Regional Tibetan Association to Hold Candlelight Vigil August 1

Source: Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts

The Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts (RTAM) will hold a candlelight vigil and prayer gathering on Saturday, August 1, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in downtown Amherst as part of the Global Day of Action for Pawo Lobga Rangzen.

The vigil will honor the life and sacrifice of Tibetan activist Lobsang Palden, widely known as Pawo Lobga Rangzen, who died after self-immolating outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on July 2, 2026. His protest occurred one day after China’s new “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law” entered into force. His was the first known self-immolation by a Tibetan on U.S. soil and one of more than 170 known Tibetan self-immolations inside Tibet, China, and in exile. 

During the past month, Tibetans and supporters around the world have organized vigils, protests, public gatherings, and other solidarity actions to honor Pawo Lobga Rangzen and draw attention to the worsening human rights situation in Tibet. Messages of solidarity have also come from elected leaders in Massachusetts, including U.S. Senator Edward Markey, Congressman Jim McGovern, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa.

“Pawo Lobga Rangzen’s final act and message reflected his profound concern for the survival of Tibetan identity, language, culture, and national unity,” Yonten Gyatso, President of RTAM said. “As we mourn his passing, we also hear his urgent appeal to Tibetans in exile to remain united and to serve as the voice of those inside Tibet who are denied the freedom to speak for themselves.”

At the time of his protest, Pawo Lobga Rangzen carried the Tibetan national flag and messages calling for a free Tibet and an end to Chinese rule in Tibet. In a final video message, he warned that the Chinese government’s policies threaten the survival of Tibetan identity and urged Tibetans to remain united in advancing the Tibetan cause. 

RTAM joins Tibetan communities and human rights advocates worldwide in calling on the Chinese government to repeal the “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.” The law has been condemned by Tibetan advocates and members of the U.S. Congress as an instrument of forced assimilation, ideological control, and repression rather than a genuine effort to promote equality or unity.

RTAM also calls upon the United States government, the United Nations, democratic governments, and international human rights institutions to:

• Publicly oppose the “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law” and demand its repeal;
• Press China to end policies aimed at erasing Tibetan language, religion, culture, and identity;
• Support the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people;
• Hold Chinese authorities accountable for systematic repression in Tibet; and
• Take meaningful diplomatic action toward a peaceful and just resolution of the Tibet issue.

“Pawo Lobga Rangzen devoted his life to advocating for Tibet through peaceful action,” Tenzin Nyima, Secretary of RTAM  said. “His sacrifice must not be met with silence. It must strengthen our collective determination to defend truth, freedom, justice, and the survival of the Tibetan people.”

Members of the public, community organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, students, and supporters of human rights are invited to attend the Amherst vigil, light a candle, and stand in solidarity with Tibetans around the world.