Dharamshala — Thousands of Tibetans staged a strong protest against the Chinese government’s repressive policies in Tibet, particular to China's so-called "Ethnic Unity and Progress Law" and they said, "this law is an illegal instrument to institutionalize the Chinese government's long-standing policy of forced assimilation and to strengthen state control over non-Chinese peoples, particularly Tibetans." They also expressed solidarity with Tibetan martyr Lobga Rangzen, who self-immolated to protest against the PRC's oppressive policies in Tibet and to demand independence for Tibet.
The Tibetan Youth Congress, the Tibetan Women's Association, Students for a Free Tibet – India, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and the International Tibet Network, organised a joint protest honoring the supreme sacrifice of Martyr Lobga Rangzen and condemning China's so-called "Ethnic Unity and Progress Law." The protest joined by thousands of Tibetans around the Dharamshala and they marched from McLeod Ganj to Kachari, Dharamshala, on July 18, 2026.
The Tibetan organisations and protestors call on the United Nations and the international community to recognise martyr Lobga Rangzen's sacrifice, address the worsening human rights situation in Tibet, reject China's policy of forced assimilation, and support the Tibetan people's right to freedom.
When Tibetan protestors marching from gate of Tsuklakhang, Mecleod to Police Groud, Kacheri, Dharamshala, they carried Lobga Rangzen’s coffin and protested against the Chinese government's repressive policies in Tibet. They chanted slogans such as: "UNO, wake up," "UNO, speak for Tibet," "World leaders, wake up," "World leaders, speak up for Tibet," "China lies, Tibetans die," "We want justice for Lobga Rangzen," "Lobga Rangzen’s life matters," "Lobga Rangzen died for a free Tibet," "We want justice for Tibetans," "Shame on the UNO," "China is guilty, guilty of genocide," and "Stop the cultural genocide in Tibet."
Tsering Dolma, President of Tibetan Women's Association read out the statement of above Tibetan NGOs in English, she said, "Recent on July 2, 2026, Tibetan patriot Lobga Rangzen set himself on fire in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York in a profound act of sacrifice for Tibet and its people. In his final video testament, he made clear that his action was not driven by personal despair, but by his deep concern for the survival of the Tibetan nation. He warned that the Chinese government is carrying out policies aimed at destroying the Tibetan people through systematic repression and the eradication of Tibetan identity."
"Lobga Rangzen emphasized that no nation has ever succeeded without commitment, courage, and action for freedom movement. He appealed to Tibetans everywhere to unite and work on the common cause of Tibet's independence. In his testament, Lobga Rangzen stated that we Tibetans lost our fundamental rights and freedoms because we lost our country Tibet. He called upon the Tibetan Government in Exile, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Tibetan civil society organisations, and Tibetans around the world to unite and work collectively for the future of Tibet," she added.
"He also requested that his sacrifice should not lead to the cancellation of cultural performances, songs, or other expressions of Tibetan identity, emphasizing that these are essential to preserving Tibetan culture and inspiring younger generations. He asked Tibetans not to mourn his death but instead to fulfill the aspirations for which he sacrificed his life. His final words were: "Victory to Tibet! Victory for Tibet’s Independence!"
Tsering Chophel, President of Tibetan Youth Congress said,"On March 12, 2026, during the National People's Congress, the Chinese Communist government adopted the so-called “Regulations on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress”, a 65-article law that entered into force on July 1,2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Presented under the language of "ethnic unity," this law is an illegal instrument to institutionalize the Chinese government's long-standing policy of forced assimilation and to strengthen state control over non-Chinese peoples, particularly Tibetans.
"The implementation of this law represents a serious escalation of China's efforts to erase the distinct identity of the Tibetan people. Through the systematic assimilation of language, religion, culture, customs, history, and education, it seeks to transform Tibet into an inseparable part of a single Chinese national identity, thereby undermining the Tibetan people's fundamental rights, dignity, and national identity. In response to these developments, the Tibetan NGOs and support group jointly issue the following demands to the Chinese government, the United Nations, and the international community:
1. United Nations Response: As Lobga Rangzen made the ultimate sacrifice in front of the United Nations Headquarters, we urge the United Nations to respond in a meaningful and formal manner by addressing the grave human rights situation in Tibet and the circumstances that compelled his sacrifice.
2. Accountability for Tibetans Driven to Self-Immolation: The Chinese government must be held accountable for the policies and repression that have driven Lobga Rangzen and numerous Tibetans to the tragic act of self-immolation.
3. Recognition of Tibet's Sovereignty: Tibet was an independent nation before its occupation by the so called People's Republic of China and remains under Chinese occupation today. We call upon the international community to recognize Tibet's historical status and support the Tibetan people's right to restore their freedom and independence.
4. Repeal the so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law”: We reject this law as an instrument of forced assimilation and call for its immediate repeal and the cessation of its implementation throughout Tibet.
5. International Action and Monitoring: We call upon governments, international organisations, and human rights mechanisms to closely monitor the implementation of the so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress law”, investigate its impact on Tibetans and other peoples under Chinese rule, and hold the so-called People's Republic of China accountable under international human rights standards.
Tenzing Pasang, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet said, "We reject and condemn the recent statement made by Mr Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson of the Secretary-General (United Nations) referring to Tibet as a "minority." Such characterization is historically inaccurate, politically misleading, and serves only to reinforce the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda. Tibet is not a minority of China. It is an occupied nation with its own distinct history, civilization, language, culture, religion, government, and national identity. Calling Tibet a "minority" erases its national identity and undermines the Tibetan people's right to freedom and independence.
"We call on the United Nations to uphold truth and impartiality. It must not use language that legitimizes China's occupation of Tibet or erases the Tibetan nation's identity. The United Nations' words shape global opinion. They must not legitimize occupation or contribute to the erasure of Tibet's identity and the Tibetan people's aspirations for freedom," she concluded.
