Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
161. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised with the Chinese Government the issue of alleged human rights violations in China, with particular reference to allegations of organ harvesting and persecution of Falun Gong worshippers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49419/12]
View answerHuman rights have been a priority of successive Irish Governments and are a key aspect of Ireland’s foreign policy. The Government is concerned about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. In April of this year, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade met with representatives from the Falun Dafa Association of Ireland and discussed the ways in which human rights issues, including those relating to the Falun Gong, are raised with the Chinese authorities both by Ireland and by the European Union.
Freedom of religious belief and expression is an issue which is discussed regularly with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral meetings and at European Union level. At these meetings, the Government re-iterates the great importance Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Through the formal framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion, and to urge China to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation. At the most recent session of the EU-China human rights dialogue on 29 May 2012, the EU again raised the issue of restrictions on Falun Gong practitioners. At this meeting, the EU also presented the Chinese side with a list of individual cases of concern, including those of several detained Falun Gong practitioners.
During the Taoiseach’s visit to China in March , he agreed a joint statement with Premier Wen Jiabao to establish a Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation between Ireland and China. The Strategic Partnership, which is a major step forward in bilateral relations, provides for a strengthened political and economic dialogue between China and Ireland and promotes closer consultation and cooperation between my Department and its Chinese counterpart. The Strategic Partnership reaffirms the commitment of Ireland and China to respect and safeguard human rights. As set out in the joint statement, Ireland and China will conduct exchanges of expertise in governance and rule of law on the basis of equality and mutual respect. We hope that, as China develops, it will be possible for further progress to be made in ensuring that individual rights are enjoyed by all China’s citizens. We will continue to address these matters in a frequent and regular dialogue, including the EU human rights dialogue and also bilaterally, in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
