Survivors of religious persecution, global activists, and U.S. lawmakers gathered at the U.S. Capitol on China’s 76th National Day to spotlight the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) harsh crackdown on faith communities. The event, called “Faith Under Siege: Confronting Religious Persecution and Oppression in China,” brought urgent attention to the growing threats facing Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kong residents, Christians, and Falun Gong followers.
One of the most gripping stories came from Namkyi, a former Tibetan political prisoner. She shared her painful experience from a 2015 protest in Ngaba County, Tibet, where she and her sister Tenzin Dolma stood up against Chinese authorities. After their arrest, they endured brutal treatment: solitary confinement, forced military drills, political brainwashing sessions, grueling labor, rotten food, and no medical care. Namkyi showed photos from the protest to drive home the CCP’s ruthless tactics to crush dissent in Tibet.
Held at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center’s Congressional Auditorium and Atrium, the conference drew 27 speakers from diverse groups hit hard by China’s religious oppression. Organizers included heavy hitters like the International Republican Institute (IRI), International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), Center for Uyghur Studies, Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, Uyghur American Association, International Religious Freedom Summit, Office of Tibet, and Luke Alliance. It stood out as a powerful unity effort for those escaping CCP repression.
IRI President Daniel Twining kicked things off by stressing why religious freedom matters so much. “Religious liberty sits at the heart of all human rights,” he said. “It ties together every other freedom we hold dear.” Damon Wilson, head of the National Endowment for Democracy, agreed, warning that China’s attacks on faith groups create a worldwide problem that demands action.
Former Students for Free Tibet campaigner Chemi Lhamo called the event a direct hit against China’s propaganda machine. She pushed for everyday people around the globe to back laws that fight back against CCP lies and support religious freedom.
Other voices joined in, like ICT’s Tenzin Gyatso and Tibet Action Institute’s Bhuchung Tsering, along with Uyghur, Hong Kong, Christian, and Falun Gong advocates. They recounted chilling tales of forced labor camps, constant surveillance, forced indoctrination, and wrongful imprisonments—painting a full picture of China’s broad assault on religious rights.
The conference highlighted how the CCP’s policies threaten not just individuals but global human rights, urging stronger international pushback against religious persecution in China.
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