Tibetan Delegation Conducts Intensive Lobbying in Geneva, Engages with 16 UN Missions, Six Special Rapporteurs, and OHCHR Officials

Ahead of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), scheduled from 24 February to 4 April 2025, Tibetan representatives have submitted a written statement to the United Nations, raising concerns over the construction of the Medog Dam in Tibet and the broader human rights situation in the region.

In addition to the formal submission, the representatives engaged in intensive lobbying efforts, meeting with 16 UN permanent missions, six Special Rapporteurs, and officials from the Asia-Pacific and China Desk at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

During these engagements, several UN missions acknowledged China’s economic and military influence and the strong bilateral relations many countries maintain with Beijing. However, officials emphasised that international law and UN norms must be upheld in addressing human rights and fundamental freedoms. While some countries pledged to raise their concerns publicly, others committed to addressing the issue through diplomatic channels.

A particularly emotional moment came when Namkyi, a former Tibetan political prisoner and activist, shared her harrowing testimony of imprisonment in Tibet. Many UN representatives were deeply moved by her story, with some expressing shock over the stark contrast between China’s public image and its actions behind closed doors.

The 58th session of the UNHRC is expected to serve as a crucial platform for discussions on China’s accountability in Tibet. Tibetan representatives continue to urge the international community to take firm action against policies that violate human rights and environmental standards in the region.

The lobbying delegation included Thinlay Chukki, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Namkyi; Dukthen Kyi, Advocacy Officer, Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR); and Phuntsok Topgyal, UN Advocacy Officer in Geneva.

This time, the advocacy team focused on engaging smaller nations, some of whom had limited knowledge of Tibet’s historical background and the structure of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The delegation provided detailed explanations, ensuring a greater understanding of Tibet’s political and human rights situation. The lobbying efforts were deemed highly successful and officially concluded yesterday, 15 February.

Following the UN engagements, Namkyi, Dukthen Kyi, and Phuntsok Topgyal arrived in Munich, Germany, to participate in a Tibetan advocacy program hosted by Tibetan Initiative Deutschland.