Archive for: 03/2008

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© Keren Su/LonelyPlanetImages

The Uighur people

The Uighurs are a mainly Muslim ethnic minority, who mostly live in China’s western Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. Inside China, the world’s most populous country, people are persecuted and imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Rural migrants are deprived of their basic rights. Families are forced from their homes without compensation. And ethnic groups are suppressed and harassed.

Internet cafe © Reuters

Who is affected by internet censorship?

Internet censorship affects everyone. Environmental activists, HIV lobbyists, human rights supporters, bloggers with opinions. These people and more are all denied freedom of expression in China.

Death row in China © AFP

The death penalty in China

Each year China executes hundreds of people, more than any other single country. Among the victims are people like Nie Shubin, a young farmer, who was put to death for a murder to which someone else later confessed.

People in detention © Guang Niu/Getty Images

Torture and detention without trial

Imagine being locked away for years, yet you’ve never been charged with a crime nor spoken to a lawyer – in China it happens to thousands of people every year.

Nie Shubin

Nie Shubin – wrongly executed

Nie Shubin's family only discovered he had been executed after his father went to take him food in prison. The young farmer, who was barely in his 20s, was reportedly tortured into confessing to the rape and murder of a woman.

Military in China © AFP

Wu Zhenjiang - put to death

Wu Zhenjiang was executed in 2005, but still to this day his body has never been returned to his grieving family. The 24-year-old student's family say they were not allowed to see him after his trial, and didn't even get to say goodbye.

Human rights defenders© AFP

Human rights defenders

Human rights defenders aren't usually world leaders or global figures. Mostly they're ordinary people who're willing to stand up for what they believe is right. They can be journalists, healthcare workers, lawyers, grieving parents, they can be anyone.

Foreign Internet companies doing business in China

Experts believe China has the most extensive, technologically sophisticated and broad-reaching Internet filtering system in the world. The major overseas Internet companies operating there have, in one way or another, facilitated or colluded in the Government’s censorship practices.

Olympic flag © AFP

Beijing Olympics 2008: China’s promises

China has made big promises about how the Olympics will improve human rights - now it's time to deliver.

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© AFP

The Olympic tradition

Millions of people will be watching China come 8 August this year when it hosts the world’s greatest sporting event. The Games are about challenge, victory and competing for the ultimate athletic prize. They’re also a celebration of humanity, equality, peace and dignity.

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© Lonely Planet Images

China in brief

The People's Republic of China is home to some 1.33 billion people - that's 20 per cent of the entire world population. It stretches over most of the East Asia region and is the fourth largest country in area - after Russia, Canada, and the US - covering around 9.6 million sq km.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the Olympics be being held in China? Does the International Olympic Committee have a duty to help China improve its human rights record?

Banned, blocked, jailed -  internet users in China

At a time when Tibet is closed, the Chinese Government controls the media and the journalists are prevented from entering parts of China - surely the internet and modern technology give hope?

Everest off-limits for protestors

As violence was spilling onto the streets of Tibet’s capital this week, news came out that Nepal has agreed to China’s request to close its side of Mt Everest for the first 10 days of May.

China: a snapshot

China is the world’s most populous country, and the Beijing Summer Olympic Games are a chance for it to showcase itself in the world spotlight.

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© AFP

China, we’re still waiting for the truth about Tibet

In March 2008 a peaceful demonstration by 400 Tibetan monks turned into violence, imprisonment, beatings and deaths. The number killed, imprisoned or 'disappeared' is still not confirmed.

Secrets of Beijing are no closer to being told

The Financial Review's Secret Beijing article was little more than a succession of recommendations for Beijing’s tourist attractions, between pages of glossy advertising for premium products. Human rights did not rate a mention.

Missing rights lawyer freed - a second lawyer attacked

The abduction of lawyer, academic and human rights activist Teng Biao by Chinese police makes a joke of the country’s promises to improve human rights in the run-up to the Olympics.

Deny internet access and the EU might deny trade

Parliaments around the world are acknowledging the serious nature of internet repression and the role that Governments and large companies play in this human rights abuse.

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Thank-you!

Thank-you to everyone who participated in our Chinese New Year Greeting Card campaign! Click here to see our results.

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