Ian Cohen will put a motion before the Upper House today calling on the House to recognise Ms Kadeer’s work and to acknowledge that Australia is uniquely positioned to play a crucial role in helping China to improve its human rights record.
“I support Rebiya Kadeer’s work to inform the Australian people and this Parliament of China's systematic, gross and ongoing human rights violations of the Uighur people, who have been persecuted since China annexed their country, East Turkestan in 1949,” said Mr Cohen.
“Amnesty International Australia state that the Uighur are ‘subjected to arbitrary detention, violence and killings’ and that as a people ‘they face severe restrictions on their religious freedom and their social and cultural rights’.
“The staging of the Beijing Olympics provides an ideal opportunity for the Chinese Government to go on their own journey of reconciliation with the Uighur people, by beginning with the word ‘sorry’.
“In 2004 she was honoured with the Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize - a Norwegian human rights award; whilst in 2006 she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
“I hope Ms Kadeer’s presence here today encourages members of this Parliament to commit to doing everything they can to pressure the Chinese Government to respect the human rights and dignity of the Uighur people.
“This Parliament is privileged to host a visit from someone as distinguished as Rebiya Kadeer,” said Mr Cohen.
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
To arrange an interview call Nic Clyde on 0417 742 754
No comments:
Post a Comment