Tibetan Martyr Lobga Rangzen made the ultimate sacrifice in front of the United Nations Headquarters to call attention to the ongoing struggle of the Tibetan people and the universal values of freedom, justice, and human dignity. A permanent memorial would preserve his legacy, honor the Tibetan community's peaceful pursuit of justice, and serve as a lasting reminder that the defense of human rights must never be forgotten.

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the United Nations, the City of New York, and the appropriate public authorities to establish a permanent memorial honoring Martyr Lobga Rangzen, who self-immolated on July 2, 2026, in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City as a final act of protest against the oppression of the Tibetan people and a call for the independence of Tibet.

Martyr Lobga Rangzen was a deeply respected member of the Tibetan communities of New York. Guided by the universal values of freedom, justice, democracy, and human dignity—the very ideals upon which the United States was founded—he dedicated his life to the Tibetan cause. He led not through words, but by quiet example, always among the first to volunteer and the last to leave at community events. His humility, selflessness, and unwavering commitment earned the respect and admiration of all who knew him. His life and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations of Tibetan-Americans in the pursuit of justice and freedom.

Martyr Lobga Rangzen chose the United Nations Headquarters—a symbol of the international community's conscience—to make his final appeal. While his message called for the freedom and unity of the Tibetan people, it also affirmed a universal truth: that freedom and human dignity are the birthright of every person. His sacrifice transcends the Tibetan cause alone, reminding us that the defense of human rights is a shared responsibility. His voice must not be forgotten.

A permanent memorial near the United Nations Headquarters would provide a lasting place for remembrance and reflection. It would honor the resilience and nonviolent spirit of the Tibetan people while reminding the world that freedom, justice, and human dignity are universal values that must never be forgotten.

New York City has long honored those who have defended freedom—from the Statue of Liberty to the "Old Glory Atop the Empire State Building" marker dedicated to the "Defenders of Freedom...around the world." Establishing this memorial at the site of Martyr Lobga Rangzen's final appeal would continue that proud tradition while reaffirming the enduring principles embodied in the Constitution of the United States and the Charter of the United Nations: liberty, justice, fundamental human rights, and the dignity and worth of every person.

We, the undersigned, respectfully call upon the United Nations, the City of New York, and all concerned authorities to work with the Tibetan community of New York to establish this permanent memorial, ensuring that Martyr Lobga Rangzen's legacy and the Tibetan people's peaceful struggle endure as an inspiration to future generations.

Let this memorial stand where Martyr Lobga Rangzen made his final appeal—a lasting testament to the Tibetan people's peaceful struggle and the universal values of freedom, justice, and human dignity.

Issued by: Joint Urgent Action Committee for Martyr Lobga Rangzen. Tibetan community of NY and NJ

Contact email: remembering.lobga.rangzen@gmail.com