European Commissioner’s Concern about Organ Harvesting in China

MEP John Bowis replied to European Friends of Falun Gong about the issue of organ harvesting from living Falun Gong practitioners in China. He said in his letter:

“I have received from Commission Benita Ferrero-Waldner concerning the points which you raised with me about the alleged harvesting of organs from prisoners in China. I thought you would like to see this recent letter and to know that the European Commission is continuing to make its concers known to the Chinese government.”

The European Commission shows his concern about the issue of organ harvesting in China. He wrote in his letter:

“I am aware of the report on organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners which you refer to, and this report is being carefully considered by my officials.

For the moment I can assure you that the European Commission attaches the utmost importance to the issue of organ harvesting. It is clear that the legislation on this recently adopted by the Chinese government does not adequately address the issue of donor consent, particularly for the those who have died in custody or have been executed. We have made our concerns known to the Chinese government both through our human rights dialogue and wider political channels, urging them in strong terms to take measures to address these concerns as a matter of urgency. We will continue to do so."

The problems faced by Falun Gong are well documented, and as you know, have also long been raised by the EU and the Commission in particular. The issues of religious freedom and freedom of association have been a particular focus in recent dialogue with the Chinese, and both are areas where we shall continue to push for progress.”

European Friends of Falun Gong

September 13th, 2006