Tokyo: Tibetans in Japan joined with the international community to observe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day on 8 December at Asakusa Hanakawado Park in Tokyo. The talk event and the peace march were organised by the Peace March for Human Rights Committee under the theme of “Fight the Dictatorships for Freedom and Human Rights”.

People from different communities facing human rights violations in their respective countries joined the event and shared their difficult situations. Tibetan Community in Japan and the Students for Free Tibet represented Tibet and spoke on the human rights violations taking place in Tibet under the CCP regime. Kanada Taro of the SFT moderated the event.

Tashi Yangzom, Secretary of the Liaison of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thanked the organisers for the event and informed the gatherings of the Chinese atrocities and continued human rights violations in Tibet. She appealed to the international community and the Japanese government to urge the Chinese government to uphold the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and stop committing genocide in Tibet and other occupied territories.

The representatives of Southern Mongolia, Uyghur, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Cambodia, Ukraine, and Iran also addressed the gathering of their struggle for freedom and democracy in their homeland. They shared the idea of fighting against dictatorships around the world in unity and restoring human rights and freedom in their respective countries.

Dorjee Shiota, President of the Tibetan Community Japan, thanked all the participants and spoke on how the CCP’s brutal regime is depriving the Tibetans of their religious and human rights. He urged the participants to unite and fight for freedom and democracy together to send the right message to the dictators around the world that democracy is inevitable.

After the talk event, around two hundred people from different communities carrying banners, flags, and placards participated in a peace march around Asakusa Street. They raised appropriate slogans to appeal their cause and to appraise the human rights situation in their countries. Many passersby and pedestrians showed solidarity and gesture of appreciation. The peace march ended peacefully at a park near the Sumida River.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Japan

Tibet House Secretary Tashi Yangzom addressing the gathering

Dorjee Shiota, President of the Tibetan community Japan speaking

Kanada Taro of the SFT moderating the event

Tanaka Sauto of the Japan Uyghur Association speaking

Tibetans participating in the peace march