, Head of the United Front Work Department, China's official spokesperson for Tibetan affairs, to give accurate information about the whereabouts and well-being of Gedhun and his family.
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Dear Vice Minister,

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, and his family have been missing since 1995. The last time any information was given about his whereabouts was in September 2015 when Norbu Dhondup, an official from China's United Front Work Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region told foreign reporters that the Panchen Lama is living “a normal life, growing up healthily and does not wish to be disturbed.” (1).

We still have received no evidence that this statement is true and we demand to have accurate information about Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's whereabouts and well-being.

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the Chinese government’s unyielding secrecy about the Panchen Lama’s whereabouts, and demand that you give proof of his well-being immediately.

(1.) US Department of State 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom: China (Includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau) - Tibet, published 10 August 2016, https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2015/eap/256099.htm