As stated previously and on many occasions, the Government continues to take concerns about human rights in China very seriously. We have an ongoing dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both the national and the European Union level. Human rights issues are on the agenda of all bilateral meetings with senior Chinese leaders.
While recognising that respect for human rights in China is not at the level we would wish and that human rights abuses continue to occur, the situation is improving, albeit slowly. A number of important steps have been taken recently. New clauses have been inserted into the Chinese constitution on human rights and the inviolability of private property. In 2001 China ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and in 2003 in line with reporting requirements under the Covenant it submitted its first report to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The report is due to be considered by the committee in April of this year.
The Government takes the approach of seeking to encourage the Chinese authorities to continue to move in a positive direction. This approach, which situates human rights issues within a broad dialogue on matters of mutual concern, is shared by other European and North American governments and is the approach most likely to yield tangible long term progress on human rights.
During his recent visit to China from 17 to 22 January 2005 the Taoiseach and the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao discussed a wide range of issues including the issue of human rights. The Taoiseach, while recognising the different historical perspective of Ireland and China in regard to the promotion and protection of human rights, stressed the importance that the Government attaches to China's continued progress in this area. The possibility of developing bilateral cooperation on furthering human rights norms was raised with the Chinese side.
The Taoiseach also had an interesting exchange with the Chairman of the National People's Congress, Mr. Wu Bangguo, on the Chinese government's efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law. Chairman Wu looked forward to Irish and Chinese parliamentarians continuing this dialogue at various meetings scheduled to take place during the course of this year.
Discussions on human rights issues also took place at official level during the course of the Taoiseach's visit.
Together with our EU partners the Government will continue to encourage the Chinese authorities to respect fully the human rights of all citizens. For my part I will continue to avail of my discussions with Chinese representatives to express our position in regard to these matters.
