Australian Senate Passes a Resolution, Calling for an End to the CCP's Persecution of Falun Gong

On the afternoon of June 24, 2008, the Australian Senate Passed Resolution No. 127, urging the Chinese Communist regime to stop the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. The resolution was adopted unanimously by all parties. It was the first time that the Australian Parliament officially expressed its position since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched the persecution of Falun Gong in July 1999.

Senator Kerry Nettle from Green Party proposed the resolution, and Democrat Senator Andrew Bartlett reconsidered the bill. The Senate held a meeting on the afternoon of June 24, during which the Australian ruling party (Labour Party), and opposition party (Liberal Party) expressed their support for the resolution. Therefore, the resolution was adopted unanimously by all parties in Australia.

The resolution clearly stated that the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" applies to the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners worldwide, and the practice of beliefs should not form the basis of the incarceration of any individual. The resolution expresses appreciation for the Prime Minister's willingness to raise challenging human rights issues with the Chinese leadership. The resolution also expresses its support for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

Regarding the unanimous adoption of the resolution by all parties in the Australian Senate, spokesperson for the New South Wales Falun Dafa Association Mr. John Deller said that it is a very good sign, showing that the Australian Parliament has officially joined the countries in Europe, the United States and Canada that have held open dialogues on human rights issues, particularly openly called for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This will help to more quickly end the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Therefore it is of great significance for both Australia and China, and also an important step.

Prior to this resolution, the Australian Parliament had adopted a resolution to support Falun Gong practitioners. That resolution clearly expressed its support for Falun Gong practitioners to enjoy freedom of belief and the right to practise the exercises without any interference in Australian territory.