On Monday, July 6, 2026, the Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) issued a strong condemnation of China's newly enforced “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,” coinciding with the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. The exile Tibetan leadership alleged that the legislation is systematically designed to erase Tibetan identity, language, religion, and culture.
Critical Turning Point for Tibetan Identity
The Kashag described the law, which came into effect on July 1, 2026, as a “critical turning point.” According to a statement from the CTA, the law institutionalizes policies aimed at assimilating Tibetans and other ethnic minorities into a singular Chinese national identity by reshaping their language, culture, history, religion, and education. The Kashag argued that these measures violate internationally recognized principles protecting cultural diversity and fundamental human rights.
The statement further warned that the legislation could have far-reaching consequences if left unchallenged by the international community. The Kashag urged global actors to intervene before the policy permanently reshapes the future of Tibet and other non-Chinese nationalities within China.
Extraterritorial Reach and Freedoms at Risk
The Tibetan administration also expressed concern over provisions that seek to extend China's legal jurisdiction beyond its borders. These clauses target individuals and organizations accused of promoting what Beijing describes as “ethnic separatism.” The Kashag cautioned that such measures could undermine internationally recognized freedoms of expression, association, and advocacy, setting a dangerous precedent for the extraterritorial application of domestic laws.
Self-Immolation Protest at UN Headquarters
The Kashag referenced the self-immolation of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen (also known as Lobsang Palden) outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York on July 2, 2026. According to the statement, the protest was intended to draw global attention to the new legislation and the deteriorating situation in Tibet. The CTA announced it is preparing a comprehensive strategy to respond to the law.
Commemoration and the Year of Compassion
The criticism came as the Tibetan administration celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday and reflected on the global “Year of Compassion,” launched during his 90th birthday celebrations in 2025. Reiterating the Dalai Lama’s Four Principal Commitments—promoting universal human values, fostering harmony among religions, preserving Tibetan culture and ecology, and reviving ancient Indian knowledge systems—the Kashag stated that compassion should not remain a one-year campaign but become a lifelong commitment.
However, the Kashag emphasized that compassion should never be mistaken for silence in the face of injustice. It urged the Chinese government to suspend implementation of the new law and instead pursue dialogue and policies that respect the identities, cultures, and rights of all nationalities.
