Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

489 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether there is a continuing denial of human rights, imprisonment and torture of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners in China; and the steps he proposes to take at bilateral level and through the EU and the UN to endeavour to secure a change of policy on the part of the Chinese authorities. [16454/02]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

490 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will intervene to stop the persecution of the Falun Gong practitioners; and if he will raise this issue at the United Nations. [16475/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.

This Government, together with our EU partners, takes seriously concerns about the human rights of Falun Gong members in China. The House will be aware that both the Taoiseach and myself have raised this issue on a number of occasions with the Chinese authorities. We will continue to do so in our bilateral contacts, as part of our efforts towards a resolution of this issue. It remains our view that human rights are an integral element of our dialogue with China. Ireland would urge the Chinese authorities not to act against the principles contained in the UN Covenants signed by China, in particular those relating to the freedoms of expression, assembly and association.

The rights of Falun Gong members have also been raised through European Union channels, notably through the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which had its latest meeting in Beijing, from 5-6 March last. At this meeting, there were frank and open discussions with the Chinese authorities on the Falun Gong, during which the EU reiterated its human rights concerns. The EU will continue to raise these concerns at all appropriate opportunities.

Ireland has also pursued this issue through the United Nations. At the 57th session of the UN General Assembly, the EU expressed concern at the treatment of Falun Gong supporters. Recently, at the 58th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Ireland was fully associated with the EU statement under Item 9 on the Question of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in any Part of the World, which outlined our concerns in relation to human rights in China. These included concerns at the persecution and harsh treatment of Falun Gong followers and at restrictions on the freedom of expression, assembly, association and religion. At the same session of the Commission on Human Rights, Ireland introduced a Resolution, which was adopted without a vote, on the Elimination of all Forms of Religious Intolerance which,inter alia, urged all states to ensure that their constitutional and legislative systems provide adequate and effective guarantees of freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief to all without distinction.

Ireland will seek to ensure that the human rights situation in China, including that of followers of Falun Gong, is adequately addressed in any statement made by the EU at the ongoing 58th session of the UN General Assembly.

Ireland supports, and encourages, the continuing efforts of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to examine incidents and governmental actions in all parts of the world that are incompatible with the provisions of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, and to recommend remedial measures as appropriate.