United against CCP repression — Global Resist China Day in Amsterdam

Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Hong Kongers and Chinese activists stood side by side at Dam Square.

On 3 October, more than 80 people from different communities gathered in Amsterdam for Global Resist China Day. Together they stood up against the continuing repression by the Chinese Communist Party in Tibet, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong and other affected regions and communities.

The solidarity protest was organised on the initiative of Tibet Support Group Netherlands, Anti-CCP Netherlands, Support Uyghur Foundation and the Cantonia Independence Party. Participants included Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Hong Kongers, Chinese human rights and democracy activists, Manchurian independence activists, members of the Church of Almighty God and Dutch supporters.

On the stage at Dam Square, the voices of communities silenced in their own homelands were heard.

Not a day of celebration, but a day of remembrance

Under the motto “United against the oppression by the Chinese Communist Party”, the message was clear: while the CCP celebrates 1 October as a national holiday, for communities that have lived under its repression for decades it is a day to remember, to speak out and to resist the silencing of their voices.

“Oct 1st, it is NOT our National day” — the banner in front of the stage summed up the message of the day.

The histories and aspirations of these communities differ from one another, but their mutual solidarity gives them strength. By standing together, they amplify each other’s voices and make it harder for the Chinese authorities to isolate and silence individual communities.

White roses were laid in memory of the victims of seven decades of repression.

What this means for Tibetans

For Tibetans, this means continuing to draw attention to the systematic erosion of Tibetan identity and culture, restrictions on language and religion, forced assimilation, political repression and the ongoing denial of fundamental freedoms.

This year, more than 145 Tibetan organisations worldwide joined a joint statement for Global Resist China Day. The message was clear: Tibetans do not stand alone.

More than 80 participants gathered at Dam Square for the joint demonstration.

The protest in Amsterdam ended with a shared call to continue standing up for freedom, human rights and human dignity. We will keep speaking out, we will not be silenced, and we will keep standing together for as long as repression continues.

Support Tibet Support Group Netherlands in its struggle for justice and human rights in Tibet.