The International Campaign for Tibet extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Sigrid Joss-Arnd, whose recent passing marks the loss of a lifelong friend of the Tibetan people who dedicated her life to providing critical support for Tibetans in exile and leading humanitarian projects inside Tibet.
A recipient of ICT’s 2013 Light of Truth Award, Ms. Joss-Arnd dedicated more than six decades to supporting Tibetan refugees, helping transform the lives of generations of Tibetan children and families.
Ms. Sigrid Joss-Arnd receiving ICT’s 2013 Light of Truth Award from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in recognition of the contribution of her organization, the Swiss Red Cross, in providing critical support to Tibetans in exile as for its humanitarian projects in Tibet.
Through her longstanding work with the Swiss Red Cross and as one of the founders of the ‘Association of Tibetan Homesteads’ in 1960, Ms. Joss-Arnd played a central role in welcoming some of the first Tibetan refugee children to Switzerland following their escape from Tibet. Her tireless efforts provided young Tibetans with safety, education, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives while preserving their language, culture, and identity. Her humanitarian work also extended to Tibetan communities inside Tibet, reflecting an unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of the Tibetan people.
In recognition of her exceptional service, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama presented Ms. Joss-Arnd with ICT’s Light of Truth Award in 2013. Accepting the award with much humility, she concluded her remarks with words that captured her enduring devotion to Tibet: “May His Holiness be blessed. May the Tibetans in Tibet be blessed. May the Tibetans in exile be blessed. And may they all be reunited soon.”
Those heartfelt words continue to resonate today, reflecting the compassion, hope, and solidarity that defined her life and work.
ICT honors Ms. Joss-Arnd’s extraordinary legacy and extends our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, colleagues, and all who were privileged to know her. Her kindness, generosity, and steadfast friendship and support of the Tibetan people will never be forgotten.