(Minghui.org) Six Members of Parliament sent letters to the Falun Dafa Association in UK before Human Rights Day, December 10, 2023, to express their support for Falun Dafa and to condemn the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. 

(From up to low, from left to right) Lord Hunt of House of Lords, Mark Pritchard MP, Ian Murray MP, Jonathan Edwards AS/MP, Patrick Grady MP, and Ellie Reeves MP

Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath PC OBE wrote, “I am delighted to send this message of support on the 75th Anniversary of International Human Rights Day.” 

Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath PC OBE

He wrote, “I continue to urge my own Government and other Governments that we should make it clear to China that we find these practices completely unacceptable. I am honoured to send you my strong message of support.”

The Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP

The Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP wrote, “I am deeply concerned about the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The testimonies of their experiences are incredibly distressing and their treatment is one of many reasons why China is a human rights priority country for the UK. 

“The UK Government regularly raises human rights concerns, including on the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners, with the Chinese authorities directly and at the OSCE, Council of Europe, and the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance.”

He concluded, “I am pleased that the Government has formally registered its concerns about China’s treatment of religious minorities at the UN Human Rights Council this year, and I know that Ministers will continue to raise this issue.” 

Ian Murray MP

Ian Murray MP wrote, “On the 75th anniversary of Human Rights Day especially, I remain deeply concerned about the persecution of people on the grounds of their religion or belief in China, be it Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, Christians, Buddhists, or Falun Gong practitioners. The freedom to practise, change or share one’s faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy, and it is unacceptable that it is still allowed to take place.

“The Chinese Government should be held to account on accusations of organ harvesting and the exposure of the treatment of the Uyghur people is more evidence that their actions are against all international law and norms. Furthermore, the international community should come together with one voice to oppose the persecution of Falun Gong and to stand united against all forms of racism and persecution.”

Jonathan Edwards AS/MP

In his letter Jonathan Edwards AS/MP said that he signed a motion to support Falun Gong practitioners’ protest of the persecution on the 21st anniversary of their fight against the persecution. This motion not only condemns the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong, but also urges the government to consider imposing sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes against those who seriously violate the human rights of Falun Gong in China.

He thanked practitioners for contacting him again and raising the issue that the CCP is still persecuting Falun Gong.

Patrick Grady MP

Patrick Grady MP wrote, “There is a debate in Parliament next Thursday to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and I hope to have the chance to speak in that and along with others hope to be able to raise these concerns and other abuses of human rights around the world.”

He said, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights – the global pledge to respect and protect the fundamental rights that everyone has to live in peace and security. In too many parts of the world, these rights are still denied or unrealised. In China, ethnic and religious minorities, including practitioners of Falun Gong and Uyghur Muslims are subject to arbitrary arrest and detention, forced labour, disappearances and other inhumane treatment. On Human Rights Day, we must speak out against these abuses and call on our governments to make clear to the Government of China that such practices are not acceptable.”

Ellie Reeves MP

Ellie Reeves MP wrote, “This includes disturbing allegations of organ harvesting, a practice that was meant to be outlawed by the Chinese government in 2014, but that multiple reports by the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC), have found that organ harvesting practices have continued, with most victims being Falun Gong and Uyghur prisoners in Chinese prisons and internment camps. I am horrified by this, with the freedom to practise, change or share one’s faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy.

“I will be writing to the Foreign Secretary to enquire what diplomatic action the UK is taking to tackle the discrimination, torture, abuse and organ harvesting of Falun Gong and other minority groups in China, to help uphold international human rights in China for minority groups.”