Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

"Human Rights: Not Made in China"

MEDIA RELEASE 8th April 2007

"Human Rights: Not Made in China" AI Lion launches Campaign

Amnesty International will launch its new campaign for "Human Rights Reform in China" on the 10th of April with a nation-wide 'Lion Declaration' tour, which aims to increase public awareness about human rights abuses occurring in the People's Republic of China.

At each stop on the tour the public will be able to sign a declaration in the form of a traditional Chinese parade Lion. In cities with a 'sister city' relationship with China, Amnesty International are asking Mayors and councilors to sign the declaration and to add human rights to the dialogue with their Chinese counterparts.

"Local authorities in China are directly responsible for serious human rights violations in their cities. Publicly elected councils in New Zealand with 'sister city' relationships have a responsibility to speak out about severe human rights abuses" said Amnesty International New Zealand Campaigns Manager Gary Reese.

'Human Rights Reform in China' is a global campaign necessitated by appalling human rights violations occurring on a massive scale throughout China.

Despite the Chinese Government's commitment to improve its human rights record, violations are continuing. Human rights abuses of particular concern include:

• 'Re-education through labour': over 250,000 people detained without trial.

• Torture: widespread, including beating, sleep deprivation and electric shocks.

• Death Penalty: up to 15,000 executed each year without fair trial; organs harvested.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

• Repression of spiritual and religious groups: including Falun Gong practitioners.

• Repression of internet and media: journalists and bloggers imprisoned.

• Inadequate labour rights: appalling working conditions for internal migrants.

Mr Reese said, "Basic human rights are universal – they belong to everyone. With 20 percent of the world's population (1.3 Billion) in China, we all have a responsibility to support the Chinese people in their struggle for better human rights".

The six week tour travels the length of the country, from Invercargill to Kaikohe, carrying the message on human rights abuses in China to 31 cities and towns throughout New Zealand.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.