Petition to Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Help Free The Panchen Lama

Stand Up for the Panchen Lama

The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, turns 36 today. But we’re not able to celebrate him. The Chinese government abducted him when he was six years old—and he hasn’t been seen in 30 years.

This is in clear violation of Tibetans’ religious freedom, human rights, and even China’s own constitution. His disappearance is a symbol of the injustices Tibetans face—and is part of China’s wider plan to disrupt the Dalai Lama’s succession, furthering their control of Tibetan Buddhism.

On his 36th birthday, we must not forget his cause. Sign our petition to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling on him to press the Chinese Communist Party on the Panchen Lama’s release.

Secretary

Marco

Rubio

US State Department

Dear Honorable Secretary Rubio,

As a staunch supporter of the Tibetan people, I urge you to press the Chinese Communist Party on the case of the 11th Panchen Lama. He must be released from arbitrary detention and allowed to reclaim his rightful position and responsibilities.

April 25, 2025, marks the 36th birthday of the Panchen Lama, who has remained under continued detention by Chinese authorities since 1995. The purported crime?  Being recognized by the Dalai Lama as a prominent Tibetan Buddhist master. The Panchen Lama has not been seen since, nor has the CCP provided proof of life.  His situation concretely symbolizes China’s abuse of Tibetan religious freedom and tradition, refusal to adhere to rule of law, and disregard for basic human rights.

The Tibetan people have every right to practice their religion, and the Dalai Lama, as the leader of Tibetan Buddhists, has every right to select Tibetan religious leaders free from Communist Party oppression. China must free Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and let him return to his people.

As Secretary of State, I call on you to deliver a clear, public call on China to take this concrete, humane action.

Sincerely,

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