Published by World Tibet Network News - Wednesday - April 16, 1997

THE TIBET BUREAU GENEVA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 APRIL, 1997

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