About ICT

Our Work

For more than 30 years, ICT has served the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet.

ICT’s Mission

The International Campaign for Tibet is a non-partisan, public interest group dedicated to promoting human rights and democratic freedoms for the people of Tibet.

We monitor and report on human rights, environmental and socio-economic conditions in Tibet.
We advocate for Tibetans imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs.
We work with governments to develop policies and programs to help Tibetans and secure humanitarian and development assistance.
We work with Chinese institutions and individuals to build understanding and trust and explore relationships between Tibetans and Chinese.
We mobilize individuals and the international community to act on behalf of Tibetans.
We promote self-determination for the Tibetan people through negotiations between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or the CTA’s democratically elected representatives.

How ICT makes an impact?

Through our monitoring and reports, we’ve told the world the truth about human rights, environmental issues and political conditions in Tibet, which the Chinese government tries to hide. At the same time, we’ve reached out to people within China and the Chinese-speaking world globally to build relationships, mutual understanding and trust.

Our latest reporting

ICT tracks human rights, environmental, and political conditions in Tibet, including what Beijing says in its own state media and official documents.

Empowering the Future Advocates for Tibet

Through immersive internships, grassroot lobbying events, and grants for the arts, these programs equip the next generation of Tibetans.

The succession crisis explained

The Tibetan people alone have the legitimate right to recognize the next Dalai Lama, free from Chinese government interference.

Monitor & Report

We monitor and report on human rights, environmental and socio-economic conditions in Tibet.

DEFEND POLITICAL PRISONERS

We advocate for Tibetans imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs.

MOBILIZE GLOBAL ACTION

We mobilize individuals and the international community to act on behalf of Tibetans.

Advocate with governments

We work with governments to develop policies and programs to help Tibetans and secure humanitarian and development assistance.

Engage Chinese communities

We work with Chinese institutions and individuals to build understanding and trust and explore relationships between Tibetans and Chinese.

Empower Tibetans

We promote self-determination for the Tibetan people through negotiations between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or the CTA’s democratically elected representatives.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to ICT and its members and all people of goodwill who have helped our cause.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

ICT’s founding

On March 15, 1988, the International Campaign for Tibet was established to support the Tibetan people’s struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms. From a handful of dedicated individuals ICT has grown into an international organization empowered by the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

ICT’s founding members and original staff included Tenzin Tethong, Lodi Gyari, John Ackerly and Michele Bohana.

Bringing the truth to light



Human rights monitoring and advocacy: ICT monitors and investigates human rights conditions and works with governments, UN bodies, civil society, and other stakeholders to publicize abuses and bring pressure to bear on the PRC government.
Legislative advocacy: ICT seeks support for Tibet in the form of resolutions, legislation, and other actions by the U.S. Congress, United Nations Human Rights Council and other UN bodies, the European Parliament, and other governments around the world.
Fact-finding missions: ICT conducts on-site fact-finding missions to India and Nepal. ICT has investigated Chinese population transfer in Tibet, Tibetan political prisoners, Beijing’s education policies in Tibet, China’s forced assimilation policies in Tibet, environmnetal degradation, and China’s nuclear activities on the Tibetan plateau.
Environment and development impacts: ICT monitors cultural and environmental implications of foreign and Chinese economic development projects in Tibet.
Tibetan refugees in-exile: ICT works to protect the right of Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal and monitors conditions for Tibetan refugees around the world.
Chinese outreach: ICT networks with exiled Chinese democracy and overseas Chinese organizations, works with Chinese language media, edits and translates books and materials and conducts research on China’s occupation of Tibet.

FAQs about ICT’s & their work

Is ICT a good organization to donate to?

Yes. ICT has earned a 4 out of 4 star rating on Charity Navigator, the highest rating the independent evaluator gives. ICT has worked for the people of Tibet since 1988, and its advocacy has contributed to US laws including the Tibetan Policy Act, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act, and the Resolve Tibet Act. Donors can also review ICT’s financial filings through Charity Navigator and Candid (GuideStar).

Does ICT provide humanitarian assistance to Tibetans?

Yes. Alongside its advocacy, ICT works to secure humanitarian and development assistance for Tibetans in Tibet and in exile. ICT advocates for U.S. funding which supports NGOs working with Tibetan communities to preserve cultural traditions and promote sustainable development, education and environmental conservation in Tibet.