The failure of the United Nations 56th Human Rights Commission in Geneva to censure China is certainly disappointing to the cause of upholding the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the U.N. Charter. It also calls into serious question the purpose of this Commission and its ability to effectively and objectively address the current situation of human rights in the world today.

China's denunciation of Falun Gong as a "pawn" of the United States is entirely unfounded. Instead of engaging us in dialogue to peacefully resolve our differences, the PRC continues to resort to name-calling, groundless accusations, and flawed arguments. The veto of the U.S. resolution on China's human rights violations shows clearly that some UN member states are still unable to vote according to their consciences while under threat of economic and political retribution from China.

We wish to continue calling upon world leaders to genuinely uphold the principles of the U.N. Human Rights Commission by speaking out for the truth and for the rights of Chinese citizens. We once again urge China to engage us in a meaningful, peaceful dialogue to resolve this issue in a rational, constructive manner.