Dharamshala — Tibetans carried the the coffins of over 170 Tibetan self-immolators from Jackson Heights to UN headquarters in New York and along with them marched by hundreds of Tibetans and they protested against the China's illegal occupation of Tibet, implmenting oppressive policies in Tibet, particular China's genocide law (Ethic Unity Law) and demand freedom for Tibet.
The Coffin March started from Jackson Heights to UN headquarters in New York, on August 2,2026, to commemorate the one month of passing of the Tibetan martyr Lobga Rangzen, who sacrificed his life by self-immolating, in front of the UN headquarters in New York, on July 2,2026, to call on UN to support justice cause of Tibet, to protest against the Chinese government’s oppressive policies in Tibet including China’s genocide law (Ethic Unity Law) and demand for an independence for Tibet.
Tibetans in New York carry the coffins of over 170 Tibetan self-immolators, who sacrificed their lives for a free Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The event was organised by the 19th Regional Tibetan Youth Congress New York/New Jersey, which aims to express their solidarity with all the Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Tibet.
They said, “we march to honor their courage, remember their sacrifices, and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the cause of a free Tibet. Their voices will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to stand up for truth, justice, and freedom. Free Tibet, Justice for our Martyrs.”
Following they reached at the UN headquarters, they placed the confins of over 170 self-immolators in front of UN headquarters and call for justice for them and demand freedom for Tibet. Hundreds of Tibetans from the United States and Canada gathered in front of the United Nations headquarters to commemorate the Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for a free Tibet and reaffirmed their determination to fight for Tibetan freedom and independence until Tibet is free and His Holiness the Dala Lama returns to Tibet. Several speakers, including the current, former, and regional Presidents of the Tibetan Youth Congress, addressed the crowd, reiterating their commitment to continuing the struggle for a free and independence Tibet, called for unity among Tibetans.
Tibetan Youth Congress issued 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. Immediate and Unconditional Release of All Political Prisoners: We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the world's youngest Tibetan political prisoner 11th Panchen lama, along with all imprisoned environmental activists, Tibetan artists, human rights defenders, and all other political prisoners without conditions and delay.
Tibetan Youth Congress said, "A government cannot legislate away the identity of a nation. A policy aimed at erasing people's language, culture, history, and spiritual heritage is not unity, it is a state enforced assimilation.
"We reject and condemn the recent statement made by Mr. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General referring to Tibet as a "minority." Such characterization is historically inaccurate narrative, politically incorrect and serves only to reinforce the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda. Tibet is not a minority of China. It is an occupied nation. 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 national 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 Independence.
"The sacrifice of Martyr Lobga Rangzen is not the end of our struggle, it is a renewed call for resistance, solidarity, and international action. His courage has become a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of the Tibetan. Until Tibet is free, his voice will continue to live through our movement, our actions, and our unwavering commitment to justice."
