Tibetan Community in Victoria to Hold 24-Hour Solidarity Fast, Peaceful Protest, Peace March and Prayer Vigil for Lobga Rangzen
Tibetan Community of Australia (VICTORIA) Inc.
Key Facts:Australian Government and global leaders: speak up for Tibet.
170 Tibetans have self-immolated since 1998.
157 self-immolations have taken place inside Tibet.
The world must listen.
Tibetan language is not a crime.
Tibetan culture is not a crime.
Tibetan identity is not a crime.
Say no to forced assimilation.
Protect Tibetan children.
Protect the Tibetan language, faith, culture and identity.
The Tibetan Community in Victoria will hold a peaceful 24-Hour Solidarity fast in memory of Lobsang Palden, and to raise awareness about China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law and its impact on Tibetan language, faith, culture and identity.
On Thursday, July 2 2026, 52-year-old Tibetan independence activist Lobsang Palden (widely known as Lobga Rangzen) live-streamed his self-immolation in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, in what is being regarded as a final act of peaceful protest against China’s continued repressive policies in Tibet.
Lobsang Palden’s death came the day after the implementation of the so-called 'Ethnic Unity and Progress Law' on July 1, and is the first known Tibetan self-immolation in the United States and the first documented outside India, Nepal, and occupied Tibet.
The Tibetan Community in Victoria is calling on the Australian Government, United Nations and global leaders to speak up for Tibet, oppose forced assimilation, protect Tibetan children, and defend Tibetan language, faith, culture and identity.
The solidarity fast will begin on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 10:00 AM outside the Chinese Consulate in Melbourne and will continue until 10:00 AM on Thursday 9 July.
As part of the action, community members will hold a peaceful protest outside the Chinese Consulate from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, 9 July 2026, followed by a peace march from the Chinese Consulate to the State Library, where a prayer vigil will be held until 5:00 PM.
The Tibetan Community in Victoria will also announce the “Light One Candle for Lobga Rangzen” social media campaign, with the main online candle campaign event to be held on Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Supporters around the world are invited to light one candle or butter lamp, share a photo or short video online, and stand in solidarity with Tibetan language, faith, culture and identity.
“To date, 170 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest against Chinese rule, with 157 of those self-immolations taking place inside Tibet. This clearly reflects the severity of repression Tibetans face under the Chinese government’s policies,” said President of the Tibetan Community in Victoria.
“We fast today in solidarity, so Lobsang Palden’s message is heard: Tibetan language is not a crime; Tibetan culture is not a crime; Tibetan identity is not a crime.”
In a written statement last week, Sikyong (President) Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration expressed deep sorrow over the self-immolation of the Tibetan activist.
“While we honour his devotion, human life is precious and must be preserved to serve the long-term struggle for Tibet," said the Sikyong.
"On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), I earnestly urge all fellow Tibetans to cherish your lives. The unfolding genocide inside Tibet and the enforcement of the draconian ‘Ethnic Unity and Progress Law’ on 1 July are what drove Lobga Rangzen to this tragic decision. He joins at least 157 Tibetans inside Tibet who have offered their lives to draw global attention to the brutal repression endured under Chinese rule.
“I urgently call upon Tibetans in exile, world governments, and international human rights institutions to recognize the severe crisis inside Tibet, to stand up, and to speak out at this critical moment in our history," he said.
Event Details
1. 24-Hour Solidarity Fast for Lobga Rangzen
Date: Wednesday, 8 July 2026 to Thursday, 9 July 2026
Time: 10:00 AM, 8 July 2026
Location: Outside Chinese Consulate, Melbourne
Organiser: Tibetan Community in Victoria
2. Peaceful Protest
Date: Thursday, 9 July 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Chinese Consulate, Melbourne to the State Library
Peace March from the Chinese Consulate to the State Library (Vigil ends at 5:00 PM)
3. Social Media Campaign Launch
Main Online Candle Event: “Light One Candle for Lobga Rangzen”
Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026, 6:00 PM
For more information visit:
https://tcavic.org.au/
Follow the social media campaign on:
Facebook
Instagram
Supported by the Tibet Information Office Canberra, the Australia Tibet Council, and the Australia Tibetan National Association.
About us:
The Tibetan Community of Australia (Victoria) Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation committed to preserving Tibetan culture, language, and values in Australia. We support the well-being and identity of Tibetans in Victoria through cultural programs, religious teachings, youth engagement, and community services. Guided by the principles of compassion, unity, and non-violence, we also promote awareness of the Tibetan cause and foster meaningful connections with the broader Australian community.
Contact details:
Kyinzom Dhongdhue
0416 695 590
[email protected]
(English/Tibetan)
Tenzin Lobsang Khangsar
0432 396 431
[email protected]
(English/Tibetan)