NEWSLETTERS
Tibet Update – February 2025
INSIDE:
WATCH NOW: New PBS documentary on Tibet
—
In “The Battle for Tibet,” Frontline investigates China’s iron-fisted rule over Tibet. They interview eyewitnesses to China’s repression and send an undercover journalist to speak with the voices China doesn’t want you to hear. Watch it now, and share it with your friends.
View rare clips from inside Tibet showing aftermath of Dingri earthquake
—
Following the devastating Jan. 7 earthquake, Chinese authorities have stalled grassroots aid, implementing checkpoints and suspending assistance. In response, Tibetans have gone to great lengths to share their stories, banded together with neighbors to help each other, and left supplies at relief centers, hoping they’d reach victims. Today, we share some of the videos Tibetans have shared about the devastation and challenges they are facing.
Dingri Earthquake: Tibetan resilience and future risks
—
This ICT report sheds light on the unsung heroes, explores critical yet unreported details, and examines the broader implications for Tibet and its people in the aftermath of the devastating Dingri earthquake.
Dalai Lama visits Gyudmed, India
—
The Dalai Lama visited the Gyudmed Tantric University in Karnataka, India, earlier this week. He addressed the congregation and received a long-life prayer from assembled monks.
ICT statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
—
As an organization dedicated to working for human rights and the democratic freedom of the Tibetan people, the International Campaign for Tibet deeply regrets the withdrawal of the United States from the UN Human Rights Council. This action removes American leadership in the UN, taking away a voice that has held accountable those who disrespect human rights and standing against those whose goal is to subvert the international discourse on human rights to fit autocratic agendas.
Applications Open: 2025 Tibetan Youth Leadership Program
—
Are you interested in the US political process and discourse around foreign policy vis-à-vis China and Tibet? Do you feel driven to become a leader within the Tibetan community? ICT is seeking citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America who are currently enrolled in a undergraduate/graduate program in United States to apply to the Tibetan Youth Leadership Program.
In memoriam: Kasur Gyalo Thondup (1928-2025)
—
Kasur Gyalo Thondup, one of the prime figures in modern Tibetan history and the second eldest brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, passed away at his home in Kalimpong, India. He was 97 years old.
China rolls out new leaders in Lhasa – indicating continued clampdown in Tibet
—
During the recently concluded annual meetings of the People’s Congress and the Political Consultative Conference of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Chinese authorities announced the “election” of new leaders for the TAR government and the People’s Congress while vowing to strengthen work “for closer unity around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core” in the coming years.
Tibet friendship group reestablished in European Parliament
—
The European Parliament’s Friends of Tibet group has held its first meeting following last year’s European elections, marking a significant step forward in continued support for Tibet within the European Union.
- WATCH NOW: New PBS documentary on Tibet
- View rare clips from inside Tibet showing aftermath of Dingri earthquake
- Dingri Earthquake: Tibetan resilience and future risks
- Dalai Lama visits Gyudmed, India
- ICT statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
- Applications Open: 2025 Tibetan Youth Leadership Program
- In memoriam: Kasur Gyalo Thondup (1928-2025)
- China rolls out new leaders in Lhasa – indicating continued clampdown in Tibet
- Tibet friendship group reestablished in European Parliament
- BLOG: Wang Junzheng prepares party officials for 60th anniversary of Tibet’s dismemberment
- BLOG: How the ICT Tibetan Youth Leadership Program Impacted Me
- BLOG: The Special Coordinator for Tibet matters for Tibetans and China
- ICT’s 2025 Wall Calendar … IS HERE!
- Check out these Smart Giving Tools savvy supporters like you are using to help save Tibet!
- Catch up with “Tibet Talks” by subscribing to ICT’s podcast
BLOG
Wang Junzheng prepares party officials for 60th anniversary of Tibet’s dismemberment
By: Kai Mueller
—
An important anniversary for the rule of the Chinese Communist Party in Tibet is looming. September 1st marks the 60th anniversary of the dismemberment of Tibet under the Chinese occupying forces. This was recently pointed out by Communist Party Secretary Wang Junzheng, the highest-ranking Chinese official in Tibet’s capital, according to Chinese propaganda media reports.
How the ICT Tibetan Youth Leadership Program Impacted Me
By: Tenzin Yiga
—
I was born in Dharamsala, India, a place that serves as the heart of the Tibetan exile community. Growing up in a home where every conversation was laced with stories of our resistance, resilience, and hope, I understood from an early age what it meant to be Tibetan in exile. When I moved to New York City, that understanding took on a new dimension. The 23-hour journey from India to the US marked not just a geographic shift but a transition in my identity.
The Special Coordinator for Tibet matters for Tibetans and China
By: Bhuchung K. Tsering
—
Every four years, the United States experiences an upheaval of sort, depending on the outcome of the presidential elections. Like earthquakes, sometimes changes are minor while sometimes they are major ones, including with subsequent tremors. This year we are going through another such upheaval with President Donald Trump having won and bringing in a new set of officials.
As I write this, we are seeing the nominations and confirmations of cabinet level officials. Then Senator, and now Secretary of State, Marco Rubio was the first one to assume office in this new Trump Administration. Given his general interest in and supportive initiatives on Tibet during his stint in the Senate, the expectation is that Secretary Rubio will be inclined to proactively look for opportunities to resolve the Tibetan issue. Among the first concrete actions Secretary Rubio may take that might provide a clue on how he intends to handle Tibet will be the designation of a US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
SUPPORT TIBET
ICT’s 2025 Wall Calendar … It’s Not Too Late
—
As we share ICT’s 2025 calendar, The Heart of Compassion | Honoring the 90th Year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, it is with immense gratitude and reverence that we prepare to celebrate the 90th birth year of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This extraordinary milestone is not only a moment to honor the life of a remarkable leader, but also an opportunity to reflect on his wisdom and the impact His Holiness has had on the world. We are overjoyed to be working in collaboration with Tenzin Geyche Tethong and his book, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: An Illustrated Biography.
Check out these Smart Giving Tools savvy supporters like you are using to help save Tibet!
—
From climate change to the survival of democracy, Tibet is at the heart of the biggest challenges facing our world. That’s why we’re thrilled to share financially smart ways to give that will promote human rights and democratic freedoms for the people of Tibet:
- Stock: When you donate appreciated stock, you can save on two types of taxes by avoiding capital gains tax and often getting a full deduction for the value of your gift.
- IRA gifts: If you’re 70.5 or older, donations from your IRA reduce your taxable income and can help meet a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you must take one.
- Donor-Advised Funds: With a grant recommendation from your Donor-Advised Fund, you can give from the money you’ve already set aside without spending an additional cent!
- Crypto: A donation of appreciated cryptocurrency can help you avoid capital gains taxes and get a big tax deduction.
We hope you consider the donation option(s) best for you, and together, we can shift the balance toward compassion and kindness.
When you give these types of gifts, please use the tools linked above so we can track your gift, send you the right receipt and ensure you get the tax savings you deserve.
EVENTS
Catch up with “Tibet Talks” by subscribing to ICT’s podcast
—
At ICT, we know you might not have time to sit down and watch this show. So, we’re proud to also offer Tibet Talks as a podcast.
Interested? Listeners can subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Learn more at savetibet.org/pod/