Frequently Asked Questions

What is TibetInfoNet?
TibetInfoNet is a new non-profit organisation that, as the sole truly independent organisation of its type, provides a balanced and comprehensive information service about contemporary Tibet.

What does TibetInfoNet do?
TibetInfoNet monitors the situation within Tibet, analyses developments on the basis of independent expert knowledge and disseminates information through internet-based reports, electronic mailings and occasional publications. TibetInfoNet’s reports also cover Tibet-related events and developments outside Tibet when these are relevant to gain a better understanding of the ‘wider picture’.
TibetInfoNet translates parts of its output into Tibetan and Chinese and makes the translations available on its website www.TibetInfoNet.net.
TibetInfoNet’s website provides an on-line resource in several languages which offers, through text and images, comprehensive background information on today’s Tibet.
TibetInfoNet also provides a confidential briefing and expertise service to governments, international organisations, NGOs, corporations and individuals dealing with contemporary Tibet.
TibetInfoNet operates thanks to international contributions, but it strives to provide Tibetans in particular with opportunities to contribute to its activities at all levels, including research, writing, support etc.
TibetInfoNet seeks to support the nascent civil society in the People’s Republic of China.

Is TibetInfoNet a news organisation?
TibetInfoNet aims to be an information provider in the widest sense of the word. Although this includes news, we do not strive to be a news agency focused solely on Tibet. Rather, we select stories on the basis of our own and others’ sources for their relevance in providing a better understanding of the social, political, cultural and ecological issues which shape the daily lives of Tibetans within Tibet. We do not aspire to provide comprehensive news coverage, but aim to present to an international audience – and to Tibetan and Chinese communities - an in-depth, well-informed and articulate picture of today’s Tibet in all its complexity and its constant evolution.

Is TibetInfoNet an academic institution?
TibetInfoNet is not itself an academic institution. It strives for academic standards in its research work, and seeks contributions from academic circles, but publishes reports accessible to a wide international public. TibetInfoNet seeks knowledge and expertise not for its own sake, but with the view of contributing to well-informed opinion making, and to apply it in practice for the benefit of Tibetans inside Tibet.

Is TibetInfoNet a lobby group?
TibetInfoNet is not a lobbying group and has no political agenda. TibetInfoNet, for example, does not take a stance over whether or not Tibet should be a part of the PRC. Instead, on the basis of existing facts, it assesses and reports the impact on the Tibetan people, both positive and negative, of the political situation as it is.

Is TibetInfoNet unbiased?
There can be no doubt that concern for the situation in Tibet is the reason for the existence of TibetInfoNet. TibetInfoNet is also committed to human rights and a free and uncontrolled flow of information, freedom of expression, including the right to free public debate on issues of general interest. TibetInfoNet does its best to depict the situation in Tibet in the most fair and accurate way possible. TibetInfoNet does not time its output to coincide with particular events but we do our best to keep readers abreast of developments with reports that are always current and relevant. TibetInfoNet does not make policy recommendations and welcomes and respects plurality of views. TibetInfoNet does not expect commitment to any specific view from its contributors and supporters. TibetInfoNet strives to provide information to those who want to understand all facets of the situation in Tibet in order that they can form their own opinion.

How does TibetInfoNet monitor information from Tibet?
TibetInfoNet gets first-hand information from sources within Tibet, as well as from Tibetans and non-Tibetans in close contact with people living and working in Tibet. TibetInfoNet does its utmost to protect the anonymity of its sources, except if they have expressively agreed to be mentioned or are already in the public domain. In addition, TibetInfoNet monitors international media and academic journals, particularly those in the PRC. The information received is assessed and analysed with contributions from experts in Tibetan and Chinese affairs.

How does TibetInfoNet work?
TibetInfoNet is an international decentralised network of individuals, Tibetans and non-Tibetans, with expert knowledge of the many issues facing contemporary Tibet. TibetInfoNet relies on freelance contributors and a small part-time support staff based in a number of countries.

What is the relationship between TibetInfoNet and Tibet Information Network?
TibetInfoNet is a new and fully independent organisation. As such, it has no legal or institutional relationship with the now defunct Tibet Information Network. However, TibetInfoNet was founded as a private initiative by a network of contributors to Tibet Information Network, some former staff members and long-term supporters. TibetInfoNet intends to pursue the same mission as Tibet Information Network and fill the gap left by its demise.

Is TibetInfoNet affiliated to any other organisations?
TibetInfoNet is fully independent and has no formal links to any other organisations. However, TibetInfoNet seeks cooperation and links with other research and information gathering bodies working in Tibet or the Tibetan region, academics, both individual and organisations, companies investing in Tibetan regions and the PRC, and formal and informal research organisations. TibetInfoNet is, in principle, ready to cooperate with any person, institution, national or international body that share an interest in contemporary Tibet, regardless of their ideological, religious or political convictions. However, TibetInfoNet would refuse to cooperate with anybody who placed conditions that would lead to the exclusion of any other potential partner. Cooperation does not, by any means, imply an endorsement of any other individual or institution’s positions.

Who works for TibetInfoNet?
TibetInfoNet does not employ a full-time staff, but relies for research and writing, as well as for administration and fundraising on a pool of paid contributors and volunteers, as well as on suppliers providing services at reduced rates for charitable purposes. TibetInfoNet also offers internships.

What is TibetInfoNet’s funding policy?
TibetInfoNet is a non-profit organisation with existing or pending charitable status in several countries. As such, TibetInfoNet depends fully on institutional or private donations. Subscription to TibetInfoNet is free and TibetInfoNet does not charge fees for advice or services but welcomes donations. TibetInfoNet will only identify donors if this is what the donor wants. Although TibetInfoNet accepts funds from any source and reasonable work plans can be agreed upon, at no point will TibetInfoNet accept funds under conditions that will influence its editorial or institutional policy. TibetInfoNet also does not accept funds from a specific institution or individual under conditions that funds from another institution or individual are rejected.

How can I support TibetInfoNet?
Since TibetInfoNet does not have a formal subscription system it relies on funding from its readership. Currently donations can be made in Euros and UK Sterling. If you wish to donate to TibetInfoNet, please click here for information.

What else can I do?
There are many ways in which you can help TibetInfoNet to fulfil its mission. For example, you can participate in our information gathering activities by contributing photographs, maps or observations made during visits to Tibet. You can be assured that any contributions will be handled with discretion. You can also help by further disseminating our output, translating it into other languages and by inviting other interested people to subscribe to our mailing list. TibetInfoNet also relies on volunteers and anyone wishing to provide practical help or to be considered for an internship should contact us. If you have any suggestions about other contributions to the work of TibetInfoNet, please contact us.

How can I receive TibetInfoNet’s output?
You can subscribe to TibetInfoNet’s output by sending an email message to subscribe@tibetinfonet.net. Subscriptions are completely free of charge, however, whenever possible, a donation would be most welcome. We do not share our mailing list with any other organisation.