TCHRD Report Details Increased Political And Ideological Controls In Tibet

The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) has released its 2025 report on the human rights situation in Tibet, alleging that Chinese authorities have significantly expanded political and ideological control across the region. Unveiled in Dharamshala, the report claims that state policies now extend beyond political governance into religion, language, education and cultural expression, affecting nearly every aspect of Tibetan life. According to the organisation, these measures are aimed at reshaping Tibetan identity and strengthening loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The report states that throughout 2025, the Chinese government continued to implement legal reforms, administrative regulations, surveillance mechanisms and political campaigns designed to reinforce state authority in Tibetan areas. TCHRD argues that policies centered on “national unity,” “ethnic harmony,” and “stability maintenance” have resulted in tighter restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, expression, education and peaceful assembly. The organisation further alleges that Tibetans continue to face risks of arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance under existing governance frameworks.

Citing international assessments, the report notes that Freedom House, in its Freedom in the World 2025 report, assigned China a score of 9 out of 100, categorizing the country as “Not Free,” while Tibet received a score of 0 out of 100. TCHRD contends that recent legal and policy changes have further institutionalized state control over religious institutions, educational systems and cultural practices. The report argues that these measures are part of a broader policy of “Sinicization,” under which Tibetan cultural and religious identities are increasingly subordinated to state-defined national objectives.

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Particular concern was raised over revised regulations governing Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. According to the report, the new measures require monasteries and monastic personnel to uphold CCP leadership, promote socialist values and strengthen political education. The regulations reportedly impose stricter oversight of monastic enrollment, religious activities, finances and movement, reducing the autonomy traditionally exercised by Tibetan Buddhist institutions. TCHRD claims these policies deepen political influence over religious practice and further limit independent cultural expression.

The report also highlighted the case of Tibetan religious leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje, whose death in Vietnam following detention during an operation allegedly involving Chinese and Vietnamese authorities drew international attention. TCHRD described the incident as one of the most serious cases documented during the year and said it raised concerns about transnational repression and the treatment of Tibetans beyond China's borders. The organisation stated that the case has generated widespread concern among Tibetans and human rights advocates worldwide.

Calling for greater transparency and accountability, TCHRD urged Chinese authorities to repeal laws and policies that it says restrict fundamental rights. The organisation also called for an end to political indoctrination campaigns in monasteries, schools and local institutions, while advocating stronger protections for Tibetan language, culture and religion. Additionally, the report urged the Chinese government to safeguard mother tongue-based education, halt the forced closure of Tibetan schools and ensure that parents retain the right to make educational decisions that preserve their children's cultural identity and heritage.

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