Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, May 3: The Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ), a collective of Tibetan journalists in exile, commemorated World Press Freedom Day with a panel discussion focused on the role and rights of the exile Tibetan media.
Held on Saturday in the capital of the exile Tibetan diaspora, the occasion brought together journalists and media professionals to reflect on the protections guaranteed under the Charter of Tibetans in Exile. The panel also explored the evolving relationship between Tibetan advocacy groups and the media operating in exile.
An award ceremony was also held to honor Pema Ngodup, a journalist of Radio Free Asia, in recognition of his 23 years of dedicated service to the Tibetan community through journalism.
The event was graced by the chief guest, MP Tsering Yangchen, a Standing Committee member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE). The panel discussion featured Sonam Tsering, Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), and was moderated by Ngawang Jangchup, a journalist for Voice of Tibet (VoT).
MP Tsering Yangchen emphasised the rights of Tibetan journalists by referencing Chapter II, Article 12(4) of the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, which guarantees the fundamental freedom to publish and distribute newspapers, periodicals, and other types of articles. In response to a question from fellow journalists about whether the Standing Committee would support a resolution on the Right to Information (RTI) if proposed by the Association of Tibetan Journalists, the MP stated that while she could not speak on behalf of the entire committee, she would personally support such a resolution is tabled for discussion in the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Fellow panellist Sonam Tsering highlighted the important relationship between advocacy groups and the exile Tibetan media, noting that media outlets serve as key sources of information and play a vital role in amplifying the advocacy efforts of rights-based organizations to the broader public. He further acknowledged the exile Tibetan media’s continued efforts in countering China’s misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
In his address, Kelsang Jinpa, President of the Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ), voiced deep concern and disappointment over the U.S. government’s decision to cut funding for the Tibetan-language services of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). He urged the immediate restoration of both services, emphasizing that their closure would mark a significant loss to the Tibetan community and to two vital pillars of democracy—independent media and the free flow of information. He also cited Reporters Without Borders’ latest annual report on press freedom, which ranks China as the third worst country among 180 for media freedom.
Calling attention to the dire situation inside Tibet, he appealed to the Chinese government to end its repressive policies in Tibet and other ethnic minority regions, as well as against Chinese democracy activists. “The time has come for the Chinese government to halt all repressive policies being implemented in Tibet, release all Tibetan political prisoners, and return territorial sovereignty to the Tibetan people,” he stated.
The Association of Tibetan Journalists is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1997 in Dharamshala by a group of exile Tibetan journalists. Its mission is to promote the free, fair, and accurate dissemination of information concerning the Tibetan community, both inside Tibet and in exile. The association also serves as a watchdog of the Central Tibetan Administration, monitoring its democratic processes, while working to safeguard the welfare and professional rights of Tibetan journalists within their field of work.
