Canberra, March 18: The issue of human rights and cultural identity in Tibet is once again gaining prominence on the global stage. Under the leadership of Senator Deborah O’Neill, co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), Australia has taken a significant step by introducing a bipartisan resolution in Parliament regarding Tibet.
With this initiative, Australia has become the first country within the IPAC network to present such a resolution following the decision for coordinated parliamentary action on Tibet made at the 2025 IPAC Brussels Summit.
Senators from various political parties co-sponsored the resolution, demonstrating broad bipartisan support in the Australian Senate for the protection of Tibetan human rights and the safeguarding of religious freedom.
The resolution states that the Senate extends its best wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and appreciates his lifelong contributions to promoting unity among humanity, non-violence, human rights, interfaith harmony, environmental awareness, and democracy. It also reiterates that governments should not interfere in the selection of religious leaders, including the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama.
The resolution expresses deep concern over the Chinese government’s “repressive policies” in Tibet, aimed at eradicating the distinct cultural and religious identity of the Tibetan people. These policies include plans to interfere with the centuries-old spiritual tradition surrounding the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. The resolution urges the Chinese government to recognize the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama without any preconditions, to achieve lasting peace and freedom in Tibet.
Last month, a prominent human rights organization stated in its 2026 World Report that the Chinese government intensified repression in 2025. According to the report, President Xi Jinping has instructed the government to enforce ideological conformity and loyalty to him and the Chinese Communist Party.
The report indicates that Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other communities with distinct identities, as well as members of unofficial churches, are facing the most severe repression. It also notes that repression has increased in Hong Kong.
Maya Wang, Deputy Director for Asia at Human Rights Watch, stated, “The human rights record of the Chinese government under Xi Jinping is continuously deteriorating, and actions against fundamental freedoms are escalating. Foreign governments do not appear ready to adequately oppose these threats.”
The report mentions that Xi Jinping’s visits to Tibet and Xinjiang were primarily to showcase the government’s strict control. The Chinese government is preparing to pass a draft law that would legitimize the repression of minorities, enhance ideological control, and aid in expanding influence abroad.
Additionally, the report highlights that thousands of Uyghurs remain unjustly imprisoned in China. Furthermore, the Chinese government has banned celebrations for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday in Tibet. It also notes that repression has increased following the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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