Watch: Knew about sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers since 1990s, says Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama has said there is "nothing new" to the allegations of sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers.

While speaking to the Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Saturday, the Dalai Lama said the problem had been "mentioned" in front of him in the early 1990s.

"Twenty-five years ago... someone mentioned about a problem of sexual allegations" at a conference for western Buddhist teachers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama said.

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"I already did know these things, (it's) nothing new," he added.

Twelve of the victims, who alleged they were abused physically and psychologically by Tibetan Buddhist teachers in the Netherlands and Belgium, had launched a petition asking to meet the 83-year-old during his current trip to the Netherland.

A group using the hashtag #MeTooGuru gathered some 1,300 signatures so that the Dalai Lama would receive their testimonies.

"We found refuge in Buddhism with an open mind and heart, until we were raped in its name," the alleged victims said in their petition.

The Dalai Lama, 83, lives in exile in Dharamshala.

Acknowledging the issue, the Dalai Lama said the perpetrators of such crimes are far away from the teachings of Buddha.

"They don't care about Buddhism," he said, adding that a decision would be taken by Tibetan spiritual leaders on the issue while meeting in Dharamshala in November this year.

Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, a representative of the Tibetan spiritual leader in Europe, said Friday that the Dalai Lama "has consistently denounced such irresponsible and unethical behaviour".

Tibetan spiritual leaders are due to meet in Dharamshala in November.

"At that time they should talk about it," the Dalai Lama said in his televised comments Saturday. "I think the religious leaders should pay more attention."

(With inputs from AFP)