Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005
191 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether there have been improvements in China’s human rights record; if so, if he will report on those improvements and the way in which such improvements will impact on Irish foreign policy towards China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2806/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated on many occasions, the Government continues to take concerns about human rights in China very seriously. Human rights issues are a constant point of discussion with the Chinese authorities at national and European Union level. Dialogue on human rights issues is a constant element of our bilateral exchanges. While recognising that respect for human rights in China is not at the level we would wish, 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 Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao discussed a wide range of issues including the issue of human rights. While recognising the different historical perspectives of Ireland and China on the promotion and protection of human rights, the Taoiseach stressed the importance the Government attaches to China's continued progress in this area. The possibility of developing bilateral co-operation on furthering human rights norms was raised with the Chinese side. The Taoiseach also had an interesting exchange with Chairman Wu 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.
On 16 November 2004, the Tánaiste, Deputy Harney, and I held official talks with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr. Huang Ju, in Dublin Castle. During our discussion on EU-China relations, I raised our concerns on human rights with the Vice-Premier. I also recalled that a number of specific issues were being addressed through the EU-China human rights dialogue and that the Government looked forward to continued progress in this regard. The Chinese Vice-Premier informed me of the measures his government was taking in the field of human rights, including the addition of an express provision on human rights in China's constitution in 2004. For the first time, the Chinese constitution recognises and enshrines the concept of human rights. The Vice-Premier stated that China wished to continue the regular EU-China human rights dialogues and confirmed that China would attend the next session of the dialogue in February 2005. China has recently upgraded its presence in the EU-China human rights dialogue to director-general level.
The EU-China human rights dialogue established in 1996 is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns about individual human rights cases and more general issues, such as the protection of freedom of religion and expression. These issues were also raised at the EU-China summit which took place at the Hague on 8 December 2004. While it is true that many serious challenges remain on the human rights situation in China, a number of positive developments and important first steps have taken place recently. In addition to the inclusion of a specific clause on human rights in the Chinese constitution, another noteworthy constitutional amendment in 2004 was the insertion of a constitutional clause stating that private property is inviolable. In 2001, China ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and in 2003, in line with reporting requirements under the covenant, 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.
Together with its EU partners, the Government will continue to encourage the Chinese authorities to respect fully the human rights of all citizens. I will continue to avail of my discussions with Chinese representatives to express our position on these matters.
