THE TIBETAN COMMUNITY in Ireland will hold an event as part of a global human rights day of protests on 10 December.

The protest day comes as at least 92 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest against China’s policies in Tibet. In November 2012 alone, 29 Tibetans self-immolated, bringing the total to 91 since March 2011.

Global day of protests

A global day of protests is planned for 10 December as the self-immolation protests continue. In Dublin, the Tibetan Community in Ireland, a community-based organisation which represents the rights and needs of Tibetans living in the Republic of Ireland, will meet and walk to the Chinese Embassy, before holding a vigil outside. It is part of a worldwide protest and attempt to have Tibetan’s voices heard.

According to Tibetan Community in Ireland: “Tibetans are burning themselves because of occupation, political repression, economy marginalisation, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation and denial of religious freedom”.

The organisation is appealing to the international community “not to look away from this terrible reality”.

We appreciate the strong statements issued by the US, the UK and the EU about this situation but more needs to be done. We, therefore, call on all concerned citizens and the European Union and other world leaders to take more coordinated actions on Tibet, to challenge China’s human rights abuses and to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people.

The protest on 10 November will involve:

• 12.30pm to 1pm – Vigils at the Garden of Remembrance
• 1pm to 2pm – March towards Chinese Embassy
• 2pm to 2.30pm – Vigils at the Chinese Embassy.

Read: Four more Tibetans set themselves alight in China>