ACT Greens MLA Kerrie Tucker will speak in support of Australian Falun Gong practitioners who are gathering in front of Chinese Embassy, in Coronation Drive, at 11.30 today.
The 7th Australia-China Human Rights Dialogue, will be held in Canberra’s sister city Beijing, today, and this Canberra gathering is to remind the Australian Government and people that the human rights situation for Falun Gong practitioners in China has worsened over the past year.
“The Australian Government has attempted to justify Australia’s participation in the War on Iraq, in part, on the basis of redressing human rights. But we have been shamefully quiet when it comes to human rights abuses in China” Ms Tucker said.
“It is important that Australia stands up for human rights around the world, and most particularly with our trade partners – with whom we are in continuous dialogue.”
“I support the Australian Falun Gong practitioners call for the Australian Government to commit to an open dialogue on human rights – Falun Gong issues, particularly given the close relationship so many Australian citizens have with the victims of these abuses” Ms Tucker said.
Posting date: 28/July/2003
Original article date: 28/July/2003
Category: Media Report
