New Delhi — Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) members concluded their 25-day 'Black Hat March' in New Delhi on Friday. TYC members first held a protest at Jantar Mantar against China’s “Ethnic Unity Law”, voicing their deep concerns about the future of Tibetan identity. Then, they proceeded to the offices of the United Nations and the Indian Prime Minister, where they formally presented a letter of appeal to draw attention to the critical situation in Tibet.
The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) concluded its 25-day “Black Hat March” in New Delhi on April 24, 2026. They started their peace march on March 31, 2026, in Dharamshala with participation of 65 Tibetan activists, to call upon the Chinese government to put an end to the policies of forced assimilation in Tibet, carried out under the so-called “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law" of PRC." They also denounce the government's ongoing repression of Tibetan identity, culture, and language, as well as the systematic destruction of Tibet's environment and heritage.
The participants of “Black Hat March” held a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, to protest against China’s “Ethnic Unity Law”, which raises serious concerns about the very existence of Tibetan identity. Then, their delegation headed to the UN headquarters and the Prime Minister’s office, where they met with officials and formally handed over a letter of appeal, calling attention to the critical situation in Tibet.
When TPI asked him what challenges they had faced during their march from Dharamsala to Delhi, Tsering Choephel, President of TYC, said: “We walked for 25 days from Dharamsala to Delhi as part of a non-violent and extremely disciplined campaign. We did not encounter any major obstacles, but we did face physical difficulties along the way, including swollen feet and intense heat in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Despite this, we persevered. Thinking of the struggles of the Tibetan people in Tibet gave us strength and helped us find the energy to continue our march.”
When asked about the activities and campaigns they were carrying out during the march, he replied, “The main aim of the Black Hat March is to call for the abolition of China's recently adopted "Ethnic Unity Law". This law poses a serious threat to the cultural identity and heritage of the Tibetan people, raising serious concerns about the preservation of Tibetan traditions and way of life.” As part of this movement, we visited around 25 locations across four Indian states. Through public rallies and awareness-raising activities, we reached around one million people. Our campaign has also received significant media coverage, with reports broadcast on almost 70 news channels and in print. The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) received around one million views on social media, further raising awareness of this issue.”
Speaking at the protest in Jantar Mantar, the President said: 'We organised the conclusion of the Black Hat March campaign at Jantar Mantar, a designated site for public demonstrations in New Delhi. Thanks to the cooperation of the Delhi Police, the event was conducted peacefully and in accordance with regulations. During the demonstration, memoranda were submitted to the offices of the United Nations and the Prime Minister. Media coverage of the campaign helped raise awareness of the issue. We hope that the Government of India will take the matter into consideration.'
When explaining how the appeal had been delivered to the offices of the United Nations and the Prime Minister, he said: 'Both offices have been very responsive. The UN office staff said they would forward the matter to the relevant department within the United Nations and express solidarity with the Tibetan people. The Prime Minister’s Office in India has always supported the Tibetan cause and will continue to stand with the Tibetan people.”
The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) is an international organisation of Tibetans committed to the pursuit of full independence for the whole of Tibet, encompassing its three traditional provinces: U-Tsang, Do-tö, and Do-mé. Operating as an autonomous entity with its own democratic constitution, strategic plans, and programs, TYC has established itself as the largest and most active non-governmental Tibetan organisation in exile. The organisation currently has 89 regional chapters across 14 countries worldwide, with a membership of over 38,556 individuals.
