61st Tibetan National Uprising Day commemorated across Central and Eastern Europe

March 12, 2020

Representative Chhimey Rigzen Tibet Bureau Geneva addressing the commemoration of the 61st anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day in Bern, Switzerland

Geneva: The 61st Tibetan National Uprising Day was observed across the Central and Eastern Europe despite the global threat of Covid-19.
The Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Lichtenstein (TCSL) commemorated the day at Bern the capital city of Switzerland. Due to Covid-19 spread, the initial plan of cyclonaute had to be cancelled and the number of participants at the commemoration was restricted. Reading the Kashag Statement, Representative Chhimey Rigzen from Tibet Bureau Geneva said, “thousands of Tibetans laid down their lives on this day for the sake of Tibet and many more have died under the illegal occupation of Tibet. It is therefore of paramount importance that we commemorate this day despite the coronavirus outbreak and pay tribute to all the Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet. We have to convey to the Tibetans living under the repressive Chinese rule that we remember them and we will continue to advocate for their rights and freedom come what may.”

Representative and Tibetan Parliamentarian with National Councilor Ms. Regula Rytz, president of Green Party of Switzerland and Member of the Parliamentary Group for Tibet.

National Councilor Ms Regula Rytz, President of the Green Party of Switzerland and Member of the Parliamentary Group for Tibet, speaking at the commemoration stated that “the daily life in Tibet is still marked by oppression, violence, humiliation and the restriction of freedom of expression and religion. Things will only change when the international community finally speak out loudly and clearly condemns the violations of human rights by the Chinese government. And Switzerland also belongs to this international community.”

Jampa Samdho, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile speaking at the gathering.

Jampa Samdho, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Europe read out the statement of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. He emphasised the need for all Tibetans to stand together and take the struggle forward.
Christoph Wiedmer, Co-Director of Society for Threatened People; Mr Norbu Tsamda, President of TCSL; Bettina Eckert, Secretary of Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association; Dekyi Santamaria, President of Tibetan Women’s Association in Switzerland; Jigme Adotsang, Co-President of Tibetan Youth Association in Europe were present at the commemoration.

Tibetan National Flag hoisted in Czech Republic

Tibetan National Flag hoisted in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic expressed solidarity and support for Tibet by hoisting Tibetan national flag across 844 Municipalities and 133 schools totalling to 977 venues on the 61st commemoration of Tibetan National Uprising Day. The Flag for Tibet event initially started in the Czech Republic with 4 flag hoisting in 1996 and has gradually grown to 977 venues.

Tibetan Uprising Day marked by Tibetan Community in Vienna, Austria

The Tibetan community of Italy commemorated the Uprising Day despite the complete lockdown of the country due to coronavirus outbreak. The Tibetan community of Austria based in Vienna, Innsbruck and Tirol also commemorated the day. The Mayor of Innsbruck hoisted the Tibetan flag in front of his office as promised by him during the visit of CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay. The Tibetan community in Germany also commemorated the 61st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day at different locations including NRW, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Baden-Wurttemberg. The Mayor of Backnang raised the Tibetan National flag at Rathaus in Backnang.