The Tibetan Community in Austria, together with members of V-TAG Austria and Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) Austria, held a peaceful protest outside the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Vienna on 1 July 2026, as the China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress came into force.
Participants expressed concern that the new law could further reinforce policies of cultural, linguistic, and ideological assimilation in Tibet. Protesters carried Tibetan flags, banners, and placards calling for human rights, religious freedom, and the protection of Tibetan identity.
Addressing the gathering, Dhundup, President of the Tibetan Community in Austria, said the law poses a serious threat to the identity, language, religion, and cultural heritage of the Tibetan people. He said it formalises coercive assimilation policies under the banner of national unity.
Dhundup also noted that, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the law conflicts with the principle of ethnic regional autonomy under the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and with international human rights standards. He called on the international community to monitor its implementation closely.
Norzi, a member of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) Austria, briefly spoke about the impact of the new policy, warning that it could further restrict the Tibetan language and culture. She urged continued support for Tibetans and greater awareness of the situation.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with participants chanting slogans in support of Tibet and calling for respect for human rights and cultural diversity. Organisers said the event aimed to raise awareness of the law’s implications and encourage international attention to the situation in Tibet.
The demonstration concluded peacefully with a renewed appeal to governments, international institutions, and human rights organisations to stand with the Tibetan people and defend their rights, dignity, and cultural identity.
