Dharamshala, India — On World Press Freedom Day, the Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ) gathered in Dharamshala to spotlight the urgent need to preserve the Tibetan language. The ATJ, an organisation of Tibetan journalists in exile, adopted the theme “We are the custodians of our language. Let us learn, use, and promote the Tibetan language,” a message inspired by recent appeals from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to safeguard Tibetan linguistic and cultural heritage.
The event drew reporters and media professionals from the Tibetan diaspora and highlighted growing concerns about policies inside Tibet that, attendees said, threaten the next generation’s ability to speak their native tongue. Delegates pointed to China’s recently enacted legislation on “ethnic unity and progress” and the expanding use of boarding-school systems as mechanisms that, according to participants, contribute to cultural assimilation and language erosion.
ATJ President Kelsang Jinpa, speaking at the observance, said that even in exile Tibetans remain committed to defending freedom, equality, justice and human rights. He described press freedom advocacy as part of building a democratic future for Tibet and said observing the day was a matter of pride and dignity for journalists living under displacement.
The ATJ issued four principal demands to Chinese authorities: the immediate and unconditional release of all Tibetan political prisoners, including the 11th Panchen Lama, with full transparency on their status and whereabouts; unfettered access for international and exile Tibetan journalists to report from Tibet; the unconditional resumption of Sino-Tibetan dialogue to seek a negotiated resolution; and an end to policies that place young Tibetan children in boarding schools, alongside guarantees for their right to learn and use the Tibetan language and preserve their culture.
The statement also criticized the “Ethnic Unity and Progress” law as a threat to Tibetan religion, culture and language. Founded in Dharamshala in 1997, the ATJ is an independent non-profit whose stated mission is to promote free, fair and accurate information about the Tibetan community both inside Tibet and among exiles.
