Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 15: The exile Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and the Washington-based advocacy group, International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), expressed profound sorrow over the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, remembering him as a steadfast supporter of the Tibetan people and a committed advocate for Tibet in the United States Congress.
Senator Lindsey Graham reportedly passed away on 12 July at the age of 71. The reported cause of death was an aortic dissection related to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
On behalf of the CTA and the Tibetan people, the Tibetan political leader extended heartfelt condolences to the late senator’s family, friends, and colleagues. In his condolence message, the Sikyong recalled his recent meeting with Senator Graham, during which the senator reflected on his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and spoke of the profound impact it had on him.
The CTA President expressed deep appreciation for Senator Graham’s steadfast support for Tibet-related initiatives in the U.S. Congress and acknowledged the valuable guidance and assistance provided by his office in securing annual U.S. funding for programmes benefiting the Tibetan exile community.
Thanking the late senator for his unwavering friendship and support, President Tsering said Senator Graham would be remembered with deep gratitude and respect for his enduring contributions to the Tibetan cause. He concluded his message by offering prayers and condolences, saying, “May his noble deeds light his path in the afterlife, and may he attain a swift rebirth.”
The International Campaign for Tibet also issued a statement extending its heartfelt condolences to Senator Graham’s family, friends, and colleagues. Describing him as a true friend of the Tibetan people, ICT highlighted his meetings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elected Tibetan leadership, as well as his consistent efforts to safeguard Tibet’s unique religious, cultural, and linguistic heritage.
ICT noted that Senator Graham most recently emerged as a leading bipartisan voice opposing China’s “Ethnic Unity and Progress” law. He joined the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s bipartisan condemnation of the legislation and co-led a bipartisan letter to Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng, urging Beijing to reverse its policy of forced assimilation and respect the fundamental rights of Tibetans and other ethnic and religious communities.
The rights group also recognised Senator Graham’s influential role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, including his tenure as Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee. During his leadership, Congress maintained robust support for programmes that preserve Tibet’s religion, culture, and language, strengthen the Central Tibetan Administration, cultivate future Tibetan leaders, and promote democratic resilience.
Paying tribute to the late senator, ICT President Tencho Gyatso said, “Senator Graham understood that the struggle of the Tibetan people is ultimately about preserving a people’s identity, dignity, and freedom. We are deeply grateful for his support and willingness to speak out at critical moments, and his long commitment to the Tibetan cause will be remembered by the Tibetan people with enduring gratitude.”