(Minghui.org) July 20, 2023 marks the 24th anniversary of Falun Dafa practitioners’ peacefully protesting the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. On July 15, 2023, practitioners in the United Kingdom held a march in central London to continue exposing the CCP’s crimes of live organ harvesting. Many British Members of Parliament (MP) sent letters of support.
Seven Members of Parliament sent letters of support for Falun Dafa practitioners’ efforts to end the persecution. Top row, left to right: Ian Murray MP, Patrick Grady MP, Tommy Sheppard MP. Bottom row, left to right: Layla Moran MP, Rupa Huq MP, Anne McLaughlin SNP MP, Paul Bristow MP.
We Will Not Tolerate Such Gross Abuse of Human Rights
Ian Murray MP
Ian Murray MP stated in his letter, “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 everyone should enjoy.
“I am aware of the alarming allegations that have been reported over several years about human organ harvesting in China. I also understand that minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, are potentially being specifically targeted.”
He continued, “In late 2014, Chinese authorities announced that the country would stop the practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners. The implementation of this policy would be an important step. However, I know that recent reports have said that the practice continues, including the judgment of the China Tribunal initiated by the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC).
“Indeed, the China Tribunal concluded that forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale, with Falun Gong practitioners and the Uighurs being the main victims.”
He wrote, “I believe the UK Government must ask further questions of Chinese authorities on this matter and ensure that it continues to review any new evidence that is presented. I also believe the UK Government should also press the World Health Organization for a clear response to the China Tribunal's findings and a proper independent assessment.
He emphasized, “I will continue to press the UK Government to send a clear message that we will not stand by and we will not tolerate such gross abuses of human rights.”
I Stand with Falun Dafa Practitioners
Patrick Grady MP
Patrick Grady MP stated in his message, “Please be assured of my ongoing solidarity with Falun Gong and Falun Dafa practitioners in China and around the world, and with all those persecuted and oppressed by the Chinese Communist Party. The Government of China must be held to account for human rights abuses, including abuses of the right to freedom of religion and belief. World governments, including the UK Government have a duty to speak out and take action wherever they can.”
Tommy Sheppard MP
Tommy Sheppard MP stated in his letter, “Any situation that results in active discrimination of minorities from any government must be condemned, and the Chinese Government can be said to be responsible for not only horrendous discrimination but cultural genocide to many of the minorities in its own borders.”
He continued, “There is a worrying trend developing in China in its domestic and foreign policy with respects to human rights abuses more generally including historically in Tibet and against those practising Falun Gong. Practitioners of Falun Gong have been subject to deplorable persecution from the Chinese Government that has sought to eradicate those that observe the spiritual discipline since the 1990s.
“All people have a right to freedom of expression and religion, and China must respect that. Please be assured that I will continue to commit to upholding Human Rights everywhere and any Government that sanctions or allows violations on its citizens (or indeed others) must be held to account and face the response of the international community.”
Layla Moran MP
Layla Moran MP stated in her message, “Please rest assured that this issue is very important to me. A well-considered strategic approach to UK-China relations, upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law is much needed from the Conservative Government.
“Human rights and the rule of law are at the very heart of the Liberal Democrats. These are our core values. Liberal Democrats will continue to urge the Government to use the UK's influence and foreign policy to promote and protect these values.”
Rupa Huq MP
Rupa Huq MP stated in her message, “I am pleased that the Health and Care Act passed last year contained measures to ensure that restrictions and offences relating to commercial dealings in organs for transplantation now apply to actions outside the UK.
“I will continue to press the UK Government to send a clear message that we will not stand by and we will not tolerate such gross abuses of human rights.”
Anne McLaughlin SNP MP
Anne McLaughlin SNP MP stated in her message, “I absolutely recognise the fundamental importance of freedom of religion, belief, and expression in advancing human rights as a norm in societies around the world. There must be no let-up in international efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and to prevent persecution of religious minorities everywhere.”
Paul Bristow MP
Paul Bristow MP stated in his message, “The freedom to practice, change or share one’s faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy.
“The UK remains deeply concerned about the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other groups in China. The testimonies of their experiences are incredibly distressing and their treatment is one of many reasons why China is one of 31 human rights priority countries for the UK.”
He continued, “As befits its priority status, HM Government (HMG) regularly raises human rights concerns, including on the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, directly with the Chinese authorities and in multilateral fora, including the OSCE, Council of Europe, International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance. This was done in a statement at the UN Human Rights Council, and in the then Foreign Secretary's personal address to the UN Human Rights Council, in March 2022.”
He wrote, “Ministers at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office carefully considered the report produced by the “China Tribunal” initiated by the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC). The UK's position remains that, if true, the practice of systematic, state-sponsored organ harvesting would constitute a serious violation of human rights. Officials attended public hearings organised by ETAC, as well as its final session in which its preliminary findings were announced. The report, I am told, is one of a number of sources of information that the UK takes into account when considering this issue.
He ended, “Please be assured that I will raise your concerns with the Foreign Secretary.”
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