Monday, 19 August, 2002, 10:35 GMT 11:35 UK

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, says she is still deeply concerned about the situation in China, despite progress being made on legal reform.

Mrs. Robinson was speaking in Beijing on her seventh and last visit to China before she stands down from her post next month.

She said she was worried by the Chinese government's response to labor unrest and the treatment of members of the Falun Gong spiritual group.

She also expressed concern over China's 'Strike Hard' approach to crime, which human rights groups have condemned for leading to a large rise in the number of executions. Mrs. Robinson said there was a need for political and social reform to address the underlying problems causing unrest in China.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/2202427.stm