Kenny urged to prioritise human rights talks in China

Activists have called for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to challenge the Chinese government over human rights abuses during his visit to the country next week.

While behind closed doors Amnesty International lobbied Government representatives yesterday, the Irish Falun Dafa Association staged a protest outside the Dáil highlighting the maltreatment of Chinese citizens.

An spokeswoman for Amnesty said members of the organisation met with Mr Kenny’s representatives to try to encourage him to prioritise human rights during his trip.

“Amnesty is urging the Taoiseach to make China’s human rights record a central and obvious plank of our dialogue with China,” said the spokeswoman.

The Taoiseach will travel to China on Sunday, where he will stay for four days.

Spokeswoman for the Irish Falun Dafa Association, Dongxue Dai, said Mr Kenny should prioritise talks on human rights, including the Communist regime’s persecution of those practising the spiritual discipline.

“People in China are persecuted for believing in truthfulness and compassion,” said Ms Dai.

“I understand the Irish Government doesn’t want to upset their business partners, but the Communist regime needs support of the western world too so they can carry on their power.”

She said people in China were being detained in prisons, mental asylums and labour camps for displeasing the Government — for example, by following Falun Gong, which is similar to tai chi and yoga.

Controversial human rights issues in China include its continued implementation of capital punishment and its strict one-child policy.

Amnesty also warned against Ireland developing a formal working relationship with the country.

“We don’t deny the need and opportunity for trade but we can’t be in a formal relationship with the worst human rights perpetrator in the world and not mention the fact,” the group said.