On 13 May 2026, representatives of the Coalition for Human Rights in China and Inner Asia met with Karen Burbach, Head of the China Unit at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other ministry officials to discuss human rights concerns affecting Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Southern Mongolians and other communities under Chinese rule.
The coalition delegation included representatives from the International Campaign for Tibet, NGO DEI, NL4HK, Vereniging Free Uyghur!, Stichting Europa Oost-Turkestan Educatie Centrum, the Southern Mongolia Congress, the Tibetan Community Netherlands, Tibet Support Group Netherlands, and Students for a Free Tibet Netherlands.
The meeting began with introductions from both sides, followed by opening remarks from coalition coordinator Wangpo Tethong, Executive Director of International Campaign for Tibet Europe. Each participating organisation then provided a brief statement outlining key developments and concerns affecting their respective communities.
Representatives of the Tibetan organisations focused in particular on China's new Ethnic Unity Law and the serious concerns it raises for the future of Tibetan identity, language, culture and education. They highlighted the law's role in further institutionalising assimilation policies and stressed the importance of continued European attention and coordinated action ahead of the law's implementation.
The meeting concluded with an open and constructive discussion on human rights developments in China and Inner Asia, as well as opportunities for continued dialogue and engagement between the coalition and the Dutch government.
EU4TIBET is a campaign led jointly by the Tibet Interest Group of the European Parliament, the International Campaign for Tibet and the Office of Tibet Brussels, with the significant support of the International Tibet Network, Tibet Support Groups and Tibetan Communities in Europe.
