Canadian Member of Parliament Wendy Bill Urges Canadian Government to Condemn China's Extensive Human Rights Violations

March 14, 2003

The Right Hon. Jean Chretien
Prime Minister of Canada
Room 3009-S, Centre Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

And

The Hon. Bill Graham
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Room 418-N, Centre Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Messrs Chretien and Graham,

I want to join with the thousands of other concerned citizens to urge Canada to initiate a resolution and take proactive actions at the upcoming Geneva meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights to ensure that the People's Republic of China faces international scrutiny and condemnation for it's extensive human rights violations, including the severe and inhumane persecution of Falun Gong.

ABC in Australia reported that half of all people in Chinese labour camps are Falun Gong practitioners - people being held simply for their beliefs. The number of practitioners detained in labour camps and prisons without trial is well in excess of 100,000 and includes terms up to 20 years.

572 death cases of Falun Gong practitioners have been confirmed as of February 8, 2002. Over 60 deaths were reported within the last three months alone.

The UN Human Rights Commission reported that, "the methods of torture used against women [Falun Gong Practitioners, by the People's Republic of China] have included: stripping them naked; severe beatings with fist or a variety of instruments, such as wooden batons, on shinbones, thighs, shoulders and other parts of the body...the insertion of pepper, chili powder or other substances into the mouth, nose or genital organs; the use of injections which cause victims to become mentally unbalanced or to lose the ability to speak coherently."

The People's Republic of China has repeatedly violated at least 30 articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and 9 articles of the Chinese constitution.

Many International Organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights Internet etc have documented the mass arbitrary detentions, unfair trials and other human rights violations resulting from the crackdown on the Falun Gong.

The above noted facts are of a serious nature, and constitute a grave concern to Canadians.

I have had the honour of meeting many courageous members of Falun Gong who have travelled to the Parliament Hill to draw attention to their plight. I have had the privilege of speaking out on their behalf along with colleagues from all sides of the House asking for action from our government.

I strongly urge the Canadian government to table a resolution regarding China's human rights abuses with specific mention of Falun Gong. Additionally, the Foreign Minister, in his speech at the United Nations, must address human rights in China with specific mention to Falun Gong.

Sincerely,

Wendy Lill, MP (Dartmouth)