Dharamshala: Tibetan activist Lobsang Palden, also called Lobga Rangzen, 52, died after self-immolating outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the evening of 2 July 2026 in what is being regarded as a final act of peaceful protest against China’s continued repressive policies in Tibet, following the implementation of so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress” law, which came into effect the previous day.

In honour of his martyrdom, Tibetans across the world held prayer services to pay their tribute. Likewise, the leadership and entire staff of the Central Tibetan Administration gathered this evening at the Sikyong hall for a prayer service to honour his sacrifice.

Originally from Tibet, Lobga escaped Chinese rule and rebuilt his life in the United States nearly two decades ago. Throughout his years in exile, he remained deeply committed to the Tibetan cause and consistently advocated for the restoration of Tibet’s freedom and the Tibetan people’s fundamental rights.

Before carrying out the self-immolation, Lobga recorded a final video message in which he expressed profound anguish over the worsening situation inside Tibet. His final message says, “I wish to address Tibetans in exile. No meaningful national cause is achieved without effort; nothing comes automatically. Therefore, we must recognise that we need to work harder for our shared struggle.

We owe deep gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for establishing a genuine democratic system for us in exile. Despite initial hesitation among some of us, His Holiness still granted and upheld this democratic framework. It was never intended to create division, but to advance the collective welfare of the Tibetan people and nation.

His Holiness has also reminded us that Tibetans in exile, particularly in Europe and America, must not become complacent with personal comfort. We are representatives of the Tibetan people, and therefore carry the responsibility to serve their cause with dedication and effort.

All Tibetans, regardless of regional background—Ü-Tsang, Kham, or Amdo— have all suffered equally under the People’s Republic of China’s repressive policies.

Today, our people lack fundamental rights. This is the consequence of Tibet losing its independence. Therefore, unity is essential. The Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, and all Tibetans must work together in solidarity for the Tibetan cause.

We must set aside divisions based on region or sect and remain focused on the single purpose of serving Tibet. Our independence once existed; it was lost, and it remains our responsibility to strive for its restoration.

As we approach the auspicious occasion of His Holiness’s 91st birthday, celebrations should be joyful and dignified. Cultural expression through song and dance is welcome. However, beyond celebration, each of us should also reflect on our personal responsibility toward the Tibetan cause and what we can contribute to it.

My appeal is simple: If I engage in serious activism, it is not because I lack food or clothing, nor because of personal hardship. I do it for the sake of Tibet. For that reason, everyone should continue to contribute whatever they can to Tibet.”

In his another recorded video, moments before setting himself ablaze, Lobga calmly approached the vicinity of the UN headquarters wearing a traditional Tibetan attire (chupa) and carrying the Tibetan national flag.

His martyrdom has once again drawn international attention to the ongoing human rights situation in Tibet. Since 2009, a total of 157 Tibetans inside Tibet have self-immolated in protest for freedom and justice. In addition, instances of self-immolation have also occurred among Tibetans in exile, the most recent being Lobga, underscoring the wider impact of the struggle.

During a prayer service at the Central Tibetan Administration, officiating Sikyong Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, the Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Religion and Culture, implored all Tibetans to refrain from self-immolation, stating, “Those who have self-immolated are an irreplaceable loss for our cause.”

In his official statement, Sikyong Penpa Tsering also expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of Lobga and wrote, “While we honour 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 1 July are what drove Lobga Rangzen 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 extended his deepest condolences to Lobga Rangzen’s family, friends, and the entire Tibetan community. On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, he solemnly pledged that Tibetans would carry the spirit of these sacrifices in their hearts and work tirelessly to ensure they were not in vain.”