Südwest Press (Germany): “Not adopting one's own standard”

Dirk Pleiter (DP): It is not enough to call the Olympics “The Power of Goodness”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is neglecting its responsibility. At least that’s what Dirk Pleiter, Amnesty International’s China Expert said. He asks that sports officials press China harder concerning adherence to human rights.

Wolfgang Scheerer (WS): Mr. Pleiter, in 2001, Beijing was awarded the 2008 Olympics Games with the stipulation that human rights would improve. Can you tell me what happened so far?

DP: We could say that there were a few positive steps. But, overall, we have to say that the progress is very disappointing and still has to go a long way.

WS: What do you think is the worst situation at present?

DP: Our concerns about China have barely changed over the past thirty years. Persecution due to political affiliation and religious reasons continues unabatedly. Unfair legal proceeding and the possibility that people face long term prison terms without any legal processes continue. Besides, torture and abuse is widespread. Also, death sentences are handed out quite frequently. Additionally, age old repression tactics are also being used.

WS: How does Beijing get away with this?

DP: There are a great number of reasons for this. First, China’s economic influence. Besides, the Republic of China is a member of the World’s Security Council. Under these circumstances people are willing to apply double standards. In reality, torture and abuse are legally prohibited in China. As a state, one has to make every effort to implement such prohibitions. That’s when the difficulties come to the surface. When it comes to ethnic minorities, such as Tibetans or Uigures and the religious affiliations, such as Falun Gong, we fear that torture and abuse are accepted. We actually can say that they are used systematically. Unfortunately, politicians generally accept that economic development alone and the expansion of trade in China will bring a change for the better in the long run. They used this excuse since the late 70s.

WS: How do you perceive the role of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)?

DP: We can say openly that the IOC is neglecting its responsibility. Especially, if they to awarded the Olympic Games to a country where human rights violations are rampant, the responsible organisations must take action. Ultimately, the sport always brings to the forefront human rights and human dignity and is an integral part of the Olympic Charter. But, this is the standard that is neglected.

WS: Please share with me what is actually neglected?

DP: For example, the IOC needs to demand that China keeps its 2001 promises. If Jacques Rogge, the IOC President, travels to China today and speaks on this issue, and claims that the Olympic Games present “The Power of Goodness,” we can say that this is not acceptable. We believe that an active human rights commitment is called for under this situation.

WS: What could the IOC do?

DP: One should commit oneself deeply to stand up for those who are being imprisoned just because they speak out against the summer games, and especially for those who were sentenced to a long term prison term. At the same time one should demand that local Chinese journalists working conditions should be improved alongside foreign journalists working conditions improvements. In China the media is still censored.

WS: Even Amnesty International is not calling for a boycott of the Games. Why?

DP: Enthusiasm for the Olympics in China is great. Everything is done to arrange for perfect Games. Under such condition it is not easy for human rights organisations to voice their concerns. If this would happen, we run the danger that China pushes us into a corner as spoilsports. A boycott sends the wrong signal. But, the sports associations should find a middle ground. We are pleased that the German Olympic Sports Union (DOSB) was rather critical in its position paper. Now, it is at the point when we have to look at the consequences, and use our influence that Thomas Back, the DOSB President has with the IOC Vice President. After all, one is not just a guest in Beijing, but an immediate participant.

http://de.clearharmony.net/articles/200802/41793.html