THE TIBET BUREAU
GENEVA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 APRIL, 1997
CHINA'S INITIATIVE DISCREDITS UN HUMAN RIGHTS BODY
Nicaragua, Chile, Czech Republic, Japan and South Africa Votes Against China
Geneva 15 April 1997: This evening the 53rd session of the UN Commission
on Human Rights again helped China to avoid criticism on its human rights
record by supporting a motion that no action be taken on a draft resolution
condemning Beijing for its human rights violations in China and Tibet. The
resolution initiated by Denmark and supported by 15 countries, including
United States of America expressed concern over the continued detention of
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and urged China to refrain from policies which
threaten the distinct identity of the Tibetan people. "China's proposal of
no action has hijacked this Commission from fulfilling its mandate to
censure countries, big or small, for their human rights record," said Tempa
Tsering, Tibetan Government in Exile's Foreign Secretary who observed the
voting. "This situation has questioned the credibility and the authority
of this UN body which is very unfortunate," he added.
Although the Chinese delegation proposed a procedural move to block the
discussion on the resolution, the Commission, nevertheless, debated on the
legality of China's motion for almost two hours. Denmark, Germany, USA,
Ireland, Italy, Japan, France, Canada, Austria, El Salvador, Czech
Republic, Netherlands and the United Kingdom were unanimous in asking this
UN body to reject China's move. On the other hand countries like Nepal,
Cuba, Algeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and Angola made
statements supporting China. "Although we would have liked the no action
move defeated, we are nevertheless happy that China's procedural move was
seriously questioned this evening," said Mrs. Chungdak Koren,
Representative of H.H.the Dalai Lama for UN Affairs in Geneva.
The Tibetan Government in Exile is deeply grateful to all the countries sin
the Commission who voted against China to defend the universality of human
rights, justice and democracy. On the other hand, we urge governments who
voted for China to stop- encouraging Beijing to commit further violations
of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Such countries should not take
it for granted that censure on their human rights record in the UN can be
covered up by supporting China, one of the world's most brutal regimes.
While defending its no action motion, China this evening expressed
preference on dialogue rather than confrontation to improve human rights.
Whenever China is under pressure she gives tactical concessions without
making nay policy changes. This has been their bargaining chip this year.
However, Beijing is contradicting itself in this call when it has refused
to begin negotiations to resolve the Tibetan question with the Tibetan
Government in Exile for the past two decades.
Forwarded by
Tibet Bureau for UN Affairs
Geneva
SWITZERLAND
