Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 27: The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) has conferred its prestigious Snow Lion Human Rights Award on longtime human rights defender Dr. Sophie Richardson and Tibetan Buddhist scholar Geshe Lobsang Monlam at a ceremony held in Berlin. The award, endowed with €3,000, was presented by ICT Chairman Richard Gere in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of human rights and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
In her laudatory address, ICT President Tencho Gyatso praised Dr. Richardson’s decades-long commitment to human rights, describing her as a fearless advocate who has consistently spoken out against indifference and repression. “Sophie’s unwavering determination to keep pushing, keep speaking out, and repeatedly stand against indifference has inspired so many,” Tencho said, recalling her pivotal role as Asia Director at Human Rights Watch in drawing global attention ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “What also impresses me is Sophie’s fearlessness and her deep sense of responsibility to the people whose stories she tells,” she added.
Accepting the honor, Dr. Richardson expressed humility and solidarity with the Tibetan people. “To be recognized in the company of so many remarkable people—activists, artists, diplomats, scholars, and parliamentarians—fills me with deep humility,” she said. “Tibetans have demonstrated resilience in their pursuit of basic human rights—the ability to live their identity, faith, language, culture, and traditions without fear. We can, we must, and we will—together—demonstrate this determination and solidarity in pursuit of a human rights–respecting regime in Beijing and a free Tibet.”
Tulku Tenzin Thosam Rinpoche, Executive Board Member of Tibet House Germany, presented the award to Geshe Lobsang Monlam, lauding his lifelong dedication to Tibetan language and culture. “Dr. Lobsang Monlam’s life is not just a biography—it reflects the Tibetan spirit itself: resilient, innovative, and filled with eternal compassion,” Rinpoche remarked. “Through monumental projects such as the 223-volume Great Tibetan Dictionary and the visionary Monlam AI, he ensures that Tibet’s voice continues to resonate clearly, powerfully, and timelessly into the future.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of his team, Geshe Monlam said, “Thank you very much for recognizing our work. We must find a way for our language and culture to survive in this rapidly changing world.”
The Washington-based ICT annually gives the Snow Lion award to individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional courage and dedication in advancing human rights, democracy, and the preservation of threatened cultures across Tibet, China, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Established by ICT Germany, the award was originally intended to honor journalists reporting on Tibet. In 2022, it was redefined as a human rights prize and first presented on October 15 of that year at Berlin’s Umweltforum. Previous recipients include Dr. Adrian Zenz, the Tibet Film Festival, activist Lhadon Tethong, and the organization Freedom for Hong Kong.
