From 26–28 November, TLA Legal Counsel-cum-General Secretary, Ms. Tenzin Dolkar, had the honour of attending the 18th United Nations Forum on Minority Issues at the United Nations Office in Geneva, convened by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The Forum brought together UN officials, human rights experts, minority-rights advocates, civil society organizations, academics, and representatives of minority communities from around the world. It provided an important international platform for dialogue, enabling participants to exchange experiences, examine global challenges faced by minorities, and reflect on policy development and best practices for the protection and promotion of minority rights.
Representing the Tibetan Legal Association (TLA), Ms. Dolkar actively participated in plenary sessions, panel discussions, side events, and stakeholder dialogues. The discussions focused on key thematic areas such as cultural and linguistic rights, legal protections for minorities, issues of statelessness, access to justice, and the role of minority communities in preserving their identity and heritage. The Forum also emphasized the importance of inclusive policymaking and meaningful participation of minorities in decision-making processes at national and international levels.
Participation in this Forum strengthened TLA’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms and provided valuable insights into comparative approaches adopted by different countries and communities. It also offered an opportunity to network with global stakeholders and reaffirm the importance of international advocacy in addressing the concerns of Tibetan communities in exile.
TLA extends its sincere gratitude to the Office of Tibet, Geneva, and Representative Madam Thinlay Chukki la, for their continued support, guidance, and facilitation throughout the Forum.
TLA remains firmly committed to advancing minority rights, strengthening legal awareness, and supporting Tibetan communities in the diaspora. Through continued engagement with international forums and human rights bodies, TLA will persist in advocating for dignity, equality, cultural preservation, and meaningful representation of minority communities worldwide.
