Since 1989, the Tibet Initiative Deutschland has been advocating for the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination and the protection of human rights in Tibet. Based in Germany, we have around 2.000 members and 50 regional volunteer chapters throughout the country. As a non-profit organization, we are politically independent and not affiliated with any religious institutions. Tibet Initiative Deutschland is a registered, charitable organization which is financed mainly through donations and membership dues.
1,2 Million Tibetans have been killed in this conflict since Tibet was violently and illegally occupied, according to international law, by China in 1949/1950. More than 100.000 Tibetans have been forced to flee their homeland and now live in Exile communities around the world. Until today, rule of law or basic human rights are non-existent in Tibet. Surveillance, repression and arbitrary arrests are daily routine. Despite the continued suppression, the Tibetan people choose the path of non-violent resistance and for that, they deserve our utmost respect and full support
WE ADVOCATE FOR
/ the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination
/ the protection of human rights such as religious freedom, press freedom and freedom of opinion
/ the Tibetan people’s right to preserve their cultural identity, for example Tibetan language and way of life
/ societal participation and against discrimination and marginalization of Tibetans in Tibet
/ environmental protection and against the ruthless exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources
/ a peaceful conflict resolution for Tibet via dialogue between representatives of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the Chinese leadership
WHAT WE DO
/ We spread information about the political situation and human rights violations in Tibet and raise public awareness on these issues
/ We motivate people to actively support Tibet through grassroots work
/ We work with representatives of all democratic political parties to put Tibet on the political agenda
/ We actively advocate for the release of political prisoners in Tibet
/ We work together with Tibetans living in exile. A delegated representative of the Association of Tibetans in Germany (German: Verein der Tibeter in Deutschland e.V. – VTD) has a permanent seat on the Tibet Initiative Board of Directors
/ We are in close contact with the Tibetan Government in Exile, based in India, and its representatives in Europe
/ We are an active member of the International Tibet Network and collaborate with partner organizations within Germany and around the world
/ We engage in discourse with Chinese dissidents and civil rights activists, and try to establish a dialogue with Chinese stakeholders
