National Endowment for Democracy 230d ago

In 1995, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama. Just three days after the announcement, Chinese authorities abducted the boy and his family—making him the world’s youngest political prisoner.  Thirty years have passed since that day. His fate still remains unknown.  The Democracy Service Medal was accepted by Zeekyab Rinpoche, Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. This award honors Tibet’s struggle and the right of all faith communities to choose their own spiritual leaders, free from authoritarian control. About the Democracy Service Medal: The Democracy Service Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated, through personal commitment, their dedication to the advancement of freedom and human rights, and to the building of democratic institutions. The National Endowment for Democracy is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. Each year, NED makes more than 2,000 grants to support the projects of non-governmental groups abroad who are working for democratic goals in more than 100 countries. Learn more at https://www.ned.org/ Follow NED: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/National.Endowment.for.Democracy Twitter - https://twitter.com/nedemocracy Instagram - https://instagram.com/nedemocracy/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-endowment-for-democracy/