416 children in sect custody fight

416 children in sect custody fight	15.04.2008

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Latest Comments:

GOOD! no matter how well the western people pretend that what they cared about are the human rights, their truly purpose are only making trouble for China. they don't want see a powerful China, they hope China being splitted into small pieces for ever, then no one could challenge their rule over the world.
Posted by: Rico of sydney 3:17pm today

Well Well Well here`s Krudd who comes from a country that has a population of 20 million?(give or take) who has its own problems and he`s trying to tell a country of a Billion(give or take) about its minor rights problem? go figure? Stick your nose in your own business kruudd....leadership material??????????????
Posted by: steve of doncaster 3:17pm today

The Colonel of Toorak Barracks - you ask "Break the law, you get punished....how is this a violation of human rights?" ---- I can tell you from experience ... some laws violate human rights.
Posted by: Paul 3:16pm today

I most certainly do NOT recognise Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. The Chinese Government has Tibetan blood on its hands, and the practises such as banning Tibetan language and culture is akin to the practises adopted by the Nazi government - and is genocide. I have met Tibetans who have been tortured and still suffer pain from the permanent damage caused by the torture they have endured.Whilst I don't agree with violent protests associated with the Olympic Games traditions - such as the Torch relay - I will be boycotting the olympic games when they are underway in China.
Posted by: CFB of Melbourne 3:16pm today

This is hilarious.Judging from some of the comments here I guess we should start protesting against American's invasion of Mexico.www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/04/08/1207420359230.html
Posted by: Graeme 3:15pm today

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Rudd speech in China raises human rights concerns
China makes formal complaint over Tibet comments
Calls for Kevin Rudd to boycott Olympics

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has told Chinese university students what their own leaders will not - that there are significant human rights problems in Tibet.

"Australia, like most other countries, recognises China sovereignty over Tibet but we also believe it is necessary to recognise there are significant human rights problems in Tibet,`` Mr Rudd told students at Peking University today.

"The current situation in Tibet is of concern to Australians. We recognise the need for all parties to avoid silence and find a solution through dialogue.``

The speech at Peking University was Mr Rudd`s first engagement of a four-day visit to China.

He arrived in Beijing this morning, with China the last leg of his first international tour as prime minister.

In his speech, Mr Rudd repeated his position that there should be no boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games, as some groups and international leaders have suggested to punish China over its crackdown on the past month of Tibetan unrest.

"I believe the Olympics are important for China`s continuing engagement with the world," he said in the speech delivered in Mandarin.

Tibetan exiled leaders say more than 150 people have been killed in the Chinese crackdown on the protests. China says it has killed no one and has blamed Tibetan "rioters" for the deaths of 20 people.

Mr Rudd is the highest profile Western leader to visit China since the unrest broke out.

The Chinese Government is already upset with comments Mr Rudd made in the US last week in which he condemned human rights abuses in Tibet and called on China to talk to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

Chinese officials have raised their concerns with Australian ambassador Geoff Raby in Beijing and with officials in Canberra.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesman said no formal written complaint had been lodged.

Calls for boycott

Back in Australia, federal Liberal frontbencher George Brandis called on the Prime Minister to boycott the Beijing Olympics in protest over China`s poor human rights record.

Mr Brandis said that while he didn`t support an athletes` boycott of the games, there was no need for the Prime Minister or senior ministers to attend.

"There is no reason why either Mr Rudd or the federal sports minister need to be at the Olympic Games - there is no bearing on the performance of our athletes having politicians represented there," Senator Brandis told ABC Radio.

"If the Rudd Government wanted to make a statement about its concerns about human rights in China in general and Tibet more particularly, one very effective way it could do that would be to boycott the Olympics at the political level only."

Senator Brandis also threw his support behind Free Tibet protesters and said that while he didn`t condone violent protest, he hoped they succeeded in bringing the Olympic torch relay to a premature end.

"I hope the protesters do win. Let`s remind ourselves what the protesters are protesting about, the protesters are protesting against genocide of their people," he said.

"The point the protesters are making is a very important point and it`s a shame the Australian government has been so feeble and mute on the issue."

However, federal Small Business Minister Craig Emerson said a political boycott would damage the spirit of the Olympics.

He said while Mr Rudd had yet to accept an invitation to the opening ceremony, Australia would be represented at a political level.

"What Kevin is saying is that he hasn`t made a decision because it depends on other commitments, but he certainly hasn`t been saying we`re interested in boycotting the opening ceremony or anything like that," Dr Emerson told ABC Radio.

"He`ll be looking at his diary and if he doesn`t go then the current thinking is someone does go at the political level."

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