A Day of Hope and Struggle in The Hague

A Day of Hope and Struggle in The Hague

The Hague, 10 March 2025 – Under a bright sun, the Laan van Reagan en Gorbatsjov in The Hague was awash in red, blue, and yellow with hundreds of fluttering Tibetan flags. Tibetans and supporters had gathered in large numbers to mark the 66th commemoration of the Tibetan National Uprising of 1959. It was a day full of emotion, determination, and a loud protest against the ongoing oppression by the Chinese government.

For the first time, the commemoration took place on Laan van Reagan en Gorbatsjov, a perfectly accessible location next to Central Station with the ministerial buildings as a backdrop in a city that stands as a symbol of peace and justice. The program was impressive and varied: powerful speeches, cultural performances, and a large-scale march to the Chinese embassy.

Impressive Speeches and Solidarity

The ceremony began with a moment of silence for the victims of Chinese oppression. The chairman of the Tibetan Community in the Netherlands opened the day and underscored the importance of worldwide solidarity for Tibet.

A highlight in the afternoon was the arrival of Richard Gere, actor and chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet. In his passionate speech, he called for continued support for the Tibetan cause: “Silence only helps the bad guys. We must continue to speak out for Tibet.” In the morning, Dutch parliamentarians, such as Jan Paternotte (D66) and Isa Kahraman (NSC), had spoken out forcefully against Chinese human rights violations and emphasized the need for a stronger Dutch position.

March to the Chinese Embassy

One of the most impressive moments was the nearly two-hour march through The Hague, during which hundreds of demonstrators, led by a sound truck bearing an image of the Dalai Lama, chanted slogans for a free Tibet. The march looped around the Chinese embassy, where a delegation handed over a protest letter, before returning to the venue.

Richard Gere and the ‘Compassion Campaign’

In addition to the commemoration and protests, diplomatic consultations also took place at the beginning of the day. Richard Gere met with the Dutch parliamentary committee on Foreign Affairs to discuss the Tibetan environmental crisis, China’s policy of forced assimilation, and religious repression. This led to broad political support for an initiative memorandum calling for a stronger Dutch policy regarding Tibet.

A Message of Hope

The day ended with music, theater, and a collective call to action. Tibetans and allies from more than thirteen countries left The Hague with renewed energy and determination to continue the struggle. The Tibet Support Group Netherlands was one of the organizers of this impressive day. In the coming year as well, on the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday—declared the “Year of Compassion”—the Tibet Support Group Netherlands will continue its efforts to amplify the voice of Tibet. If you too believe human rights matter and want to help Tibetans in their unequal struggle for peace and human rights, join us and help us demand justice for Tibet!