The Hague: The Fifth edition of ‘Europe Stands With Tibet Rally’ witnessed the participation of over 3,000 Tibetans and supporters from across Europe to commemorate the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day in The Hague, Netherlands.
The powerful demonstration, organised by the Tibetan community of the Netherlands with support from other Tibetan communities in Europe, Tibet Support Group Netherlands, International Campaign for Tibet-Europe, Students for a Free Tibet and Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group.
The chief guest of the demonstration, Kelsang Gyaltsen, Former Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Special Representative to Europe; Representative Rigzin Genkhang of the Office of Tibet Brussels; Members of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile representing Europe, Ven. Thupten Wangchen and Thupten Gyatso; and Dutch Members of Parliament Jan Paternotte and Isa Kahraman addressed the gathering.
This year’s rally featured a strong lineup of international guests, including prominent Hollywood actor and long-time friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Richard Gere and former NBA basketball player and outspoken Tibet supporter Enes Kanter Freedom. Former Dutch MP Erica Terpstra, ICT President Tenchoe Gyatso, and Tibetan Activist and Community organiser Chime Lhamo were also present at the rally.
Their presence underscored the significant international support for the Tibetan cause and the continued global attention to the critical situation in Tibet.
In his keynote speech, Former Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen said, “Today, China is a threat to peace and security in Europe. There is no hope of China becoming a responsible stakeholder of the international community nor hope for Europe of overcoming the threat that China poses until and unless there are major fundamental changes in China. This is the political imperative. This is the task at hand. This imperative is making the Tibet freedom movement, the European Union and governments’ natural ally in a common cause. It creates a conducive basis for strategic discussions and cooperation on China by accepting us Tibetans, Uyghurs, Chinese democracy activists from mainland, Hong Kong and Southern Mongolians not only as victims but as stakeholders and partners in a common cause”.
Representative Rigzin Genkhang presented a summary of the Kashag statement to mark the occasion and clarified the Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations’ absence at the rally. She then expressed her deep appreciation and gratitude to friends from all over Europe and urged for continued support.
Representative Genkhang reiterated the Central Tibetan Administration’s commitment to non-violence as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and called on the European Union to contribute actively to the resolution of the Sino-Tibet conflict.
Richard Gere delivered an impassioned address to the crowd, emphasising the significance of the Tibetan struggle for freedom and justice. He called on world leaders to hold China accountable for its human rights abuses in Tibet.
Enes Kanter Freedom reiterated his commitment to advocating for Tibet and other oppressed communities worldwide, urging global citizens to use their voices to bring attention to the Tibetan cause.
Dutch lawmakers Jan Paternotte and Isa Kahraman voiced their strong condemnation of China’s policies in Tibet and expressed solidarity with the Tibetan people. Their remarks emphasized the importance of diplomatic and political pressure on China to respect human rights in Tibet and vowed continued support.
Starting at the iconic Gorbachev and Kennedy places, the 6-kilometer walk took the participants through the city, united in their call for justice, passing the Chinese Embassy, which was a poignant symbol of the Tibetan people’s resilience and determination. The walk provided a visible, powerful statement of solidarity, drawing attention from passersby and media alike. As the rally concluded, the call for justice and peace echoed through the streets of The Hague.
The Fifth Europe Stands With Tibet Rally not only commemorated a historic event but also made it loud and clear that we stand unwaveringly with our brothers and sisters inside Tibet who are undergoing tremendous suffering under one of the most ruthless regimes in the world. Additionally, it reaffirmed the global community’s commitment to the ongoing struggle for Tibetan freedom.
It served as a powerful reminder that the fight for Tibet’s freedom is not just a Tibetan issue—it is a global human rights issue that requires the collective effort of all people who stand for peace, justice, and the dignity of all human beings.
The next rally will be held in Berlin, Germany, in 2027.
-Report filed by Bureau du Tibet, Brussels
