(Clearwisdom.net, March 22, 2004)
The following is a message René Wadlow, United Nations representative of the non-governmental organization "Association of World Citizens", sent to Falun Gong practitioners appealing during the United Nations Human Rights Commission:
I'm not able to be with you now, but I'm with you in heart and spirit.
The repression of Falun Gong by the Chinese Government began in July 1999. Since the sub commission of Human Rights in August 1999, our NGO Association of World Citizens in the United Nations has denounced the repression of Falun Gong practitioners without trial as a direct violation of article 18 of the International Pact on civil and political rights that China has signed; it's a violation of the spirit of the declaration on elimination of all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or conviction.
The repression against Falun Gong and other spiritual groups demonstrates the insecure feeling of the leaders of the Party. The Chinese Communist Party feels threatened by any group, for example: students, the unemployed, farmers troubled by the changing economy and members of Falun Gong.
In her discussion with China, the former High Commissioner of Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, denounced the violations against Falun Gong many times.
Special Rapporteurs of the Commission of Human Rights continue to report on the importance of the violations.
At the present time, the Chinese Government does not abide by the international law, as it uses different means to prevent the Commission from discussing the topic of Falun Gong.
We hope that the solidarity of the NGOs with Falun Gong practitioners will help to change the attitude of the Chinese Government, and we hope that the new Chinese leaders will not repeat the mistakes of the past.
It's very important to follow closely this Commission of Human Rights in order to witness the first signs of improvement.
