Man sets himself on fire outside UN headquarters in New York

A man reportedly set himself on fire in front of the United Nations (UN) Headquarters after planting a flag related to the Tibetan government-in-exile on the pavement near the location.

According to local media reports and videos circulating on social media, the incident occurred on Thursday (2/7) at 7 pm local time near the intersection of East 43rd Street and First Avenue.

As captured by UN surveillance cameras, the perpetrator was seen planting the flag before setting himself alight. He was quickly evacuated to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition.

Reports also noted the discovery of several leaflets at the scene containing demands for “China to leave Tibet.”

Local police have launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the flag planted by the individual was observed still flying at the location for up to one hour after the event.

Tibet has been under Chinese rule since 1951, which China describes as a “peaceful liberation” of the territory.

The flag raised by the man before his self-immolation is known to be associated with the failed rebellion against the Chinese government in 1959.

Following that event, the Tibetan government-in-exile was established in northern India.

Beijing does not recognise the government-in-exile and maintains that Tibet has been part of China since the 13th century.

However, the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, maintains that Tibet was an independent nation when the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered the territory.