Before his self-immolation, Lobga Rangzen said his actions were motivated by his commitment to Tibet’s freedom and warned that Beijing’s policies were “destroying the Tibetan people.” His protest came one day after China implemented its new Ethnic Unity Promotion Law, which further advances the assimilation of Tibetans and other ethnic communities.

For decades, the CCP has systematically eroded Tibetans’ fundamental freedoms through political repression, restrictions on religion and language, and policies aimed at forced assimilation. More than 160 Tibetans have self-immolated since 1998 to protest Beijing’s rule. Lobga Rangzen’s death is the first known instance of Tibetan self-immolation in the United States.

HRF stands in firm solidarity with the Tibetan people. The international community must not remain silent as the CCP continues its campaign to erase the Tibetan people’s identity, culture, faith, and freedoms.