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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

118 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland and the European Union failed to co-sponsor the motion of censure of China at the annual meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in this regard. [9574/01]

Following detailed consideration, it was agreed at the General Affairs Council meeting of 19 and 20 March 2001 that the EU would adopt a common approach to the US-sponsored resolution on the human rights situation in China at the current session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. The approach agreed is that, while deciding not to co-sponsor the resolution, EU member states would lobby and vote against the expected procedural no-action motion and EU members of the Commission would vote in favour of the resolution should we be successful in defeating the no-action motion.

While acknowledging some positive recent developments in China, including the welcome decision to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Ireland, with our EU partners, remains concerned at the human rights situation in China. I attach importance to the EU-China human rights dialogue, which allows joint work towards the promotion and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in China. The dialogue is acceptable, however, only if progress is achieved and reflected on the ground. Its results are assessed on a regular basis.

The Presidency at the Commission on Human Rights outlined our concerns in relation to human rights in China in the EU statement under Item 9 on the Question of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in any Part of the World. These include deep concern at the continuing harsh treatment, including excessive sentences and harassment, of democracy activists, religious practitioners and Falun Gong followers, at restrictions on the freedom of expression, assembly, association and religion, at intensified repression and political campaigning in Tibet and Xinjiang, the use of the death penalty and torture, excessive use of administrative detention and violations of the rights of women and children in China.

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