Letter from Senator for New South Wales, Australia

Dear Ms ____________

Thank you for you recent letter in which you raised your deep concerns about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners.

Let me assure you that since the July 1999 crackdown, the Australian Government has always promptly reacted to the alleged persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The Government has received many letters from Members of Parliament, Senators, Mayors and Councilors expressing full support of Falun Gong practitioners both in Australia and China.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Alexander Downer MP has been strong in his protests against these human rights violations. He said on 23rd December 1999:

"We have urged China to comply with its commitments under international human rights instruments which protect peaceful expression of views, freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion..."

He added to this on the 19th June 2000 in saying:

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy in Beijing have registered, on numerous occasions and at senior levels, the Government's concern about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners. This treatment is a contravention of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which China has signed. We have informed the Chinese of our views and will continue to do so. We have also expressed to the Chinese our view that they should ratify the ICCPR as soon as possible with a minimum of reservations."

As you can see the Australian Government shares your concern abut the treatment of Falun Gong. I am fully in support of the Minister in these concerns.

Yours Sincerely

MARISE PAYNE
Senator for New South Wales