Amnesty International NEWS FLASH

News Service 073/00

AI INDEX: ASA 17/18/00

18 April 2000

Despite a marked deterioration in human rights in China the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) has again allowed it to stifle debate and escape censure.

"The "no action" motion brought by China against a resolution sponsored by the U.S. brings into question the purpose and function of the UNCHR. Abuse of this loophole in the Commission's procedures should be an embarrassment to the world's top human rights body," Amnesty International said today.

Amnesty International expressed disappointment that China's abysmal record on human rights is again left untouched. Since the end of 1998, the Chinese government has instigated a massive crackdown on peaceful dissent, resulting in arbitrary arrests, torture, unfair trials, religious repression and executions.

"For how much longer will the world play this game with China? How many more victims of human rights violations will be disregarded in the name of realpolitik?" Amnesty International asked.

Source: Amnesty International, International Secretariat, 1 Easton Street, WC1X 8DJ, London, United Kingdom