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Amnesty International Australia not anti-APEC

23 August 2007, 09:30AM

Recent reports that Amnesty International Australia is planning to take part in protests against the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation are incorrect.

On 8 September a representative from Amnesty International Australia will give a short speech in a single public speaking event with ethnic minority groups and organisations supporting democracy and human rights in China.

"Unlike many of the actions being held, this event is not in opposition to APEC. Rather, it is an opportunity to raise issues that are not - but should be - on the APEC agenda. China is Australia's biggest trading partner and their human rights record should be addressed at this time," says Amnesty International spokesperson Sophie Peer.

The public speaking event is part of Amnesty International's ongoing campaign for human rights reform in China.

"Amnesty International Australia is campaigning for an end to internet repression and for media freedom in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These reforms are essential to highlighting and addressing further human rights abuses in the country such as the practice of the death penalty and torture."

"Freedom of expression is denied in China. This is a chance to give voice to human rights issues which cannot be expressed openly in China."

"If Australia is serious about upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights we should use this opportunity."

The public speaking event will be held in Victoria Park, outside the APEC restriction zone and not located near the meeting venues.

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