International Human Rights Day Rally at Amsterdam’s Dam Square: Multi-Ethnic Alliance Condemns China’s Repression, Marks 36th Anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize

 Publication Date: December 14, 2025

On a chilly winter afternoon in Amsterdam's Dam Square, a solemn and impassioned rally drew nearly a hundred participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to human rights, peace, and freedom. December 10, 2025, marked not only the United Nations-designated International Human Rights Day but also the 36th anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, coinciding with His Holiness's 90th birthday in this dedicated "Year of Compassion." Organized by the Tibet Support Group Netherlands (Tibet Support Group NL), the event brought together representatives from multiple oppressed ethnic groups to strongly condemn the Chinese government's systematic repression in Tibet, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, and beyond. It called on the international community to support non-violent resistance. Flags fluttered, slogans echoed, and the gathering became a vibrant highlight in Europe's human rights movement.

Event Background: A United Front of Multi-Ethnic Alliances

The rally stemmed from an initiative by the Tibet Support Group Netherlands, themed around "human rights, peace, the Dalai Lama, Tibetan issues, and the Year of Compassion." The event announcement stated: "Join us on December 10, International Human Rights Day, to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize and his 90th birthday in this Year of Compassion dedicated to him." In Dutch: "Kom op 10 december, de Internationale Dag van de Mensenrechten, en vier met ons het 36-jarig jubileum van de toekenning van de Nobelprijs voor de Vrede aan de Dalai Lama en zijn 90e geboortedag in dit aan hem opgedragen Jaar van Compassie."

Scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on December 10, 2025, the rally took place at the National Monument opposite Dam Square in Amsterdam. This location holds profound symbolic value: the National Monument commemorates victims of World War II, resonating with the historical context of Human Rights Day. The organizing body, Tibet Support Group NL, was founded in 1989 amid the Lhasa uprising, following three decades of intense Chinese rule. It has been active for over 35 years, dedicated to amplifying the voices of the Tibetan people. Participating organizations included the Tibetan Community Netherlands, Students for a Free Tibet Netherlands, Southern Mongolian Congress, Free Uyghur Association, Stichting Support Uyghurs, European East Turkestan Education Association, Cantonia Independence Party, and others. The crowd comprised Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Cantonese, Hong Kongers, Chinese democracy activists, Chinese human rights defenders, and local Dutch supporters. Estimated attendance neared 100, though not all joined the group photo, the atmosphere was fervent and cohesive.

The event's focus was on the Chinese government's oppressive actions across regions, including cultural genocide, religious persecution, arbitrary detentions, and transnational repression. Participants stressed that this is not merely an issue for minorities but a global human rights crisis. Chants included: "Long live the Dalai Lama! Free Tibet! Free East Turkestan! Free Hong Kong! Free Cantonia! Free Southern Mongolia! Free Guangxi! Freedom for the Chinese people! May all people live free and with dignity!" These slogans reverberated across the square, symbolizing a joint multi-ethnic struggle.

On-Site Visuals and Atmosphere: Symbols and Solidarity in Action

By early afternoon, a nearly ten-meter stage truck parked on the open space to the left of the National Monument, where organizers began setting up. Prayer flags adorned the vehicle, with vertical banners on either side proclaiming: "STOP CHINA HUMAN RIGHTS DAY DECEMBER 10 JOIN US AGAINST CHINESE OPPRESSION." At the bottom of the banners, four raised fists were labeled: "TIBETANS," "UYGHURS," "SOUTHERN MONGOLIANS," "HONG KONGERS CANTONESE," followed by event details.

The stage backdrop in English read: "CHINA: STOP GENOCIDE IN EAST TURKESTAN TIBET SOUTHERN MONGOLIA." Below the stage, trilingual posters in Chinese, English, and Tibetan demanded: "རྒྱ་གཞུང་། ཨ་ཉ་སེང་སྒྲ་མྱུར་དུ་གློད་གྲོལ་གཏོང་དགོས། CHINA GOVERNMENT: RELEASE A-NYA SENGDRA IMMEDIATELY! CHINA: RELEASE A-NYA SENGDRA, NOW!" Accompanied by a photo of A-nya Sengdra, a Tibetan environmental activist imprisoned for exposing corruption.

Another poster read: "His Holiness's 90th Birthday, Compassion Illuminates the World Forever—Respectful Wishes from Dutch Anti-CCP Alliance." Below the stage, Chinese democracy activists held black banners commemorating the "Hong Kong Hung Fuk Court Fire," listing four demands in Chinese and English: "Four Demands—Not One Less: Continuous support for the affected residents; Establish an independent inquiry commission; Re-examine construction and regulatory systems; Hold officials accountable for negligence." Flags included "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times," the Tibetan Snow Lion Flag, the Southern Cantonese Three-Color Cotton Flag, and maps of Far Eastern territories occupied by China.

Uyghurs waved the East Turkestan crescent-and-star blue flag with the slogan: "Restoring East Turkestan's Independence is the Only Way for Uyghurs to Survive." Southern Mongolian representatives held: "10 DECEMBER INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY STOP CHINA'S CULTURAL GENOCIDE IN SOUTHERN MONGOLIA JOIN US AGAINST CHINESE OPPRESSION," featuring their congress logo. Tibetans carried a white banner: "CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY: STOP GENOCIDE IN EAST TURKESTAN | TIBET | SOUTHERN MONGOLIA," with respective flags, attributed to Tibet Support Group Nederland.

Tibetans donned traditional ethnic attire, while Uyghurs wore doppa hats, creating a multicultural visual feast. The atmosphere was calm, dignified, inspiring, and internationally diverse. Despite the overcast winter weather adding a somber tone, participants' enthusiasm remained undimmed, reflecting the Dalai Lama's non-violent ethos.

Rally Proceedings: Speakers' Testimonies and Appeals

The rally was hosted by Tsering Jampa, Chair of Tibet Support Group NL and former Executive Director of International Campaign for Tibet Europe. She opened with the Tibetan greeting "Tashi Delek," noting: "Today, whether you're here in Amsterdam's Dam Square or watching from afar—in the Netherlands, Europe, Asia, Americas, Latin America, Africa, or anywhere—today is International Human Rights Day."

Jampa emphasized its universal relevance: "International Human Rights Day is not just for Tibetans, Uyghurs, or Southern Mongolians; it concerns everyone." She highlighted oppression under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its transnational reach, including "police stations" in Amsterdam. Thanking allied groups, she stated: "We're here to convey a simple message: Human rights matter to every one of us."

As a Tibetan, Jampa shared her 40-year advocacy: "This might be my 40th consecutive December 10 standing up, calling on the international community to help my suffering compatriots in Tibet—who are imprisoned, tortured, with no human rights." The theme: "Do not let non-violent struggle die in silence; Protect non-violence; Stand with Tibet."

Kunsang followed with a 10-minute Buddhist prayer blessing. Jampa then led a two-minute silence for victims worldwide, including those in Tibet, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Hong Kongers, and the Hung Fuk Court fire.

Maaike Riemersma, board member of Tibet Support Group NL, spoke: "Thirty years ago, as a volunteer, Tibet's non-violent struggle for self-determination was in the spotlight. Now, 35 years later, the world is different—with wars in Ukraine and genocide in Gaza." She criticized global leaders' focus on money and power: "Human rights aren't 'sexy' anymore." Highlighting the Dalai Lama's philosophy: "Rooted in Buddhism, emphasizing respect for all life, responsibility to each other and the Earth."

Elbereltu Bao of the Southern Mongolian Congress said: "I come from Southern Mongolia. Today, on World Human Rights Day, it's an honor to be here in Amsterdam, the city of peace." Honoring the Dalai Lama, he called for releasing the Panchen Lama and Hada, noting escalating oppression: "Policies causing cultural suppression, religious persecution—described as genocide and cultural genocide."

An anonymous representative from Netherlands for Hong Kong discussed freedom: "Freedom means thinking, speaking, expressing without fear. It includes holding opinions, questioning power, creating art, voting, assembling." Sharing a story from James Wong on the "freedom of silence," he criticized Hong Kong's rigged elections and forced voting post-Hung Fuk Court fire.

Norbu Tsering, Chair of Tibetan Community Netherlands, thanked organizers: "Today is special—International Human Rights Day—with Chinese friends, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Cantonese, Mongolians, East Turkestanis." He affirmed: "Every person deserves freedom, dignity, and to live without fear."

Abdurehim Gheni, Chair of Stichting Support Uyghurs, shared family suffering: "My father and family endure hardships." Questioning international double standards: "Why do some genocides get attention while East Turkestan's—recognized by parliaments—and cultural genocides in Tibet and Southern Mongolia do not?"

Nyima Rinchen Dorjee of Students for a Free Tibet Netherlands represented youth: "Today is special for many reasons: Human Rights Day and the 36th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's Nobel Prize." Describing Tibet's realities: "Practicing culture can be a crime; carrying the Dalai Lama's photo can lead to prison."

Alerk Ablikim, Secretary of Free Uyghur Association and GroenLinks candidate, shared his father's imprisonment: "My father, a poet and writer, was one of the first victims of the 're-education' camps." Highlighting Dutch parliamentary motions: "Supporting Dalai Lama's reincarnation independence, recognizing Uyghur genocide."

Fei Long of Cantonia Independence Party said: "Canton has thousands of years of history, our own language and culture—but now endangered." Quoting the Dalai Lama: "Real change comes from daring to act."

Obul Kasim of European East Turkestan Education Association urged: "The international community must focus on millions in East Turkestan, Tibet, Southern Mongolia—detained in camps, cultures destroyed."

Jampa concluded: "Enough! We will not give up!" Leading a Tibetan "Sang Sol" purification ritual for positive energy.

Post-ritual, a group photo was taken, and participants dispersed after packing banners and flags.

Journalist Interviews: Grassroots Voices Echo

On-site, Wei Zhijian of the China Democracy Party Overseas Committee stated: "Today, we celebrate human dignity and freedom, honoring the Dalai Lama's dual glories. His Nobel Prize shines like sunlight through clouds, recognizing his non-violence and human rights dedication. We condemn CCP tyranny and call for global unity to advance Tibetan independence and justice."

Henan rights defender Xing Songlin said: "We commemorate the Dalai Lama's Nobel anniversary and 90th birthday. Tibetans are deprived of faith, language, dignity under CCP suppression. I must speak for Tibetans to ensure truth isn't silenced."

Christian dissident Liu Xiaobin from Hengyang explained attendance: "Criticizing the Xi regime led to illegal detentions. I hate the CCP's lack of rule of law. Escaping, I voice for persecuted religious and conscience prisoners."

Henan dissident Du Binghui noted: "In CCP China, criticizing policies led to monitoring. Fleeing to freedom, I join anti-CCP alliances. Tibetans live in misery; addressing their rights concerns all."

Anhui dissident and rights defender Yu Yang said: "As a human rights defender, attending reminds victims they're not isolated. I support Tibetan independence and focus on religious freedom and cultural assimilation."

Organizer's Press Release and Event Significance

Post-event, organizers issued: "Multiple Ethnic Groups in Amsterdam Commemorate International Human Rights Day," noting the alliance's participation and calls to UN High Commissioner Volker Türk for condemnation and accountability.

This rally not only commemorates history but responds to current global human rights crises. In Voice of Europe's view, it signals the rise of multi-ethnic alliances, reminding the world: Silence allies oppressors. The Dalai Lama's compassion, like a beacon, illuminates the path of resistance. Facing Chinese transnational repression, Europe must act more decisively to keep the flame of human rights burning.

Responsible Editor: Jiang Peikun