Dharamshala — After Tibetan independent activists self-immolated in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York. Tibetans, supporters of the Tibetan cause, and human rights advocates expressed their deep sorrow and called for freedom and justice for Tibet. A mass protest by Tibetans took place in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York—the site where Tibetan patriot Lobga Rangzen had set himself on fire to protest the Chinese government's repression of the Tibetan people, language, religion, and culture, to demand independence for Tibet, June 2,2026.
Tibetans held candlelight vigils in tribute to Lobga Rangzen, in New York, Toronto, Paris, Sydney, Dharamshala, and many other places on June 3, 2026. Tibetans held candlelight vigils in tribute to Lobga Rangzen, in New York, Toronto, Paris, Sydney, Dharamshala, and many other places on June 3, 2026. Hundreds of Tibetans and Tibet Supporters filled up the Leh Market and held a candlelight vigil in tribute to Lobga Rangzen, a Tibetan independence activist who set himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on June 2, 2026. He carried out this act to protest the Chinese government's repressive policies in Tibet and to demand independence for Tibet.
On June 5, 2026, a mass protest by Tibetans took place in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York—the site where Tibetan patriot Lobga Rangzen had set himself on fire to protest the Chinese government's repression of the Tibetan people, language, religion, and culture—to demand independence for Tibet, June 2,2026.
Tibetans also held a memorial service for Lobga Rangzen at the Tibetan Community Center in New York, followed by his funeral on June 6, 2026. All the Tibetans present were deeply saddened and overcome with grief by the passing of Lobga Rangzen, an independence activist of Tibet.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration expressed deep sorrow over the self-immolation of a Tibetan activist, Lobga Rangzen (Lobsang Palden), in front of the UN Headquarters in New York City on 2 July 2026.
Sikyong said,"I am deeply saddened by the devastating news of Lobga Rangzen's (Lobsang Palden) self-immolation in front of the UN Headquarters in New York City on July 2, 2026. In a video message posted hours prior, he made it clear that this ultimate sacrifice was undertaken for the Tibetan national cause. While we honor his devotion, human life is precious and must be preserved to serve the long-term struggle for Tibet."
"On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), I earnestly urge all fellow Tibetans to cherish your lives. The unfolding genocide inside Tibet and the enforcement of the draconian "Ethnic Unity and Progress Law" on July 1 are what drove Lobga Rangzen la to this tragic decision. He joins at least 157 Tibetans inside Tibet who have offered their lives to draw global attention to the brutal repression endured under Chinese rule," Sikyong said.
"Our deepest condolences go out to Lobga Rangzen la's family, friends, and the entire Tibetan community. On behalf of the CTA and the Tibetan people, I solemnly pledge that we will carry the spirit of these sacrifices in our hearts and work relentlessly so they are not in vain. I urgently call upon Tibetans in exile, world governments, and international human rights institutions to recognize the severe crisis inside Tibet, to stand up, and to speak out at this critical moment in our history," Sikyong concluded.
United Nations Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed sadness over the self-immolation that took place outside UN headquarters, emphasising that minorities—regardless of the country—must be respected and feel as part of whole.
