Dharamshala — More than 60 Tibetans shaved their heads in solidarity with Tibetan martyr Lobga Rangzen and all those who have sacrificed their lives for a free Tibet; Lobga Rangzen had set himself on fire in front of the United Nations headquarters to protest against China's illegal occupation of Tibet, its oppressive actions in the region, and the genocidal policies implementing in Tibet.
This Head-shaving movement took place in front of United Nations headquarters, in New York, on July 30, 2026 and it is orgainsed by 19th Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of NY&NY. They said,"This act of sacrifice is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and the independence of our nation. We call upon the United Nations to uphold the principles it was founded on and stand for justice. The world cannot remain silent."
They collected the shaved hair and wrote "Justice for Lobga Rangzen" to commemorate Lhogar Rangren's sacrifice for a free and independent Tibet and to seek justice for him. They also shouted slogans such as "Justice for Lhogar Rangren," "Free Tibet," "China, out of Tibet now," and "United Nations, wake up" in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Following the head-shaving movement, hundreds of Tibetans gathered in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York, the site where Tibetan martyr Lobga Rangzen self-immolated. They protested China's forced invasion of Tibet, destruction of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, environmental damage, and the killing of over two million Tibetans, and its continued repressive and harsh policies against Tibetans, Tibetan culture, language, freedom of expression, religion, and belief, including the arrest, torture, and imprisonment of any Tibetan exercising their basic rights.
During their protest, they held up signs that read: "UN, when will you stop being silenced by China?", "UN, how many more lives do you need?", "Tibet belongs to Tibetans, not China", "Communist China, hands off Tibet", We want an independent for Tibet", "Protect Tibet's Faith, Culture and Nation","Lobga Rangzen is a US citizen, we want justice".
Jamphel Choesang, President of 19th Regional Tibetan Youth Congress New York/New Jersey addressed the gathering and said, "Dear Tibetan brothers and sisters, Today, I stand before you not only as the President of the 19th Regional Tibetan Youth Congress New York/New Jersey, but as a fellow Tibetan whose heart carries the same hope, pain, and unwavering love for our homeland.
"Our martyrs gave everything they had for Tibet. They did not sacrifice for themselves—they sacrificed for all of us, for future generations, and for the dream of a free and independent Tibet. Their courage must never be forgotten, and their sacrifices must never be in vain.
"Our beloved Pawo Lobga Rangzen la made the ultimate sacrifice to awaken the conscience of the world and to remind us that Tibet’s struggle is far from over. His message was clear: never give up on Tibet.
"Today, I humbly call upon every Tibetan brother and sister: please stand up for our country. Join our protests whenever you can. Raise your voice for justice. Your presence matters. Every person standing together sends a powerful message that Tibet lives in our hearts and that we will never surrender our identity, our culture, or our dream of freedom.
"Let us stand united—not divided. Let us work together as one family, one community, and one nation. When we support one another with respect, compassion, and determination, there is nothing stronger than our unity.
"The responsibility to continue this movement belongs to every one of us. Whether young or old, student or professional, every effort counts. Every protest, every prayer, every act of service, and every voice raised for Tibet keeps the flame of our martyrs burning brightly.
"Let us honor Pawo Lobga Rangzen la and all our martyrs not only with words, but through our actions. Let us continue the path they showed us with courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment.
"We call upon the international community and the United Nations to hear the voices of the Tibetan people and to seek justice for Pawo Lobga Rangzen la. His sacrifice deserves to be remembered, and the Tibetan people’s aspirations deserve to be heard.
"Together, let us pledge that we will never allow our martyrs’ sacrifices to be forgotten. We will continue to stand for truth, justice, and the freedom of Tibet until the day our nation is free."
