Giyoun Kim, FORUM-ASIA representative, delivered an oral statement at the Human Rights Council on 6 June to remind it of a joint appeal letter on behalf of 75 Asian NGOs, sent on 17 March to the President and members of the Council, urging them to hold a special session on the human rights situation in Tibet.
FORUM-ASIA had requested that the Council conduct a fact-finding mission with unfettered access to all the areas where there have been reports of extrajudicial or summary killings, arbitrary detention, or enforced disappearances since 10 March 2008.
The statement also expressed FORUM-ASIA grave concerns and disappointment at the Council’s failure to respond to its appeal and act on the human rights situation in Tibet.
Oral Statement delivered by Ms. Giyoun Kim on behalf of
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
8th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 4: General Debate Friday, 6 June 2008
Mr. President,
FORUM-ASIA would like to take this opportunity to remind the Council of our joint appeal letter on behalf of 75 Asian NGOs, which was sent on 17 March to you, Mr. President and the members of the Council, urging the Council to hold a special session on the human rights situation in Tibet and requesting a fact-finding mission with unfettered access to all the areas where there have been reports of extrajudicial or summary killings, arbitrary detention, or enforced disappearances since 10 March 2008. We would also like to put on record our grave concerns and disappointment at the Council’s failure to respond to our appeal and act on the human rights situation in Tibet.
Mr. President,
During the current session of the Human Rights Council, a group of Tibetan people, including victims of human rights violations, have been holding a rally in the rain in front of the Palais des Nations every day, crying for solidarity and the action of the international community to address the ongoing gross human rights violations in Tibet. However, to our regret, it seems that their voices have been ignored by this Council. In this regard, we would like to echo the voices of the Tibetan people and convey their message to the Council.
I quote:
In view of the ongoing critical situation inside Tibet, we urge the Council and the international community and organizations to act on the following urgent appeals:
1. To immediately send an independent international fact-finding mission into Tibet
2. To exert pressure on the government of China to allow unfettered access to free press in Tibet
3. To urge the government of China to end the brutal killings in Tibet
4. To immediately release all the imprisoned Tibetans
5. To provide immediate medical assistance to those injured Tibetans
6. To allow free movement of people and provide access to daily needs I thank you Mr. President for your attention.
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
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