Zurich: On 10 March, the Tibetan community and supporters in Switzerland gathered in the city of Zurich to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day. The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Sangay Kyab, the Representative of the Tibet Bureau and the Chinese Liaison Officer for European countries, and Mr Mario Fehr, the President of the Government Council of the Canton of Zurich. Other notable attendees included the Abbot of the Rikon Monastery, former members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and participants of a seven-day solidarity march across Switzerland. Additionally, the Swiss Parliamentary Group for Tibet released an official statement to mark this significant occasion.
The proceedings began at 10:30 am at Werdmühleplatz, organised by the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. A major highlight of the morning was the arrival of activists who had completed a seven day protest march from the Swiss capital, Bern to Zurich. To honour their dedication, the public welcomed them with ceremonial scarves, and Sangay Kyab, followed by representatives from various organisations, presented them with khatas as a mark of respect and gratitude for their efforts.
During the official ceremony, Ngedun Gyatso Drongpatsang, President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, delivered the opening remarks.
This was followed by a keynote address from Sangay Kyab, who reflected on the historical sacrifice made 67 years ago in Lhasa, where Tibetans from all three provinces rose up to defend their nation and identity. He emphasised that the best way to honour those who lost their lives is to continue their struggle, noting that despite decades of Chinese government suppression, the Tibetan movement remains resilient.
Sangay Kyab also raised serious concerns regarding Beijing’s current policies, specifically the “Sinicization” of Tibetan Buddhism and the forced placement of one million Tibetan children into colonial boarding schools. He further highlighted the forced labour of over 100,000 Tibetan youths and the Chinese government’s interference in the recognition of the next Dalai Lama. Crucially, he referenced a Swiss government report on “transnational repression” against Tibetans living abroad. He urged the community to report any threats or surveillance to the Swiss authorities immediately, warning that staying silent would only lead to further harm for both individuals and the cause.
Following a speech by Mario Fehr, around 800 people, including approximately 45 Chinese supporters, participated in a protest march toward the Chinese Consulate. Representatives from various non-governmental organisations also addressed the crowd during the demonstration, voicing their collective demand for freedom and human rights in Tibet.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva
