Dear President of the European Council,
We write on the occasion of the forthcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping visit to Brussels on March 31, 2014. In light of European Union commitments to human rights, made unambiguous through the 2012 European Union EU Strategic Framework on human rights and democracy and Action Plan, we urge that you make the deteriorating human rights situation in China a central topic of discussion during this visit. We deplore the fact you have not been specific in past public statements about human rights violations in China and thus failed to engage in a public dialogue with both the people of China and Europe. At a time where courageous Chinese activists, journalists, and lawyers are demanding government accountability and implementation of rights enshrined in both Chinese and international law, it is quite simply unacceptable for you as President of the Council not to speak out as set out in the EU’s Strategic Framework.
Reuters : China says Tibet policy ‘correct’, no turning back
Amnesty International: Bezoek president Xi Jinping aan België: Amnesty-activisten voeren actie voor vrije meningsuiting.
De Morgen: Chinese president ontmoet Van Rompuy
Blauwkruikje 