KELVIN THOMSON MP
LABOR MEMBER FOR WILLS
SHADOW ASSISTANT TREASURER

5 September 2001

Dear xxx

I am writing following our recent discussions concerning the circumstance of Falun Dafa practitioners in China and Hong Kong.

The Labor Party is very concerned about continuing reports of human rights abuses against Falun Dafa practitioners in China. We consider human rights to be a subject of legitimate international concern and do not accept attempts to portray this as interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The treatment of Falun Dafa practitioners in Hong Kong is further matter of concern. It raises worrying questions about respect for human rights and civil liberties in Hong Kong.

Labor considers the Australian Government should be forthright in raising concerns about human rights issues. The circumstances of Falun Dafa practitioners should be pursued within Australia's bilateral human rights dialogue with China, and at other appropriate opportunities with Chinese authorities. These issues should also be pursued with the Hong Kong authorities.

More broadly, Labor is committed in Government to pursue international human rights issues in an energetic and forthright manner, including through the appointment of Australian Ambassador for Human Rights.

Yours sincerely,

(signature)

Kelvin Thomson, MP
Member for Wills