*EPF102 02/26/01
Text: U.S. to Introduce Resolution on China Human Rights at UNHCR
(UN Commission on Human Rights meets in Geneva in March) (410)

Deputy U.S. State Department Spokesman Philip T. Reeker announced in a press release February 26 that the United States will introduce a resolution on China's human rights practices at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) when it meets in Geneva in March.

Reeker said the U.S. decision to go forward with a resolution is based on the fact that the Chinese government's human rights record has continued to deteriorate over the past year.

He cited the Chinese government's intensified crackdowns on religion in particular, especially in Tibet and against the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

"Our goal in sponsoring this resolution is to encourage China to take positive, concrete steps to meet its international obligations to protect the fundamental freedoms and civil liberties of the Chinese people," Reeker said.

The United Nations Commission for Human Rights is the venue for discussing human rights issues by members of the United Nations. It monitors compliance with international human rights law and investigates alleged violations of human rights by dispatching fact-finding missions to countries in all parts of the world.

Following is the text of Reeker's statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

February 26, 2001

STATEMENT BY PHILIP T. REEKER, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN

China: United Nations Commission on Human Rights Resolution

The United States will introduce a resolution on China's human rights practices at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights when it meets at Geneva in March. Our goal in sponsoring this resolution is to encourage China to take positive, concrete steps to meet its international obligations to protect the fundamental freedoms and civil liberties of the Chinese people.

Unfortunately, over the past year, the Chinese government's poor human rights record worsened, and China continued to commit numerous serious abuses. The government intensified crackdowns on religion and in Tibet, and suppressed any persons or group it perceived as a threat. The government also significantly stepped up its campaign against the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

We call on the other members of the international community, especially those who are members of the Commission, to join with us in supporting a resolution.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
NNNN