resolution motion, 5 May 2025
On Violations of religious freedom in Tibet
Motion B-10-2025-0256 · (2025/2692(RSP))
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Sebastião Bugalho, Danuše Nerudová, Michael Gahler, Antonio LópezIstúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Reinhold Lopatka, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel WiselerLima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Ondřej Kolář, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
AI:In short
This resolution condemns repressive policies in Tibet and the persecution of Tibetan religious leaders, and expresses concern over the death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje. It calls for an independent investigation into his death, the return of his remains, and for the EU to raise human rights concerns with China and Vietnam.
Key points
- Strongly condemns repressive assimilation policies in China, especially in Tibet, that seek to eliminate Tibetan religious and cultural traditions.
- Opposes any Chinese government interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama.
- Expresses deep concern over the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje and sends condolences to his family and followers.
- Condemns the persecution of Tibetan religious and cultural leaders and transnational repression by Chinese authorities.
- Calls for an immediate, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into his death with international oversight.
- Demands that investigation findings be made public and those responsible be held accountable under international law.
- Demands that Vietnamese and Chinese authorities ensure the prompt and dignified return of his remains to Lungnon Monastery.
- Urges the EU and its member states to raise this case in dialogues with China and Vietnam and demand accountability for human rights violations.
- Reiterates support for protecting religious freedom and cultural rights of Tibetans and calls for renewed international engagement.
Who is affected
- Tibetan Buddhist leaders and followers, including the Dalai Lama and Tulku Hungkar Dorje's family and monastery.
- Chinese and Vietnamese authorities, who are called on to investigate and return remains.
- The EU and its member states, urged to raise the case in dialogues.
Figures and deadlines
Written by AI from the full text · every figure comes from the text · ¶ opens the paragraph · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem
Full text
Text 21 paragraphs
B100256/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Violations of religious freedom in Tibet
(2025/2692(RSP))
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Tibet,
– having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
whereas, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the Chinese authorities have become increasingly oppressive; whereas the human rights situation in Tibet continues to degrade; whereas respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law should be at the centre of the EU’s relations with China;
whereas the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which cites the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), states that citizens “enjoy freedom of religious belief”; whereas the CCP regulations restrict religious practice to state-approved forms and emphasize national security;
whereas Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a respected Tibetan Buddhist religious leader and humanitarian figure, and abbot of Lungnon Monastery, died on 28 March 2025 under suspicious circumstances while in custody in Vietnam, following his arrest by Vietnamese and Chinese authorities, whereas his body was reportedly cremated without the knowledge or presence of his family, raising serious concerns about the treatment of his remains;
whereas Tulku Hungkar Dorje had been in hiding in Vietnam since September 2024 due to ongoing harassment, interrogation, and threats from Chinese authorities in Tibet for his religious and educational activities;
whereas credible reports point to extensive pressure from Chinese authorities on Rinpoches to align with the Communist Party narrative, including attempts to compel support for the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, forced interrogations, and accusations of loyalty to the Dalai Lama;
Strongly condemns the repressive assimilation policies throughout China, especially in Tibet, that seek to eliminate distinct Tibetan religious and cultural traditions and heritage;
Read the rest (9 paragraphs)
2. Firmly opposes any attempt by the Chinese government to interfere in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama;
3. Expresses its deep concern and sorrow over the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje and extends its sincere condolences to his family, monastery, and followers;
4. Strongly condemns the continued persecution of Tibetan religious and cultural leaders and the practice of transnational repression by Chinese authorities;
5. Calls for an immediate, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into his death, with international oversight and access to evidence and witnesses;
6. Demands that the investigation findings be made public and all responsible for wrongdoing be held accountable under international human rights standards and law;
7. Demands that the Vietnamese and Chinese authorities ensure the prompt and dignified return of Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s remains to Lungnon Monastery for traditional religious rites;
8. Urges the EU and its Member States to publicly raise this case in bilateral and multilateral dialogues with PRC and Vietnam, and to demand accountability for human rights violations in Tibet;
9. Reiterates its strong support for the protection of religious freedom and cultural rights of the Tibetan people and calls for renewed international engagement on the human rights situation in Tibet;
10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EUSR, the governments of PRC and Vietnam, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Central Tibetan Administration.