Brussels/Dharamsala, 08/03/2023 – Mikuláš Peksa, the Chairman of the Tibet Interest Group in the European Parliament, will lead a delegation of MEPs on a visit to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile from March 8 to 11, 2023.

During the visit, Peksa will meet with high-level representatives of the Tibetan government in exile, visit the Tibetan Museum and Library, the Tibetan Children’s School, and use the opportunity to talk with local organizations. The highlight of the visit will be the audience with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Peksa will also participate in the commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising.

“It is important to support the Tibetan government in exile and the people of Tibet in their fight for greater autonomy and human rights,” says Mikuláš Peksa. “As the Chairman of the Tibet Interest Group in the European Parliament, it is my mission to be the voice of the Tibetans on the international stage,” he adds.

This trip will be an opportunity to meet with Tibetan exiles and to express support for the Tibetan government in exile and its efforts for freedom and rights for Tibetans.

“Meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama is exceptionally important for us. I know how significant this moment is for the support of the Tibetan nation, which faces long-term oppression from the Chinese government,” says Peksa. “It is essential that Europe stands with the Tibetan people and raises awareness of the problems they face. I want to continue to fight for the rights of Tibetans and support their right to self-determination,” Peksa concludes.

Mikuláš Peksa used to be member of the Czech Parliament’s Friends of Tibet Group in the Chamber of Deputies, founded by the Pirates. Peksa also participated in the Geneva Forum organized by the Central Tibetan Administration, which dealt with China’s abuse of technology to suppress basic human rights.

On Monday, 13 March at 17.30, the Tibet Interest Group will present findings of their trip at a press conference in Strasbourg, for which you can register by mail. Remote connection will be available through this link.

Background:

China’s suppression of human rights in Tibet involves many sophisticated methods: monitoring citizens and facial recognition, restricting access to information, rewarding those who comply with the regime, and punishing certain groups of people just because of who they are. Tibetan experiences will help prevent further dangerous banalization of China’s digital dictatorship in the European Parliament.

The human rights situation for Tibetans in Tibet remains deeply concerning, even 60 years after the Tibetan Uprising of 1959 and the subsequent exile of the Dalai Lama to India. Tibetans still need strong support from the international community.