Demonstration and Peace March in Zürich, Switzerland

Zürich, 1^st October 2020: Tibetan Community of Switzerland &Liechtenstein organized a solidarity march and Peace Demonstration on Thursday, 1st October in Zürich for the event, “Global Day of Action: Resist China” Resist China is a global campaign of united movements working to end the Chinese Communist Party`s authoritarian regime.

The demonstration is organized by the Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein (TGSL) supported by the Tibetan Woman`s association Switzerland (TFOS), Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (VTJE) and Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association (GSTF)

The event started at 6 pm with a welcome Speech by Mr. Tsamdha Norbu, President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland &Liechtenstein at Werdmühleplatz, Zürich. He thanked and requested the participants to strictly follow the instructions in accordance with the recommendations of COVID-19, by wearing a face mask during the peace march.

The Demonstrators marched through Zürich City with Slogans and arrived at about 6.55 pm at the Chinese Consulate, Zürich.  After the Tibetan National Anthem, a minute of silence for the martyrs of Tibet was observed.

The gathering was addressed by Mr. Samdho Jampa, member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Mr. Tony Ryf, member of the Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association, Ms. Dekyi Santamaria, President of Tibetan Woman Association of Switzerland and the President of  Europe Tibetan Youth association.

More than 200 Tibetans and supporters with determination and enthusiasm, carrying national flags, shouting slogans calling for” Human rights in Tibet “and “Release of all political prisoners” “ Make China accountable for COVID-19”, “World leaders, break up your  Silence” among other slogans highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet.

Mr. Samdho Jampa stated that China`s National Day that begins the Golden Week commemorates the founding of the People`s Republic of China on 1^st October 1949. The military parade and review in Tiananmen Square in Beijing is the single biggest event of the National Day. Communist China is celebrating the 71st founding anniversary of the PRC but for the Tibetans, it is a sad anniversary as it was years of genocide, repressions and expansionism.

Grievances toward China by Tibetans stretch back to the founding of the People`s Republic of China (PRC) 71 years ago, a development that brought the regions under repressive communist rule and ended centuries of independence or varying degrees of autonomy from imperial Beijing. Approximately 50 countries are protesting against Communist China to voice their strong concern over China`s suppression of freedom and human rights in Tibet, East Turkestan, South Mongolia, Hongkong and Taiwan.

After the recitation of Dhentsik Monlam ( Words of truth ), the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Tsamdha Norbu, president of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland &Liechtenstein.

Nyima Arya