Geneva: On 8 September 2025, the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (TCSL) organised a peaceful demonstration in front of the United Nations headquarters, near the Broken Chair monument, coinciding with the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The event, marking the final UNHRC session of the year, brought together Tibetans and supporters to draw attention to human rights violations in Tibet.

The gathering included prominent figures such as abbot of Tibet Institue Rikon; representative Thinlay Chukki of Office of Tibet in Geneva; René, President of the GSTF French-speaking section; Phuntsok Topgyal, UN Advocacy Officer in Geneva; Tenzin Choesang, Office of Tibet in Geneva’s Accountant, Tenzin Choesang; Vice President of TCSL; representatives from the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (TYAE); members of Regional Tibetan Women’s Association; former Tibetan parliamentarians; along with more than 80 Tibetans and supporters were in attendance.

In her keynote address, representative Thinlay Chukki raised serious concern over ongoing human rights violations in Tibet. She drew attention to the recent death of Tulku Palden Wangyal, who died in custody after enduring prolonged torture under CCP custody. She highlighted the systematic persecution of political prisoners, arbitrary detentions, ill-treatment to Tibetans under Communist Party of China.

She also expressed concern over widespread cultural and linguistic repression in Tibet. She stated: “CCP is not only violating Tibetan human rights but is also carrying out a systematic cultural and linguistic genocide. Tibetan children are forcibly sent to state-run boarding schools at a very young age, where they are prohibited from speaking their language or practicing their traditions. Religious practices, cultural events, and the Tibetan way of life are heavily restricted. We must continue raising our voices until His Holiness the Dalai Lama can return to Tibet and freedom is fully restored.”

Representative Chukki called on the international community to take stronger measures to support Tibetans facing persecution, urging consistent advocacy, monitoring, and action.

René, President of the GSTF French-speaking section, commended the Tibetan community for their continued advocacy and spoke about  forced family separations, suppression of religion and culture, and the sinicisation of Tibetan society. René also lauded Tibetan-Swiss ultrarunner Dominik Kelsang Erne, who carried the Tibetan flag from St. Gallen to Geneva as a symbol of solidarity. He urged the UN to undertake concrete actions, including an international inspection on Tibet. He reaffirmed his support to Tibet by stating: “Long live Tibet, Free Tibet.”

During the UNHRC session, the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein released an appeal letter and official press release highlighting ongoing human rights violations in Tibet.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva