Amnesty: Barroso must press China on human rights

As European Commission president Barroso heads to China, Amnesty International warns that the success of their mission depends on real improvements in the human rights situation in the country.

This is likely to be the last chance for the Commission to use its leverage at top level ahead of the Olympics to effect change on human rights

"Such a high level visit one hundred days before the start of the Olympics is a crucial opportunity to press the Chinese government to change its tactics," said Natalia Alonso, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s EU office.

"The EU’s commitment to include human rights concerns into all its policies is at stake."

The results of President Barroso’s visit should also set the tone for a frank and meaningful discussion at the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue that takes place in three weeks time.

More than 15 rounds of these dialogues have failed to bring China’s national human rights policies and practices in line with international law.

Mr Barroso has said he will raise matters concerning human rights with the Chinese authorities.