A Voice of Courage and Compassion: Anastasia Lin Highlights North America Rally for Tibet

Tsering Passang / 12 December 2025

On Human Rights Day, the North America Rally for Tibet brought hundreds of supporters to the heart of the international stage – the United Nations Plaza – culminating in a daylong show of solidarity that began with a nearly 100-car convoy from Philadelphia. Organised by a coalition of Tibetan associations and advocacy groups, the rally aimed to spotlight ongoing concerns regarding China’s policies in Tibet and to amplify calls for freedom, dignity, justice, and human rights.

Among the many prominent speakers, one voice stood out with particular emotional force: Anastasia Lin, the Chinese-Canadian human rights advocate and former Miss World Canada, who delivered a profoundly personal and reflective speech that resonated across the diverse crowd.

An Intimate Reflection, A Universal Message

In her address, Lin – born and raised in mainland China – recounted the childhood dream that first drew her toward Tibet. She described imagining the region as a sanctuary of purity and spiritual depth, a place so peaceful and morally grounded that it inspired her youthful dream of becoming a Buddhist nun.

Her admiration for Tibet’s spiritual heritage was unmistakable. Lin spoke of Tibet not only as a cultural treasure but as a source of moral clarity for the world, a place where compassion, wisdom, and inner peace are not abstract ideals but lived traditions. Her message, rooted in sincerity and courage, touched on universal human aspirations – freedom, dignity, and the search for inner calm.

In a time of growing division, her speech served as a unifying force, encouraging the audience to look beyond politics and connect with Tibet’s story through shared human experience. Speaking with genuine emotion about beauty, suffering, and hope, Lin showed how heartfelt truth has the power to resonate widely and move people everywhere.

An Advocate Known for Her Courage

Lin’s presence carried added weight given her own history. After being crowned Miss World Canada 2015, she was barred from entering China for the global pageant, declared persona non grata by Chinese authorities due to her outspoken criticism of human rights violations. Her advocacy has since made her a globally recognised voice for those silenced or persecuted.

Her powerful speech at the rally continues that legacy.

Watch her full address here:

A Day of Solidarity From Philadelphia to the United Nations

This special rally began in Philadelphia with the Peace Rally in Honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at City Hall. The event featured warm welcome remarks from Tsering Jurme, President of the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia, followed by compelling speeches from Tibetan MP Tenzing Jigme, representatives from the offices of Sen. David McCormick, Governor Josh Shapiro, and Dickyi Topbhutsang of the Tibetan National Congress. Statements from Sen. John Fetterman and a citation from Mayor Cherelle Parker were also read.

From there, nearly 100 vehicles formed a spirited convoy to New York City, stopping at the Chinese Consulate before gathering at UN Plaza, where chants for peace and freedom were carried through the streets. Supporters, community members, and friends of Tibet from across North America joined in a unified call for justice and human rights.

The North America Rally for Tibet was jointly organised by:

Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) of NYNJ, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA) of NYNJ, Chushi Gangdruk NYNJ, Students for a Free Tibet NYNJ, US-Tibet Committee, and Tibetan National Congress (TNC) NYNJ.

Let the Message Carry Forward

Lin’s speech – alongside the contributions of many other leaders, activists, and community members – underscored the purpose of the day: to ensure Tibet’s struggle is neither forgotten nor misunderstood.

Let her message echo.
Let it open hearts.
Let it strengthen the global movement for justice and peace.