Exiled Tibetans condemn China's policies, hold candlelight protests

Tibetans in exile on Wednesday held a candlelight vigil in Dharamshala to condemn China's forced closure of the renowned Ragya Gangjong Sherig Norbuling School in Golog and express solidarity with Tibetans.

Tibetan NGOs in Dharamshala on Wednesday condemned Chinese policies in Tibet on the occasion of International Day of Justice. Eight Dharamshala-based NGOs expressed their deep concern and condemnation of the systematic violation of human rights by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Tibet.

Tibetan activists say Beijing's policies in Tibet result in serious violations of Tibetan children's fundamental rights to education and their access to education.

More than one million Tibetan children are currently enrolled in colonial-style boarding schools, forcibly separated from their families and cultural roots. He said forced assimilation into Chinese language and culture is contrary to international standards on cultural rights and education.

Furthermore, he alleged that the Communist Party has aggressively closed down privately-run Tibetan schools and educational institutions, thereby eliminating the ability of Tibetan communities to preserve and disseminate their unique cultural heritage and values ​​through education.

He said the Ragya Gangjong Sherig Norbu School, established on July 14, 2024 by renowned Tibetan teacher Jigme Gyaltsen with the approval of the local people's government, was forced to close under pressure from the Chinese Communist government.

Therefore, the Dharamshala-based coalition of NGOs strongly condemns the forced closure of the school founded in 1994 by Ragya Jigme Gyalsten; the school served as the cornerstone of Tibetan cultural and linguistic education for three decades before its abrupt closure by the CCP.

These actions are part of a malicious policy aimed at destroying the environment for nurturing Tibetan education, culture, psychology and consciousness, effectively erasing the identity of the Tibetan people. “We strongly oppose this policy and condemn the actions of the Chinese government,” he said.

The Dharamshala NGO calls on the international community, including governments, human rights organisations and academic institutions, to take immediate and decisive action to hold China accountable for these serious violations.

He said that on this World Justice Day, NGOs in Dharamshala reaffirm their commitment to advocate for justice, freedom and preservation of Tibetan cultural heritage.