TEXT: SHATTUCK 4/15 STATEMENT ON CHINA'S NO ACTION MOTION
(Rights commission should vote "no" on No Action Motion)

Geneva, Switzerland -- The members of the U.N. Commission for Human Rights (UNCHR) should vote against China's No Action Motion on a resolution regarding China's human rights record, according to John Shattuck, assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor.

"A vote against the No Motion Action is more than a vote against efforts to avoid the Commission's scrutiny. It is a vote to keep faith with women and men around the world who have dared to stand up for human rights, democracy, and freedom, and who have suffered as a result. In reaffirming this role for the Commission, we remain faithful to its fundamental objectives," Shattuck said to the UNCHR April 15.

(Editor's Note: The No Action Motion passed by a vote of 27-17, with 9 abstentions.)

Following is the official text of Shattuck's statement:

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STATEMENT ON CHINA'S NO ACTION MOTION (L. 91)
APRIL 15, 1997

Mr. Chairman:

The human rights situation in China remains a subject of considerable concern to the United States, as it should be to every member of the UN Commission on Human Rights. While we do not seek confrontation with China, we believe the Commission is an entirely appropriate forum to discuss China's human rights record.

The matter before us is China's proposed No Action Motion. The United States objects to this motion, first, because we, like others, believe that there are serious human rights concerns in China that should be considered by this body, and second, because we are distressed by any effort to bypass the Commission. We are concerned that enactment of this motion would undermine the Commission's integrity and create the appearance that Commission members are indifferent to the very principles it is charged to defend.

A vote against the No Motion Action is more than a vote against efforts to avoid the Commission's scrutiny. It is a vote to keep faith with women and men around the world who have dared to stand up for human rights, democracy, and freedom, and who have suffered as a result. In reaffirming this role for the Commission, we remain faithful to its fundamental objectives.

Mr. Chairman, the United States calls on all members of this Commission to vote "no" on this No Action Motion. By voting "no" we will be voting to do our duty -- to the Commission and to the cause of fundamental human rights. Thank you.

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