Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 5: A coalition of 146 global Tibetan organizations worldwide have jointly appealed to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), a body that oversees Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA), to restore Tibetan-language programming at these outlets, highlighting their critical role in providing independent news to Tibetans under Chinese repressive rule.
In a letter addressed to the USAGM advisor Kari Lake, the coalition emphasised the importance of VOA and RFA in countering Chinese propaganda and ensuring Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, and others living under repression have access to reliable information. The groups warned that discontinuing these services would not only weaken U.S. efforts to challenge Beijing’s influence but also pose risks to America’s national security, economic interests, and diplomatic standing—particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Among the signatories are leading Tibetan advocacy and human rights organizations that further stressed the importance of these broadcasts for Tibetans who rely on them for updates on Tibet, China, and the U.S. “They listen with a particular thirst for news concerning the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government in exile, the Tibetan Freedom Movement, and the American people, whom they view as reliable allies in the fight for freedom, and with whom they share values of liberty, justice and democracy,” the letter stated.
Tenzin Yangzom, Campaigns Coordinator at the International Tibet Network, described the shutdown as more than just a loss of news access, “The shutdown of Radio Free Asia and the suspension of Voice of America’s Tibetan broadcasts isn’t just about lost news—it’s about cutting off a vital lifeline for Tibetans living under occupation. For millions, VOA and RFA aren’t just sources of information; they’re a lens to the world, offering hope, truth, and a reminder that they’re not forgotten. We urge the U.S. Agency for Global Media to restore these broadcasts without delay, showing the people of Tibet—and the world—that America stands firm in its support for freedom, truth, and human dignity.”
Dr. Lobsang Yangtso, Asia Regional Coordinator at the International Tibet Network, highlighted the strategic importance of these Tibetan-language services, “The strategic importance of VOA and RFA Tibetan broadcasts cannot be overstated. For decades, they have served as a vital pillar in countering Beijing’s narrative and preserving Tibetan language and cultural identity in the face of relentless assimilation policies. Discontinuing these services not only isolates Tibetans but also weakens the international community’s understanding of the true situation inside Tibet. Restoring these broadcasts is not just about providing news; it’s about safeguarding a people’s right to their own story and holding the CCP accountable for its actions.”
