McGuinness to meet Amnesty over China human rights

12/09/2007 - 08:30:27
Martin McGuinness will today be briefed on China’s catalogue of human rights abuses.

Amid proposals to open a Chinese consular office in Belfast, Amnesty International representatives are to put their concerns to the Deputy First Minister.

The organisation has pledged to use their meeting at Stormont to highlight the economic superpower’s continuing use of the death penalty, torture, and fears over freedom of expression.

Even though campaigners backed the consular plans, it has accused the Chinese government of having an abysmal record on human rights.

Patrick Corrigan, Programme Director for Amnesty International Northern Ireland, said: “Any effort to strengthen cultural and business links with China must be applauded – but it would be wrong to ignore the serious abuses taking place in China.

“We cannot remain silent while we continue to see detailed reports of the widespread use of the death penalty, torture, and unfair trials.

“As China moves more and more into the international spotlight, we are determined to take this opportunity to shed light on the government’s repressive activities, in the expectation that ministers will raise them with Beijing’s representatives.”

Alliance MLA Anna Lo insisted the concerns must not be ignored.

She said: “This meeting will help ensure that freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial and protection from torture are not swept under the carpet when we consider the issue of a consulate.

“One of the best ways to bring about positive change in China is through diplomatic pressure from abroad, and by encouraging politicians to raise concerns with the Chinese government.”

The meeting with Mr McGuinness comes ahead of an Amnesty International conference in Belfast on Saturday.

Delegates will focus on human rights violations in China ahead of the 2007 Beijing Olympics.

Speakers at the event include Shao Jiang, one of the key organisers of the Tiananmen Square demonstrations, which saw China’s democracy movement brought to a bloody halt in 1989.

The plans for a Chinese consular office in Belfast were proposed in May, when the country’s ambassador to the UK, Mr Fu Ying, met with the First and Deputy First Ministers at Stormont.