Tragic Passing of Abbot Tulku Humkar Dorje: A Call for Justice and Accountability
In a deeply concerning incident that has reverberated across Tibetan communities, the death of Tulku Humkar Dorje, a prominent abbot from Golog prefecture in Qinghai province, has sparked international outrage and calls for investigation. The 56-year-old religious leader died under unexplained circumstances while in Vietnamese police custody in Ho Chi Minh City on March 29, 2025. Following the tragic news, the Dalai Lama offered prayers for the abbot on April 9, while human rights advocates are urging a thorough investigation by the Vietnamese authorities.
Background of the Abbot’s Life and Contributions
Tulku Humkar Dorje was well-known for his dedication to preserving Tibetan culture and education. Born to Lama Pema Tumdrag Dorje, the founder of Lung-Ngon Monastery, he was recognized for his significant contributions to both religious and cultural initiatives. After studying at Drepung Gomang Monastery in India from 1989 to 1994, and further studies in the United States, he was enthroned as the tenth abbot of Lung-Ngon Monastery in 2002 with the Chinese government’s approval.
Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to improve the educational landscape for Tibetan students. He founded the Qinghai Province Gesar Charity Foundation in 2004 and later established vocational studies centers, primary and secondary schools, and numerous monastic teaching facilities. His efforts provided thousands of Tibetan children in rural areas with access to free education, helping to preserve the Tibetan language and culture in an increasingly repressive environment.
Circumstances Surrounding His Death
Abbot Humkar Dorje’s death is enveloped in mystery and raises substantial concerns regarding the oppressive climate faced by Tibetan exiles. Reports indicate that he had been missing since November 2024, with local authorities in Gade County suppressing public discussions about his disappearance. The lack of transparency intensified when officials presented a death certificate on April 1, shocking the community.
The circumstances of his death have drawn parallels to a pattern of transnational repression, particularly by the Chinese government, which has demonstrated a willingness to target Tibetan leaders, educators, and advocates. His disappearance amidst a crackdown on Tibetan cultural expression and the monopolizing of religious authority by the Chinese state has exacerbated fears within the Tibetan community.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a statement on the same day the Dalai Lama prayed for the abbot, emphasizing the need for a credible investigation into the death. HRW’s associate China director, Maya Wang, highlighted the troubling implications of Humkar Dorje’s passing, given the history of severe repression faced by Tibetans and the systematic attempts to silence voices advocating for Tibetan rights.
Wang has called on the Vietnamese government to take appropriate action by investigating the circumstances surrounding the abbot’s death and providing transparency through autopsy findings to his family. The organization’s statement reflects broader concerns about Vietnam’s complicity in China’s oppressive practices which often play out on foreign soil.
The Unyielding Hope for Justice
As calls for justice reverberate within the Tibetan diaspora, local leaders, including Khenpo Ju Tenkyong of the Amnye Machen Tibetan Cultural Research Centre, pointed to the futility of seeking justice from the Chinese government, known for suppressing dissent and critical voices. However, they emphasized that the Vietnamese authorities have a responsibility to thoroughly probe this incident, as it occurred within their jurisdiction.
The abbot’s legacy as a protector of Tibetan education and culture continues to inspire hope among those advocating for justice and accountability. As investigations unfold, the International community must remain vigilant, pressing for answers and supporting the efforts to uphold human rights and cultural preservation in Tibet.
Conclusion
The tragic passing of Abbot Tulku Humkar Dorje serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by Tibetan figures in their quest for cultural preservation and spiritual leadership. With international attention focused on this poignant case, there lies a crucial opportunity for human rights organizations and governments to advocate for the accountability and protection of Tibetan rights, ensuring that such acts of repression do not go unanswered.