UN Experts Condemn China’s Religious Control in Tibet, Demand Answers on Panchen Lama‘s Disappearance
(TibetanReview.net, September 15, 2025) – Five UN Special Rapporteurs have jointly criticized China’s increasing control over Tibetan Buddhist practices, including the sensitive issue of reincarnation, and demanded facts regarding the ongoing disappearance of Gedhun Cheokyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama. the communication, sent to the Chinese government in July 2025, highlights a severe infringement on the religious freedom of the Tibetan people.
The experts expressed “grave concern” over chinese laws – specifically the 2007 Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas and the 2017 Religious Affairs Regulation – which require state approval for all reincarnations within Tibetan Buddhism. They warn these regulations undermine the right to freedom of religion and belief, potentially rendering any state-appointed successor to the Dalai Lama lacking ”cultural, religious or community authenticity.”
The communication emphasizes that these laws violate international human rights standards, including prohibitions against discrimination, the right to legal recognition, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, freedom of expression, and the right to participate in cultural life – all enshrined in the universal Declaration of Human Rights and international treaties to which China is a signatory.
Furthermore,the experts reiterated their deep concern over the continued enforced disappearance of Gedhun Cheokyi Nyima since May 17,1995.They stated this constitutes a violation of jus cogens, a fundamental principle of international law prohibiting such acts. They urgently called on China to provide detailed information regarding his health, location, and wellbeing.
The joint communication (Ref: AL CHN 14/2025), published on the UN website after a mandatory 60-day waiting period, was signed by Alexandra Xanthaki (cultural rights), Gabriella Citroni (enforced disappearances), Irene Khan (freedom of opinion and expression), Nicolas Levrat (minority issues), and Nazila Ghanea (freedom of religion or belief).
