Washington Appoints New U.S. Envoy for Tibetan Human Rights

By Uyghur Times Staff

Feb 23, 2026

The United States has appointed Riley M. Barnes as the new U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, a role mandated by Congress under the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002. Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 17, 2026, coinciding with Losar—the Tibetan New Year—the designation underscores Washington’s ongoing commitment to advancing human rights, religious freedom, cultural preservation, and linguistic heritage for Tibetans.

Barnes, who concurrently serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), will coordinate U.S. policies aimed at protecting Tibet’s unique identity. This includes promoting meaningful dialogue between the People’s Republic of China and representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, countering disinformation, supporting access to Tibet, addressing humanitarian needs of Tibetan refugees, and advocating for sustainable development and environmental conservation on the Tibetan Plateau. The appointment has been welcomed by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala and organizations like the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), which highlight it as a continuation of bipartisan U.S. support for the Tibetan cause.

The official statement by Rubio reads: “On this auspicious occasion, I am also pleased to announce that I have designated Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Riley M. Barnes to serve as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.”

U.S. officials emphasized that the move reaffirms America’s dedication to safeguarding Tibetans’ unalienable rights amid ongoing concerns over restrictions on religious practices, cultural assimilation, and language suppression in Tibetan regions under Chinese administration.

“We are indeed grateful to President Donald J Trump and Senator Marco Rubio for this important appointment and congratulate Assistant Secretary Riley M Barnes on his new role as the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues,” said Karma Choeying, Secretary of the CTA’s Department of International Relations.

In response, China’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the appointment, describing the Special Coordinator position as a “purely political measure” that constitutes interference in China’s internal affairs. Beijing reiterated its long-standing position that Tibet-related matters are strictly domestic and that it does not recognize the role.

This development occurs against the backdrop of sustained international scrutiny of human rights conditions in Tibet, with the U.S. continuing to use diplomatic tools to highlight these issues. The timely announcement during Losar celebrations, including Barnes hosting the State Department’s annual Losar reception, signals a renewed emphasis on engaging with Tibetan communities and advocates.