Panchen Lama – 30 Years Missing
Demonstration for the Release of the Panchen Lama
Background: 30 Years Missing
On 25 April 2025, we mark the 36th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet—but he has been missing for nearly thirty years.
In May 1995, just days after the Dalai Lama recognized him as the rightful reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama, six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was abducted by Chinese authorities together with his family. He thus became the youngest political prisoner in the world. To this day, his whereabouts remain unknown, despite repeated requests from the United Nations and international human rights organizations for information about his well-being.
The Panchen Lama is the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. His abduction was a strategic move by the Chinese government to gain control over Tibetan Buddhism and influence the future selection of the Dalai Lama.
Program of the Demonstration
Friday, 25 April 2025
- 14:00 - Opening and welcome by Tibet Support Group Netherlands
- 14:15 - Speeches by Tibetan representatives and human rights activists
- 14:45 - Prayers and cultural performance
- 15:15 - Statements of solidarity from politicians and civil society organizations
- 15:45 - Closing with a joint call for release
Practical Information
Location: Chinese Embassy, Adriaan Goekooplaan 10, 2517 JX The Hague
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Bring: Tibetan flags will be provided, but feel free to bring your own banners
Transport: Public transport – Tram 1 or Bus 21, stop Scheveningseweg
Contact: For questions, please email info@tibetsupport.nl
International Day of Action
On 25 April, Tibetans and their supporters around the world will gather to demand the immediate release of the Panchen Lama from Chinese authorities. From New York to London, from Dharamsala to Taipei—demonstrations will take place at Chinese embassies and consulates everywhere.
We call on all friends of Tibet, defenders of human rights, and everyone who believes in justice to join us in protest. Your presence makes a difference!
“The abduction of the Panchen Lama is not only a tragedy for him and his family, but symbolizes the systematic repression of religious freedom in Tibet.” – International Commission of Jurists
Join Us and Make Your Voice Heard!
Come to the Chinese Embassy in The Hague on 25 April and support our peaceful demonstration for the release of the Panchen Lama and for freedom and human rights in Tibet.