UNPO proudly joined thousands of Tibetans and supporters from across Europe in The Hague on March 10, 2025, to commemorate the 66th Tibetan Uprising Day and celebrate the “Year of Compassion” in recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.
The Tibetan Uprising of 1959 was a pivotal moment in Tibetan history, marking a major rebellion against Chinese rule. On March 10, 1959, tens of thousands of Tibetans in Lhasa rose up as a response to growing tensions following China’s occupation of Tibet in 1950, which led to the signing of the Seventeen Point Agreement in 1951, a treaty that Tibetans increasingly viewed as coerced. The revolt was violently suppressed by the Chinese military, resulting in thousands of deaths and the destruction of Tibetan cultural institutions. By March 17, 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India, where he later established the Tibetan government-in-exile. The uprising remains a symbol of Tibetan resistance and is commemorated annually by Tibetans, the UNPO and other supporters worldwide.
The event featured speeches by Dutch Members of Parliament, Tibetan representatives, and a performance by Tibetan youth. Attendees marched peacefully to the Chinese Embassy, advocating for human rights and jutice for the Tibetan people. A highlight of the event was the address by renowned actor and International Campaign for Tibet Chairman, Richard Gere, who spoke passionately about global support for Tibet’s struggle for freedom.
Additionally, the “Compassion Rising” initiative was launched by the ICT Chair and representatives of ICT offices in Europe, emphasizing the importance and compassion in the pursuit of justice and human rights. UNPO’s representative spoke alongside representatives from East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia and Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in supporting nonviolent movements and the significance of such gatherings for all peoples in the pursuit of freedom. While participants reflected on the resilience of the Tibetan people, the event was a powerful reminder of resilience and the enduring importance of collective action.
