Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 336: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he raised the issue of human rights with the Chinese authorities during his recent visit; if, in particular, he questioned the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and the harvesting of organs from persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36871/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Human rights issues are a standard element in all discussions with the Government of China, including during the Taoiseach's meeting last week with the Chinese Prime Minister. I did not accompany the Taoiseach to China on this occasion. On a bilateral level, senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs engage in regular meetings with the Chinese Embassy in Dublin on human rights issues, at which all major issues of concern — including issues relating to the Falun Gong — are discussed. Our Embassy in Beijing also raises issues and cases involving human rights with the Chinese Government. Likewise, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs meet Falun Gong representatives, as well as representatives of human rights organisations dealing with China.

The Government continues to stress during meetings at all levels the importance that Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. In this context, I welcome the positive developments which have taken place recently in China. I would strongly encourage the Chinese authorities to continue with these reforms, including ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In relation to the allegations of the harvesting of organs from persons, whilst Chinese national legislation now bans organ commercialisation, the practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners remains for us a serious matter of concern.

Human rights issues also continue to be a constant and important point of dialogue with the Chinese authorities for the European Union, through the framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. This broad-ranging dialogue has allowed the EU to engage with China on such issues as freedom of expression, the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of religion and minority rights, including the Falun Gong, as well as to urge the Chinese authorities to abolish the "re-education through labour" system. Individual human rights cases, including those of Falun Gong practitioners, are also raised. The next round of the dialogue will take place in Beijing on 28 November.