Geneva — Australia condemns human rights violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet and calls on governments not to interfere in the selection of the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Her Excellency Clare Walsh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, delivered Australia's statement at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council on September 23, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, in which she expressed concern about ongoing human rights violations in Tibet.
The Ambassador said, "We remain gravely concerned by ongoing human rights violations against Uyghurs and Tibetans. Consistent with international law and norms, governments should not interfere in the selection of religious leaders - including the Dalai Lama."
According to the Tibet Office in Canberra, in early September, 2025, during Tibet Lobby Day in Canberra, many Australian MPs and senators also condemned China's planned interference in the selection of the Dalai Lama.
Senator Steph Hodgins-May said in the Senate, “The succession of the Dalai Lama is a sacred tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and Australians must take a principled stance in condemning any interference by the Chinese government.”
Senator Nick McKim highlighted that the Chinese government continues to interfere in the cultural and spiritual life of Tibetans, including preparations for the future succession of the Dalai Lama. He said, “Any Dalai Lama appointed by the Chinese government has no legitimacy, and Chinese government interference in the choice of a new Dalai Lama is unacceptable.”
Susan Templeman MP said in the House of Representatives, “I want to reiterate the government’s view that no government should interfere in the selection of religious leaders, and successions should be allowed to occur in accordance with religious norms and practices. That is the case for the next Dalai Lama, although we know that this one is planning a very long life.”
