Tibetans in Europe

Abstract

This article, mostly based on the information given to the authors by representatives of Tibetan Communities in Europe, focuses on Tibetans in Europe. It tackles the difficult question of statistical data before addressing the current situation of Tibetans in Europe, and more specifically in Switzerland, France and Germany, which constitute very different cases, both in terms of the socio-economic positions held by the Tibetans and in terms of the relationship established by the Tibetans with the countries of residence. It then deals with the link Tibetans in Europe have with the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, notably through the Offices of Tibet established in Geneva, Paris, Brussels and London. It also addresses the question of how Tibetans can work as a group in Europe. It thus looks at the type of connection that Tibetan associations and non-governmental organisations, Tibet support groups, as well as Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist centres can help establish between Tibetans throughout Europe. It concludes by examining the attraction of Europe to young Tibetans: what are indeed the new possibilities and challenges they face when coming to Europe?

Keywords:

• Tibet
• refugees
• exile
• diaspora
• Europe
• government-in-exile