LETTER TO BILL CLINTON REGARDING A RESOLUTION ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS IN CHINA AND TIBET AT THE UPCOMING U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.

President Bill Clinton

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, are writing to urge you

to make a strong commitment to working towards the successful adoption of a resolution concerning human rights in China and Tibet at the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission for Human Rights.

Historically, the United States has taken a leadership role in promoting human rights around the world. In 1994, following your decision to de-link China's human rights practices from renewal of most-favored-nation trading status, your Administration announced a four part strategy for addressing human rights concerns in China and Tibet.

One of the most important planks of this strategy outlined the expansion of U.S. involvement in multilateral efforts to improve human rights in China and Tibet by "insist[ing] that the UN Human Rights Commisssion pass a resolution dealing with the serious human rights abuses in China." Mr. President, it is critical that the United States now follow through with this pledge.

As you are aware, last year a resolution on China's human rights practices was narrowly defeated at the United Nations Commission for Human Rights. Another vote will occur this year, and with active and aggressive U.S. support, this resolution has an excellent chance of passage.

It is well known that the human rights situation in China and Tibet has substantially deteriorated in the recent past. The harsh sentencing of Wei Jingsheng for promoting human rights and democracy and the interference in the selection of Tibet's Panchen Lama are only two of the most blatant examples of China's complete disregard for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of those under its control. Thousands of political prisoners are in detention in China and Tibet, while many leading dissident intellectuals, academics, and religious figures have been ruthlessly repressed, intimidated or imprisoned while being denied minimal due process.

We understand that your Administration will make a decision shortly as to whether it will hold China accountable for its human rights practices by actively pursuing a resolution at the UN Human Rights Commission. This year the United States must again demonstrate its leadersip role in the international community and spearhead the campaign to ensure passage of a

strong resolution regarding the human rights of the Chinese and Tibetan people. This will not only benefit the millions of individuals suffering under the Chinese government, but will also add credibility to your Administration's foreign policy and stated commitment to human rights.

Sincerely,

Jim O'Dea David Arnott

Director Washington Office Secretary

Amnesty International Burma Peace Foundation

Adrian Karatnycky Maranda Yen Shieh

President President

Freedom House Greater Washington Net for Democracy

Xiao Qiang Kenneth Roth

Executive Director Executive Director

Human Rights in China Human Rights Watch

Xing Cheng Reed Brody, Rachel Lostumbo

President Directors

Ind. Fedration of Chinese Stud. International Campaign for Tibet

Bobbi Nassar Marjorie Lightman

International Federation Executive Director

of Settlement Houses International League for Human Rights

Harry Wu James Silk

Exexutive Director Director

The Laogai Research Foundation R.F.Kennedy Mem. Center for Human Rights

Marino Busdachin Kerry Kennedy Cuomo

Executive Director Founder

Transnational Radical Party R.F.Kennedy Mem. Center for Human Rights

Pamela Kraft Bawa Jain

Tribal Link Foundation UN Representative

Int.Mahavir Jain Mission

Very Rev. James Parks Morton Lawyers Committee for Human Rights

President; Joan Kirby Ex.Dir.

Temple of Understanding Leila and Henry Luce, III