The Prague Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief 2025 reaffirms the Tibetan Buddhist community’s exclusive right to select the successor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama without state interference, emphasizing the importance of religious autonomy. The declaration was issued during the fifth anniversary conference of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) held at Prague Castle, with participants including Czech President Petr Pavel, UN Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea, and representatives from various countries. The declaration explicitly states that the right to determine religious leaders must be free from political influence, directly addressing concerns over China’s attempts to manipulate the Dalai Lama’s succession process. Tibetan leaders, including Sikyong Penpa Tsering, warned that China seeks to appoint a puppet Dalai Lama to control Tibetans and their spiritual heritage. The Tibetan leadership and international community strongly oppose Chinese interference, emphasizing that the spiritual decision must remain a purely religious matter. The declaration also highlights that the Tibetan community’s right to choose their spiritual leader is a fundamental human right and a vital aspect of Tibetan identity. The conference and declaration serve as a global reaffirmation of support for Tibetan religious and spiritual independence, with the Tibetan government-in-exile and international allies condemning China’s efforts to interfere in religious succession.