[Minghui 4/5/2000]
Letter from Australia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
28 March 2000
Qiwen Yao
CARLTON NSW 2218
Dear Mr/Ms Yao,
Thank you for your letter dated 4 March 2000 concerning Falungong. I have been asked to
reply on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. the Hon Alexander Downer MP.
The Government takes no position on the doctrine or practices of Falungong, but I would
note that the reports I have seen indicate that it is a peaceful movement that does not
incite violence or hatred.
The Government is concerned about the human rights situation in China. Its view is that
the ban by the Chinese Government on Falungong raises questions about freedom of
association and speech. On 25 November 1999 in a speech Mr Downer made to the
Australia-China Business Council, he expressed the Government's concerns about the
maltreatment of supporters of the Falungong movement in China and the continuing crackdown
on the group, which is a breach of fundamental rights to assembly and free expression. The
Embassy in Beijing and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have registered, on
numerous occasions and at senior levels, the Government's concern about the treatment of
Falungong practitioners. We have urged China to comply with its commitments under
international human rights instruments which protect peaceful expression of views, freedom
of assembly and association, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion. We have also
raised with the Chinese authorities our concern about the mistreatment of individuals
detained.
The goal of the Australian Government in engaging the Chinese on human rights issuesis to
make a practical difference on the ground. It is inevitable that change in China will be
slow and incremental and there will be negative developments from time to time. However, I
assure you we will continue to work in the most effective way possible to achieve
practical results in the improbement of the human rights situation in China.
Thank you for bringing your views to the attention of the Government.
Yours sincerely
(signiture)
L E Morton
Assistant Secretary
East Asia Branch
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