National Union of Public and General Employees of Canada Writes to Prime Minister Regarding the Persecution of Falun Gong in China

March18,2002

The Right Honorable Jean Chretien

Prime Minister of Canada

House of commons
Wellington Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A6

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to you once again concerning the repressive measures taken by the Chinese government against Falun Gong practitioners. In particular the National Union is worried about the recent "Kill Without Mercy" order issued by the Chinese President, I urge you to highlight China's treatment of the Falun Gong, and other religious groups, during the upcoming meeting of United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

In a report issued by Amnesty International the Chinese government's treatment of the Falun Gong, and other religious groups, was cited for "arbitrary arrests and confinements, torture, unlawful processes, long term confinements without conviction on hearing, administrative penalties without a process of law, and frequently applied death penalty." Sources indicate that nearly 400 Falun Gong practitioners have been executed in Chinese prisons.

This record of human rights violations needs to be loudly condemned by the international community. Canada has historically shown international leadership in opposing human rights violations. I sincerely hope that this country will once again act on behalf of human rights and international justice.

As China enters into the World Trade Organization and will start participating in upcoming negotiations, the time is now for the international community to take action on human rights abuses in that country. Will you commit to raising the questions of human rights for Falun Gong practitioners at the UNCHR?

I eagerly await for your reply.

Sincerely yours,

James Clancy

National President