The United States will introduce a resolution on China's human rights practices at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights when it meets at Geneva in March. Our goal in sponsoring this resolution is to encourage China to take positive, concrete steps to meet its international obligations to protect the fundamental freedoms and civil liberties of the Chinese people.

Unfortunately, over the past year, the Chinese government's poor human rights record worsened, and China continued to commit numerous serious abuses. The government intensified crackdowns on religion and in Tibet, and suppressed any persons or group it perceived as a threat. The government also significantly stepped up its campaign against the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

We call on the other members of the international community, especially those who are members of the Commission, to join with us in supporting a resolution.

2001/145

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