Letter from a Representative of the U.N. Freedom of Religion Association to Falun Gong Practitioners in Switzerland

(Clearwisdom.net)

A representative of the Freedom of Religion Association to the United Nations, Mr. John Taylor, wrote the following in a letter to Swiss Falun Gong practitioners on July 17, 2002: I am sorry that I cannot be with you, but I hope that the activities you hold in Nepal will be successful, and wish you the best.

In China, tens of millions of men and women are persecuted and discriminated by the prohibition of religious freedom. Although China's constitution states that:"Chinese citizens have the freedom of religion,"the government's behavior strongly restricts this freedom. Now a crackdown with violence towards the Falun Gong practitioners is happening in China. The cultivation practice is a peaceful group of people of faith. Practitioners cultivate "Truthfulness, Benevolence and Forbearance" and practice meditative exercises to improve the mind and body.

Initially the Chinese government considered Falun Gong beneficial. However, as the number of practitioners continued to increase rapidly, it has been violently oppressed by the Chinese government since 1999. It is reported that more than one hundred thousand practitioners have been captured. More than twenty thousand were sent to the labor camps without trial. More than 400 practitioners have been tortured or beaten to death during arrest or detainment.

While the human rights of so many peaceful people are seriously violated, the international community cannot stand by and watch without taking any action. The Human Rights Committee of the UN should help the Chinese government realize that they should respect the right of religious freedom. The Chinese Communists can believe in atheism, but as a government of a nation, they have the duty to tolerate, respect, and protect the people who have faith. Thus, they will not violate human rights and the principles in the Chapter of the UN. The famous Chinese philosopher, Confucius, said: Political leaders should do good deeds to help their people live well and happily.