Prague, Czech Republic: The Prague Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief 2025 reaffirms the Tibetan Buddhist community’s right to select the successor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama without state interference — a position that directly echoed an appeal made earlier by Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The fifth anniversary conference of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA)- The Article 18 Alliance was held on 12- 13 November 2025 at the Prague Castle, Czech Republic. In the declaration issued by Ambassador Robert Rehak, Chair of the Article 18 Alliance, participants underscored that the right to freedom of religion or belief includes “the freedom to choose religious leaders free from state interference.” The statement directly addressed growing concerns over external political pressures surrounding the future succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
During the session titled “Tribute to the Dalai Lama as Religious Leader of Tibetan Buddhism,” Sikyong formally presented a letter from His Holiness to IRFBA Chair Ambassador Robert Rehak. In his remarks, Sikyong highlighted the urgent need for international support to protect Tibetan religious freedom, warning of China’s intensifying efforts to control the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama.
He stated that while the Chinese government disregards the living 14th Dalai Lama, its primary objective is to manipulate the succession process to tighten its control over the Tibetan people. Sikyong urged IRFBA to consider issuing a formal communiqué on this critical matter, underscoring that the freedom to choose religious leaders lies at the heart of the Tibetan people’s identity and spiritual autonomy.
Responding to these concerns, the Prague Declaration explicitly reaffirmed that freedom of religion or belief includes the Tibetan Buddhist community’s right to identify the successor to the Dalai Lama free from state interference, particularly as His Holiness marks his 90th birthday.
Among the distinguished attendees were Honourable President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic; Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief; and Mubarak Bala, a recently released prisoner of conscience from Nigeria. Also present at the conference were Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche, the 13th Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche and other speakers, including Dr Natallia Vasilevich from Germany, Ambassador Samuel Brownback from the USA, Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of the Campaign for Uyghurs, USA.
Representative Thinlay Chukki welcomed the Prague Declaration by Ambassador Rehak and noted, “We warmly welcome the clear and unequivocal affirmation issued at the IRFBA conference. The recognition of the Tibetans’ right to determine the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, free from any form of state interference, is not only a validation of our spiritual traditions but also a vital reinforcement of a fundamental human right. This statement sends a powerful message of solidarity to the Tibetan people and to all who safeguard religious freedom. We are deeply grateful to the IRFBA and its members for standing on the side of truth, justice, and the preservation of our centuries-old spiritual heritage.”
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva
