Geneva UN Event Condemns China’s Interference in Dalai Lama Succession

A high-level side event at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on June 27 raised urgent concerns over China’s interference in the Dalai Lama’s succession. Organized by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, the gathering featured Tibetan advocates and international legal experts, including ICT President Tencho Gyatso and UN Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea. Speakers warned that China’s actions threaten Tibetan religious freedom and identity. Ghanea urged Beijing to respect international law, cease its control over religious appointments, and disclose the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, missing since 1995.