[Dharamsala, India] — A coalition of 146 Tibetan organisations worldwide has launched an urgent appeal to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), calling for the immediate and full restoration of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) Tibetan language services. [1] These broadcasts represent a critical lifeline for millions of Tibetans inside Tibet, living under the Chinese Communist Party’s oppressive regime, offering an indispensable source of uncensored information in a region ravaged by state-imposed media blackout.

Tenzin Yangzom, Campaigns Coordinator at International Tibet Network, said: “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 International Tibet Network, said: “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.”

The joint letter underscores the alarming reality that the elimination of these services directly emboldens the Chinese government, dismantling America’s strategic efforts to combat disinformation and champion human rights in Tibet. These broadcasts serve as a potent counterforce to the CCP’s relentless propaganda, exposing the harsh realities of life under its iron-fisted rule and bolstering the resilience of Tibetans in their unwavering pursuit of freedom.

The global Tibetan movement calls upon the USAGM to act with immediate urgency, reinstating comprehensive Tibetan language programming at VOA and RFA. This decisive action is imperative to uphold America’s foundational commitment to freedom of expression and to demonstrate unwavering solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for survival and self-determination.

Contacts:
Tenzin Yangzom: +1 617-682-6977⁩
Lobsang Yangtso: ⁨+91 88265 07768⁩
Mandie McKeown: mandie@tibetnetwork.org