Genf, Oktober 2025 – Unter Tagesordnungspunkt 3 bei dem UN-Menschenrechtsrat hat Mélanie Blondelle von der International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), im Namen der Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, scharfe Kritik an der willkürlichen Inhaftierung von Tibeterinnen und Tibetern geübt.
Blondelle erinnerte daran, dass Millionen Buddhisten am 6. Juli den 90. Geburtstag des Dalai Lama feierten, während Tibeter:innen in Tibet selbst diese Freiheit nicht genießen durften. Sie nannte den Fall von Asang, einem jungen Sänger, der wochenlang festgehalten wurde, weil er ein Lied zu Ehren des Dalai Lama gesungen hatte. Er steht unter Dauerüberwachung und darf keine sozialen Medien nutzen – eine Situation, die als „Non-Release Release“ bezeichnet wird.[1]
Weitere Fälle betreffen drei inhaftierte Mönche, Drugdra, Lobsang Khedrup und Lobsang Gephel, deren „Vergehen“ das friedliche Bekunden ihrer Verehrung für den Dalai Lama war.[2] Zudem seien die beiden ranghohen Mönche Sherab und Gonpo Tsering zu drei bzw. vier Jahren Haft verurteilt worden, weil sie gegen das geplante Kamtok-Staudammprojekt protestierten, das Tausende vertreiben und heilige Stätten zerstören könnte. Berichte, wonach Gonpo Tsering in der Haft gefoltert wurde, sodass er erblindete und nicht mehr sprechen kann, seien zutiefst besorgniserregend.[3]
Diese Fälle verdeutlichen eine systematische Strategie der chinesischen Behörden: kritische Stimmen verstummen zu lassen und tibetische Identität auszulöschen.
Blondelle forderte den Rat auf, von China die sofortige Freilassung aller willkürlich inhaftierten Tibeter zu verlangen, insbesondere Sherab, Gonpo Tsering, Drugdra, Lobsang Khedrup und Lobsang Gephel und die Verantwortlichen für die anhaltenden Menschenrechtsverletzungen in Tibet zur Rechenschaft zu ziehen.
[1] “Tibetan singer on restricted release after broadcasting a song celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday”, International Campaign for Tibet, 2 September 2025, https://savetibet.org/tibetan-singer-on-restricted-release-after-broadcasting-a-song-celebrating-the-dalai-lamas-90th-birthday/
[2] “Celebrating in Fear”, International Campaign for Tibet, June 2025, https://savetibet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Celebrating_in_fear_final_draft.pdf
[3] Head of Tibetan monastery in critical condition after torture following dam protest”, Tibet Watch, 23 June 2025, https://tibetwatch.org/head-of-tibetan-monastery-in-critical-condition-after-torture-following-dam-protest/
Originalstatement vor dem UN-Menschenrechtsrat:
Statement delivered by Mélanie Blondelle on behalf of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights
Check against delivery
Mr. President,
We thank the Working Group for its report.
On 6 July, Tibetans and Buddhist practitioners worldwide celebrated the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama. Yet, Tibetans in Tibet were denied even this small freedom. A striking example is Asang, a young singer detained for weeks simply because he had performed a song in honor of the revered spiritual leader. As he remains under constant surveillance and has been barred from using social media, his situation can be described as “Non-Release Release”.[1] His case adds to those of the imprisoned monks Drugdra, Lobsang Khedrup and Lobsang Gephel.[2]
We are also gravely concerned about the cases of two senior monks, Sherab and Gonpo Tsering, who were sentenced last year to three and four years in prison for peacefully protesting against the planned Kamtok dam, a project which threatens to displace thousands and destroy sacred sites. Reports that Gonpo has been tortured in detention, leaving him blind and unable to speak, are deeply alarming.[3]
These cases reflect a systematic effort by Chinese authorities to silence dissent and erase Tibetan identity.
Mr. President, no one should be punished for honoring their religious leader or protecting their cultural heritage.
We urge this Council to demand the immediate release of Sherab, Gonpo Tsering, Drugdra, Lobsang Khedrup and Lobsang Gephel, and all Tibetans arbitrarily detained simply for exercising their universal rights, and to hold China accountable for its ongoing violations in Tibet.
Thank you.
[1] “Tibetan singer on restricted release after broadcasting a song celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday“, International Campaign for Tibet, 2 September 2025, Tibetan singer on restricted release after broadcasting a song celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday – International Campaign for Tibet
[2] “Celebrating in Fear”, International Campaign for Tibet, June 2025, https://savetibet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Celebrating_in_fear_final_draft.pdf
[3] “Head of Tibetan monastery in critical condition after torture following dam protest”, Tibet Watch, 23 June 2025, https://tibetwatch.org/head-of-tibetan-monastery-in-critical-condition-after-torture-following-dam-protest/
