Tokyo — The Tibetan community in Japan, joined by representatives from 11 other countries, marked the 76th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a public gathering and peace march at Shibuya Women’s Plaza Hall, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported.
The day began with a peaceful demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy, where participants demanded freedom for Tibet, East Turkestan, and Southern Mongolia, called for an end to political oppression and cultural erasure, and criticized alleged restrictions on religious and cultural practices imposed by the Chinese government.
In opening remarks, Tashi Yangzom, Secretary of Tibet House Japan (Office of Tibet), thanked supporters and outlined ongoing concerns in Tibet, including the reported replacement of Tibetan with Mandarin in schools and claims that nearly one million Tibetan children have been separated from families and placed in colonial-style boarding schools. She also cited 157 self-immolations by Tibetans since 2009 as acts of protest against Chinese Communist Party policies, urged international solidarity with marginalized groups, and reaffirmed Tibet’s commitment to non-violent resistance, according to the CTA.
Yangzom expressed gratitude to countries that uphold democracy and human rights, singling out Japan for providing a platform for suppressed voices.
Delegates from Myanmar, Cambodia, Belarus, Taiwan, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, mainland China, North Korea, and Ukraine shared testimonies of political repression and human rights abuses, calling for international intervention and mutual support among those living under authoritarian regimes.
Speakers included Dorjee Sichoe, President of the Tibetan Community Japan, and Tsering Dorjee, President of Students for a Free Tibet. The session was moderated by Kameda Taro of Students for a Free Tibet Japan.
After the speeches, roughly 200 participants marched through Aoyama, Omotesando, and Shibuya, chanting for freedom and democracy and waving multiple national flags. Thousands of onlookers, including locals and tourists, observed the demonstration, which concluded peacefully and reiterated hopes for justice, freedom, and the protection of human rights worldwide, the CTA reported. (ANI)
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