In a shocking new wave of self-immolations that have spread through Tibet in recent months, young Tibetan monks and nuns have begun to adopt a deadly political tool in protest of Chinese rule over Tibet and the severe restrictions on religious freedom.

Since May, ten Tibetans have tried to commit suicide by setting themselves on fire. The first self-immolation took place in 2009 by a Tibetan monk. In total, five monks and a nun have died from self-immolation, all under 24 years of age.

Chinese authorities have predictably responded by accusing the Dalai Lama of inciting these events, which it has deemed âÄúacts of terrorism.âÄù China has failed to acknowledge the increasing sense of urgency and desperation that it has bred through its repressive policies.

The âÄúpatriotic re-education campaignsâÄù that many of the monks were forced to endure has created an environment of abject hopelessness for Tibetans in their homeland.

As they were engulfed in flames, the protestors shouted slogans calling for religious freedom, an end to Chinese rule and the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

Students for a Free Tibet Minnesota is hosting a guest lecture by Jigme Ugen, president of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of Minnesota and vice president of the Service Employees International Union, Healthcare Minnesota on Oct. 28. Ugen will critically examine this shocking new trend that is spurring a mass nonviolent protest movement around the world.

The struggle of the Tibetan people has now reached a level of crisis that will require urgent global intervention. The situation will not simply burn away after a bout of frantic protesting; it will instead be a test of the moral strength of the international communityâÄôs commitment to the protection of basic human rights. I encourage students to attend the event at 3:30 p.m. in Coffman UnionâÄôs Room 325 on Friday.