Willie Penrose
Question:8 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received correspondence in relation to the present position of the practitioners of Falun Gong in China; and his views in this regard. [22358/00]
Other Questions. - Falun Gong.
I have received a number of representations in relation to the present practitioners of Falun Gong. Some of these represen tations are of a general nature while others relate to specific cases. The Falun Gong was banned by the Chinese authorities in July 1999. Ireland, together with its EU partners, has closely monitored the measures taken by the Chinese Government against Falun Gong practitioners. We have expressed our concern about the situation and called on the Chinese authorities to respect the human rights of individuals. We have urged the Chinese authorities not to act against the principles in the UN covenants signed by China, in particular those relating to the freedoms of expression, assembly and association. We have also expressed concern about the number of arrests and the heavy sentences imposed on some members of the Falun Gong movement. These concerns also extend to heavy sentences imposed on members of the China Democratic Party and on members of Christian churches. Our concerns have been expressed both bilaterally and through the EU. The Tánaiste, during the course of her visit to China last month, also raised them with the Chinese authorities.
Is the Minister in a position to indicate what kind of reply the Tánaiste received? Did her representations include the point that 53 people have died since July 1999 and the suggestion that thousands of others have been imprisoned? The Minister said that, in conjunction with his EU partners, he made representations regarding the human rights of individuals. Does he believe the Chinese Government accepts individual human rights as a concept in its ratification of the charter to which he referred?
As regards the representations made by the Tánaiste, the Deputy will be aware there is a gap between our view on human rights and that of the Chinese.
Yes.
We contend that, based on the UN covenants, there are universal values and perceptions that should transcend either history or geography. What is important is that discussion of such matters is now accepted by both sides. I hope and believe that this, in time, will lead to a satisfactory common view. The reiteration of our views and concerns, on this occasion, by the Tánaiste, conveyed once again the firmness of our belief in their importance.
If the Tánaiste indicated the firmness of her belief in this or anything else, on what does the Minister base his optimism that there will be a consensus on the definition of human rights by the Chinese and himself?
The possibility of a socialist nirvana.
That is a de Valera type answer.
This is not a joking matter. There has been outrageous persecution of these people in China. Human rights do not exist in many sectors there. How does the Minister envisage dealing with such an issue if it comes before the Security Council as China is a member and we will be after 1 January?
I do not wish to be disrespectful. It is a matter of whether one adopts an attitude of how to advance the promotion of human rights through dialogue or decides not to have dialogue or exert any influence over the internal affairs of a country such as China. One can take the isolationist view and decide one will not get anywhere or one can continue with dialogue to try to reach a common view where people would address human rights within their own political systems.
What will the Minister do?
I am in favour of dialogue. In having dialogue one does not compromise one's principles but continues to uphold the dignity of the individual, the right to freedom of expression and basic freedoms that we understand are incumbent on any civilised society. However, one does not fight for those values with those with whom one does not agree.
If after dialogue this issue arises, would the Minister be prepared to join in motions of condemnation against such persecution and denial of human rights?
This matter will not be resolved in as short a time as the Deputy and I would like. The policy of condemnation can have a role in certain circumstances but can also make for not advancing the issues one is propagating. People can take the easy route and do nothing, or try to get others to face up to their responsibilities through diplomacy, dialogue and international relations. That is the basis on which we conduct our international relations. Doing so with countries that do not share our values does not mean we are compromised.
The Minister may be facing difficult choices.