Brussels, 03/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On behalf of the EU on 1 February, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on China to release all those imprisoned or detained “for the peaceful expression of their views”. She wants China to implement the announcements made at the third session of the 18th congress of the Communist Party, as well as the pledges before the Human Rights Council.
In recent weeks, “the EU has become seriously concerned about the trials, convictions, detention and house arrests of a number of Chinese human rights defenders”, Ashton stated. She cites those who, like Xu Zhiyong, were peacefully advocating social justice and a society based on the rule of law, and more transparency in the fight against corruption. Others, like Ilham Tohti, were promoting the human rights of minorities, while still others, like Cao Shunli, were supporting the participation of independent civil society in the UN Universal Periodic Review of China, Ashton states. “The EU is also concerned by the health conditions of some prominent human rights defenders and their families, who are under house arrest or imprisoned, and not receiving appropriate independent medical treatment”, Ashton adds.
Nevertheless, Ashton welcomed recent decisions by the Chinese authorities to deepen the reform of the justice system and to uphold the constitution and laws to protect human rights. (CG/transl.fl)