The international "Flag for Tibet" campaign started in the mid-1990s in Western Europe and has become one of the most important symbolic actions in support of Tibet. The campaign takes place every year on 10 March, the anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese occupation of Tibet. More than 80 000 Tibetans died in the 1959 uprising, and hundreds of thousands of Tibetans died in prisons, labour camps and famine in the following years. The campaign aims to highlight the long-standing human rights violations in Tibet. The Czech Republic has joined the campaign regularly since 1996, when the first four Czech cities raised the Tibetan flag. Last year, 867 municipalities, towns, districts or regions joined the campaign. Hundreds of flags fly every year in Germany, France, Belgium and other countries. Flags are flown by many schools, including Charles University, and many Czech citizens, in addition to various organisations. A number of events in support of Tibet are taking place across the Czech Republic during March.
10 March 2024 will mark the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising.
The Flag for Tibet campaign is primarily symbolic and expresses solidarity with the Tibetan people. The Tibetan flag is one of the most prominent symbols used by Tibetans in Tibet in their non-violent protests. They face up to several years in prison for flying it.
Read more...