The Royal Borough of Greenwich reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Tibetan people on March 10, 2025, as Deputy Mayor Cllr. Linda Bird led the annual Tibetan national flag-raising ceremony at Woolwich Town Hall. This solemn yet powerful event, which takes place every year, highlights the borough’s solidarity with Tibet’s ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and human rights.
The ceremony also served as a tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s revered spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Laureate, who will celebrate his 90th birthday this July. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to non-violence, compassion, and the pursuit of justice, participants in the event paid homage to his contributions toward global peace and Tibetan self-determination.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is home to the largest Tibetan community in any single borough across the United Kingdom, with over 200 Tibetans residing in the area. Each year, the Tibet flag-raising ceremony marks Tibetan National Uprising Day, commemorating the historic uprising of March 10, 1959, when thousands of Tibetans in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, stood against Chinese occupation. The brutal crackdown that followed forced His Holiness the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans to flee into exile, leading to the establishment of a Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India.
This year’s event carried particular significance, as 2025 marks the 66th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. The occasion saw Tibetans, local residents, activists, and dignitaries gather at Woolwich Town Hall in a solemn show of unity, standing together in support of Tibet’s peaceful struggle.
Deputy Mayor Cllr. Linda Bird, who raised the Tibetan national flag outside the Town Hall, emphasized Greenwich’s enduring commitment to human rights and justice.
“Today, as we raise the Tibetan flag, we send a clear message: Greenwich stands with Tibet. We stand for freedom, democracy, and justice,” she declared. “We honour the resilience of the Tibetan people and support their right to determine their future peacefully.”
The event featured a series of moving tributes and speeches, reflecting on Tibet’s ongoing plight and the broader struggle for human rights worldwide. A Buddhist prayer for world peace was conducted by Tibetan monks, setting a reflective tone for the occasion. The solemn hoisting of the Tibetan national flag was accompanied by heartfelt speeches from prominent figures, including representatives from the UK-based Tibetan government-in-exile and human rights organizations.
Tsering Passang, Coordinator of the Tibet Flag Raising event and Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, expressed deep gratitude for the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s steadfast support.
“We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and its leaders in standing with Tibet,” he stated. “This annual Tibet flag-raising ceremony not only honours those who made sacrifices for Tibet’s freedom but also strengthens our collective resolve to advocate for justice, human rights, democracy, and equality.”
Members of the Greenwich Tibetan Association (GTA) were also present, many wearing traditional Tibetan attire, further showcasing the community’s cultural heritage and pride. The association extended its heartfelt thanks to the Mayor’s Office and local officials for their continued solidarity.
The Tibetan National Uprising of 1959 remains a defining moment in Tibet’s modern history. The demonstration against Chinese rule in Lhasa resulted in a violent crackdown, with thousands of Tibetans killed or imprisoned. The uprising ultimately led to the Dalai Lama’s escape into exile, where he established the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in India, advocating for Tibet’s autonomy and human rights.
Despite decades of international appeals, Tibet remains under Chinese control, with severe restrictions on religious freedom, cultural expression, and political dissent. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the forced assimilation of Tibetans, the destruction of monasteries, and the imprisonment of activists who dare to speak out against the Chinese government.
Over the years, events like the Tibet flag-raising in Greenwich have helped keep the issue of Tibet alive in global discussions. They serve as a reminder that Tibetans in exile, along with their supporters worldwide, remain committed to seeking justice through non-violent means.
As the Tibetan flag fluttered above Woolwich Town Hall, it symbolized more than just an annual event—it represented a community’s resilience and a shared belief in justice. Despite the continued challenges faced by Tibetans in their homeland and in exile, the support shown in places like Greenwich serves as a beacon of hope.
For many in attendance, the event was not just about remembering the past but also looking toward the future. The younger generation of Tibetans born in exile continues to carry forward the legacy of their ancestors, ensuring that Tibet’s identity, culture, and struggle for self-determination are never forgotten.
- Photo: Royal Borough of Greenwich 6th March 2024/ Tibet Flag raised at Town Hall, Woolwich
