“The World Cannot Remain Silent”: Tibetans Shave Heads Outside UN
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA, 31 July: Tibetans shaved their heads outside the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York on Thursday in a symbolic act of sacrifice as part of an ongoing series of protests organised by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) following the self-immolation of Pawo (Martyr) Lobga Rangzen. The demonstrators called on the United Nations to end its silence over Tibet and respond to what they described as China’s colonial rule in occupied Tibet.
A total of 62 Tibetans, including the president of the RTYC New York and New Jersey (NY&NJ) chapter, have shaved their heads as part of the campaign, according to the organisers.
In a social media post published during the demonstration, the RTYC New York and New Jersey chapter said the head-shaving campaign symbolised the participants’ commitment to justice, truth and Tibetan independence.
“This act of sacrifice is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and the independence of our nation. We call upon the UN to uphold the principles it was founded on and stand for justice. The world cannot remain silent,” RTYC NY&NJ said.
The head-shaving protest is part of a broader campaign launched after the self-immolation of Pawo Lobga Rangzen, who set himself on fire outside the UN headquarters earlier this month while calling for Tibetan independence and appealing for international action on Tibet.
Since then, Tibetans in New York have organised a series of demonstrations urging the UN to publicly respond to his sacrifice and address the situation in occupied Tibet.
Addressing protesters after shaving his head, Lobsang Tsering, 19th president of RTYC NY&NJ, paid tribute to Pawo Lobga Rangzen and urged Tibetans to continue the movement.
“Our beloved Pawo Lobga Rangzen made the ultimate sacrifice to awaken the conscience of the world and to remind us that Tibet’s struggle is far from over. His message was clear: never give up on Tibet,” Lobsang said.
Lobsang also called on Tibetans around the world to join campaigns organised by the RTYC NY&NJ, emphasising that every individual who stands in protest sends a powerful message that Tibet lives in their hearts and that they will never surrender their identity, their culture, or their dream of a free Tibet.
The protest campaign is set to continue on 2 August when Tibetans are expected to march from Jackson Heights in Queens to the UN headquarters carrying 170 coffins, each representing one of the 170 Tibetans who have self-immolated for Tibet. Organisers said the procession is intended to honour their sacrifice and call on the UN to respond to the situation in occupied Tibet.
