Prague Declaration upholds Tibetans’ sole right to choose next Dalai Lama

The Prague Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief 2025 has delivered a clear and forceful reaffirmation of the Tibetan Buddhist community’s exclusive authority to determine the successor to the 14th Dalai Lama. The declaration underscores that the reincarnation process must remain untouched by political pressure or state involvement, echoing the appeal made earlier by Penpa Tsering, President (Sikyong) of the Tibetan government-in-exile, during the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) conference in Prague.

The fifth-anniversary IRFBA conference, held at Prague Castle on November 12-13, culminated in the release of a declaration by Ambassador Robert Rehak, Chair of the Alliance. Member states reaffirmed that freedom of religion or belief includes the “freedom to choose religious leaders free from state interference,” a statement seen as a direct response to mounting concerns over attempts to influence the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama.

In a session titled “Tribute to the Dalai Lama as Religious Leader of Tibetan Buddhism,” Penpa Tsering presented Ambassador Rehak with a letter from the Dalai Lama. He warned that China’s efforts to shape the reincarnation process form part of a broader push to tighten control over Tibetans. He urged the alliance to consider issuing a formal communiqué defending Tibet’s religious autonomy.

The Prague Declaration explicitly asserts that the Tibetan Buddhist community alone holds the right to identify the next Dalai Lama, free from external interference. The event saw participation from Czech President Petr Pavel, UN Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea, and Nigerian rights advocate Mubarak Bala. Tibetan representatives, including Telo Tulku Rinpoche and the 13th Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche, were also present.

Welcoming the declaration, CTA representative Thinlay Chukki said it offered an “unequivocal affirmation” of Tibetans’ spiritual rights and sent a strong signal of global solidarity.