Human Rights: Not Made in China? Increased Chinese Pressure on NZ Freedoms

The Amnesty International nation-wide tour, featuring a Chinese 'Lion Declaration', continues its launch of the 'Human Rights Reform in China' global campaign to halt appalling human rights violations occurring on a massive scale in China. Recent events involving Chinese authorities limiting freedom of expression in New Zealand mean that the message of human rights abuses is now more relevant than ever.

The six week tour is travelling the length of the country, from Invercargill to Kaikohe, carrying the message of Chinese human rights abuses to 31 cities and towns throughout New Zealand.

The tour is grabbing local media headlines all around the country. Seven mayors have already signed the Lion Declaration, either in person or through their deputies (the mayors of Invercargill, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Hutt City, Palmerston North, Masterton and South Taranaki).

"During our travels around the country", said Gary Reese, "it has become apparent that many Mayors are not aware that in China it is the local governments that are carrying out many of the grave human rights abuses. Unlike in New Zealand, these Chinese local governments are part of the national government."

One of the key justifications for this international campaign is China's growing global influence. And a number of recent events suggest that the Chinese government is now attempting to influence important freedoms in New Zealand. "Even in NZ," said Gary Reese, "Chinese authorities have impacted on freedom of expression and freedom of the media". Amnesty International has documented eight incidents where there appears to have been an attempt by Chinese officials to limit freedom of expression in NZ. These incidents include:  March 2007: Two NZ journalists barred from a photo opportunity involving Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan.  April 2007: Mayors of Auckland and North Shore City pressured by the Chinese Consulate not to attend a performance by a Chinese touring group because it contained Falun Gong members.

Amnesty International's campaign takes place against the background of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that is currently being negotiated between China and New Zealand. "We do not have a position on the FTA," Gary Reese says, "but it seems likely that NZ's trade and economic interests with China are the primary reason for New Zealand officials allowing important freedoms to be undermined."

Amnesty has invited Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard, and Councillors, to sign the 'Lion Declaration'. The Mayor's response, received on Monday 30th April, was that it would be "inappropriate for [the Mayor] to become involved at this time." "On the contrary," says Mr. Reese. "As Auckland City Council has a Chinese sister city relationship and due to the recent attempts by Chinese authorities to restrict the Mayor's own activities, now is as appropriate a time as ever for NZ councils to speak out on human rights issues."

Friday 4th May – Auckland (City) 2pm: Lion visits Auckland City Council, 1 Greys Avenue, Auckland. Midday – 4pm: Interactive stall – Aotea Square.

Resources Available: 1. Images of Chinese Lion; individual victims; torture instruments etc. 2. New Amnesty International Report, issued on 30th April: "China: Repression of Activists Overshadows Death Penalty and Media Reforms."

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