AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL MEDIA RELEASE
19 July 2007

RALLY HIGHLIGHTS CHINESE ABUSES
"Human Rights are Not For Sale"

Today a march and rally were held in Wellington to speak out against human rights abuses in China. The event, organised by Amnesty International, the Green Party, Friends of Tibet and Falun Gong, also urged the New Zealand government to take a firm stand against Chinese abuses.

Amnesty International Campaigns Manager Gary Reese said: "Human rights violations in China are grave and ongoing. With China steadily increasing its economic and political influence around the globe, it is vital that bodies such as the New Zealand government make a strong stand against these abuses."

"New Zealand government, at both the local and national level, should take serious thought before letting or trade or economic interests close their eyes to human rights abuses in China. These abuses are grave and should not be set aside lightly."

"Even in NZ," said Gary Reese, "Chinese authorities have impacted on freedom of expression and freedom of the media. If we cannot ensure that the Chinese government respects our freedoms in New Zealand, how can we push for better human rgihts in China?"

Amnesty International has documented a number of cases where freedom of expression and freedom of media have been compromised in New Zealand.

1999: Removal of protestors that would be seen by the Chinese President, as demanded by Chinese authorities.
2002: Falun Gong advertising removed from Auckland Airport due to pressure from Chinese officials.
2006, May: Local newspapers that may offend visiting Chinese officials removed from the Michael Fowler Centre.
2007, Mar: NZ Journalist barred from media event at Parliament, at the request of Chinese officials.
2007, Apr: Auckland Mayors pressured not to attend performance event involving Falun Gong practitioners.
2007, June: Falun Gong barred from all Wellington City Council funded events.
2007, June: No NZ Government representative meets Dalai Lama due to Chinese government pressure.

Human rights violations of particular concern in China 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.
• Repression of spiritual and religious groups: including Falun Gong practitioners.
• Repression of internet and media: including journalists and bloggers imprisoned.
• Inadequate labour rights: including appalling working conditions for internal migrants

Resources available from Amnesty International:
Amnesty International Report, issued on 30th April, examining Chinese abuses in the lead-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

ENDS

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