The solemn service, led by the Canon in Residence at Westminster Abbey, is observed annually in March to honour the brave Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives resisting Chinese occupation. This year’s observance carries added significance as it falls during the 90th birthday year of the 14th Dalai Lama, which the Central Tibetan Administration has designated as the Year of Compassion.

On behalf of the Dean and Chapter, the Reverend Jenny Rowley, Duty Chaplain, welcomed the Tibetan group to Westminster Abbey and to the Innocent Victims’ Memorial. She noted that “we remember so many who have suffered as a result of oppression and violence. In particular today, as we commemorate the 67th anniversary of the beginning of the Tibetan National Uprising, we remember those Tibetans who have died recently in Tibet and those who continue to suffer there today.”

In his remarks, Chris Law MP, Chair of the APPG Tibet, reflected on the sacrifices of Tibetans who resisted—and continue to resist—Chinese repression, urging those present to keep them in their thoughts. Paying tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and wishing him a long and healthy life, Law described him as “one of the most recognised and respected figures in the world,” highlighting his lifelong advocacy for a peaceful path toward Tibet’s future. On behalf of the APPG Tibet, Law also expressed condolences to His Holiness on the passing of his two brothers.

Buddhist prayers for the people of Tibet were led by Reverend Lama Zangmo, Director of the Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Bermondsey, who also spoke briefly on the importance of cultivating compassion and warm-heartedness.

Alongside Law, two other members of the APPG Tibet—Kerry McCarthy MP and Wera Hobhouse MP—participated in the ceremony and laid a floral wreath at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial, joined by the Duty Chaplain and the Buddhist priest.

The ceremony was attended by Dalha Tsering, representing the Tibetan Community in Britain; Monica and Namgyal representing Free Tibet; and Tenzin Kunga and Tenzin Namkha representing the Office of Tibet, London.

Tibetan National Uprising Day marks the events of 10 March 1959, when tens of thousands of Tibetans in Lhasa rose against Chinese rule, leading to a brutal crackdown and forcing His Holiness the Dalai Lama to flee into exile in India. The annual commemoration honours the courage and sacrifices of Tibetans who have struggled for freedom and dignity ever since.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London